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General Introduction: This announcement constitutes a Request for Information (RFI) only. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) Human Systems Program Office (AFLCMC/WNU) is conducting a sour... General Introduction: This announcement constitutes a Request for Information (RFI) only. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) Human Systems Program Office (AFLCMC/WNU) is conducting a sources sought RFI to invite interested and capable manufacturers to submit certification request packages in response to this RFI for products they would like to submit for AF certification approval. The Air Force Uniform Office (AFUO) is updating the 2016 Certified Under-Layer STF List and expanding to include some additional next-to-skin products in this call to industry. The new Safe To Fly Product List will include and identify separate products that meet Flame Resistance (FR) product certification for AF use, as well as products that meet No Melt No Drip (NMND) product certification requirements for next to skin use. This announcement seeks commercial fabrics and garments and in this RFI the term “garment” refers to any of the following types of end item products. t-shirts, underwear (briefs, boy shorts, sports bras), socks, base layers (long sleeve undergarments), and long drawers in silky, mid-weight, and heavyweight layers), neck gaiters, balaclava (TBD), and glove liners, may be submitted for consideration if furnished with required test data and meeting performance and resemble configuration description requirements or slightly modified variant. The updated AF “Next-To-Skin FR or No Melt No Drip commercial product list” will be refreshed (objectively at calendar year end 2020 for a new 3- yr certification period) or soonest thereafter, depending manpower and workload constraints. Offerors are required to provide information, data, and product sample(s) as required in the Certification Plan procedure (attached). These items are intended to be certified by AF for wear “next to skin” under approved Flame Resistant Combat and Utility Uniforms by AF military personnel in accordance with the AF wear policies and Technical Orders applicable to career specialties as under-layers or FR ensemble extremity protection items. All products shall meet at least the minimum requirements identified in attached list Attachment “ Requirement specifications spreadsheet” and be Berry Compliant (certified as such by the Offeror) and non-toxic for dermal contact. This is not a solicitation requesting proposals for a contract award. The Certification program requirements are included in this announcement and in the attachments. They identify some products to meet No Melt No Drip (NMND) Product List and some products comply with requirements to be considered and certified for AF use for the Flame Resistant (FR) Product Lists. The items will be evaluated by the Human Systems Program Office to determine whether the submitter’s independent test data for the specific product submission meets the required minimum and/or desired performances for either NMND List alone, or the FR List which includes NMND characteristics as well. Respondents are advised that the Government will not pay for any information or administrative cost incurred in response to this RFI. Please be advised that all submissions and product samples become Government property and will not be returned. All costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the responding party’s expense (submission package “request for certification”, independent test lab data, fabric samples, end item garment samples, and any sub-contractors information required, shipping costs). The Air Force Uniform Office (AFUO), Wright-Patterson AFB, OH is in the AFLCMC, PEO Agile Combat Support/Human Systems Programs Div (WNU) Combat Ready Airman (CRA) Branch. The Air Force has a Uniform Certification Program for Optional Service Dress Items and also manages the Safe to Fly (StF) certified product Lists for Aviator’s Boots, Gloves, and Under Layers commercial products which identifies certified products as a reference when units conduct local purchases in order to meet requirements such as if/when required solutions in supply system are not available or as option to acquire proper fit). There will be a 45- day submission period open for industry to submit their Product Certification Request Packages in response to this RFI Sources Sought. The certified products are to be valid for 3 yrs from dated memo received stating approval by Human Systems Division. Certification becomes invalid if contractor fails to notify of any new changes that which require a resubmission during that period. Garments shall be submitted in accordance with instructions in the Certification Plan attached in this announcement, and meet the key performances identified in Requirements spreadsheet listing for key specification test performance requirements. Offerors shall submit the test data for at least the minimum performance requirements identified for their requested product certification by the closing due date. The spreadsheet of testing performances shall be used for requirements guidance (Threshold tests are bold), and vary depending on the type of item submitted. In some garments, only the requirements for performance characteristics referenced in the spreadsheet for each Commercial Item Descriptions and Purchase Descriptions have to be met (rather than the physical construction or design), and submitted product does not have to be constructed of the exact same material or design configuration however they shall meet minimum performances in bold font and the NMND or FR garment tests. These documents referenced in the list (first tab in spreadsheet) are available on ASSIST. http://www.assistdocs.com Otherwise contact the Contracting Office Specialist POC at bottom of this announcement. This RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued, nor is a specific contract solicitation from WPAFB Contracting Org planned at this time. Small Businesses, but not exclusively, are encouraged to provide responses to this RFI if commercial products are available and to be considered for Certification evaluation, a complete Certification Request Submission package include: product description, sample(s), independent test laboratory data for the product requested for certification, fabric sample(s), and signed (Certificate of Compliance) as described herein. If manufacturers do not have the test results for every characteristic required in applicable PD referenced per the Certification Plan attachment, in time for the closing data but have the key (bold font) data, the AF may still consider and review the data, and request additional data during the AF evaluation period (approx. 90 days). This notice cannot be considered by the Offeror or accepted by the U.S. Government to form a binding contract, or for any production commitment, or for required availability by the Offeror. It is the responsibility of the interested parties to monitor the Beta.SAM.gov site for additional information pertaining to this RFI. Respondents are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this inquiry. This announcement is not to be construed as a formal solicitation for a future contract or purchase. It does not commit the Government to reply to the information received within a specified date, or to later publish a solicitation, or to award a contract based on this RFI or certification approvals resulting from submission. Approval decision and responses by the AF for the Certification approval to the submitter disapproval are not required within in any set time limit. 9. Companies may be contacted if additional information is needed to fully understand the marketplace and/or comments to the requirements presented below. The review period objectively for the AF is to evaluate the certified products, and may conduct verification tests and/or evaluations, acquire Human Systems Division Chief’s approval/disapproval, and finalize the Update Product Lists. Purpose: The purpose of this RFI is to update outdated commercial product lists which identify to the AF members which commercial products meet quality, functional, and protection requirements for their use with AF approved Flame Resistant Uniforms. This effort is required to inform our functional AF community with a reference tool that also provides some understanding and confidence in the products when considering their purchases of commercial items. The pace of the evaluation and approval process is solely reliant on manpower support available, and dependent on program office workload priorities. The Certified products lists are intended to be used by the AF Commands, Wings, Unit, or individual Airmen as approved by their Commander, when required product capability (type, class, color, gender/ sizes) or date required cannot be met using their supply system. The products need to meet at minimum No Melt No Drip or the FR protection requirements in the specification spreadsheet attachment for the protection to get evaluated. AFUO is looking for expressions of interest and capability statements. Any fiber or fiber combination will be considered for review for fabrics even if vary from attached specifications but shall be Berry Amendment compliant or Determination of Non-Availability Determination is still valid. The AF is not be obligated to re-announce, solicit for, or accept products to consider evaluating for certification lists after due date. No Melt No Drip Product Requirements: are identified in the attachments: AF Certification Plan; Requirements Spreadsheet listing Test Criteria with Performance requirements; NMND Cloth Requirements Tables doc file, a separate doc notes some AF desired Sports Bra attributes in addition to the requirements listed in the spreadsheet: Army Purchase Description for Sports Bra Flame Resistant (FR) Next to Skin STF Product Requirements: are identified in a section of the attachments: AF Certification Plan. Spreadsheet listing Test Criteria with Performance requirements, and FR Cloth Performance Requirements Tables doc file for guidance. These differ from the NMND product requirements, having to meet additional flame and/or heat test requirements. Technical specialists in the AF team shall evaluate products and determine whether they are recommended for approval as a certified product. If performance requirements are shown to be met based on independent test lab results submitted, the product will be evaluated for quality, workmanship, label, sizing and fit. Every PD or specification criteria does not have to be tested on the commercial items, but key characteristics identified (bold font) are required for Safe To Fly approval and for use where special protective apparel standards are required. (EOD Techs, Fire Fighting, Fuel Handlers, Electricians and others---Users shall follow AF safety, technical, and industry standards) Product Requirements: Use the attachments of this RFI announcement for guidance and in general: Product shall meet requirements specified in the applicable cloth and or end item Product Description, military specification, or Commercial Item Description listed in the attached referenced Specifications List. Also the product shall meet the attached Certification Requirements spreadsheet which identifies threshold (bold font) requirements and other desired performances (end items are separated by tabs/sheets). Shall be safe to wear, non-toxic, and intended and sold commercially for use to wear as next to skin; material safety data sheets shall be provided upon request. No Melt No Drip. These products that are certified by AF as under layers may only be worn under Flame Resistant Uniforms (Flight Duty Uniforms or Fuel Handlers Coveralls, FR Advanced Combat Uniforms) and not worn alone by the Airman. Flame Resistant. If certified as Flame Resistance shall meet those requirements specific to the Flame Resistant Product List which includes the No Melt No Drip characteristic. May be worn without an exterior FR layer (ie T-shirt) at certain times, only as authorized by AF Wear Policy or AF Instructions, Tech Orders by specific occupation. Stretch and good elongation recovery; comfortable to the touch. Desire: moisture management, breathable, odor, fungal, antimicrobial, easy use and care. Easy use and care: avoid significant shrinkage (typically 5% or less), easy to clean, and dries fast. Fit 90% females and 90% males: ideally be offered in female specific sizes too, rather than a unisex, or based on primarily male sizing. Primarily AF authorized colors are: coyote brown, tan 499, sage green, black. 11) Material contents labeled on the product (example: 65% wool, 5% acetate, 30% silk) NOTE: AFI 36-2903 2 July2020 updates regarding colors authorized for various garments and accessories to meet OCP transition plan. General Information: Submittals shall provide information in accordance with the attached Certification Plan: Sample(s), Product Performance Test Data, Product Description Info (colors, Style #), and Certificate of Compliance statement (signed) by offeror to the requirements the product meets for NMND, and or FR Product Lists. Certification process closes submission package acceptance on date specified herein as last date of acceptance. The Human Systems Combat Ready Airman Team will require approximately three (3) months from submission due date (14 Sep 2020) to review, evaluated, and acquire organizational approval for these product certifications (and/or re-certifications). Any treatments or finishes shall be identified on proposed or submitted fabrics. The color of the cloth being used shall be capable of matching Air Force Sage Green 1659, Army Tan 499, Air Force Tan 1654 and Coyote Brown 498. Or Sage Green 1659 and Tan 380. AF Wear policy AFI 36-2903 identifies certain color shades required to be worn when wearing Flame Resistant Advanced Combat Uniform (FR ACU OCP color), Advanced Aircrew Combat Uniforms, Flight Duty Uniform (CWU-27P) in solid sage or solid tan. Coyote brown is the new color for T-shirts, socks, gloves (AF considers Army Tan 499 to be acceptable). Socks may be green with sage flight duty uniform. RFI Responses: 1. Please provide your Request for Information responses to jay.phillips@us.af.mil by 12:00pm EST on 30 Sep 2020. Title e-mail responses in the subject line of the e-mail as follows: “Response to AF NMND & FR Product Certification Request for Information #WNU-20-016.” 2. Responses shall include the following information: Company/Institute name Address Point of Contact Cage Code DUNS Number Phone Number E-mail Address Web page URL 3. All prospective contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database to be awarded a DoD contract. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this requirement, if applicable to the company’s capabilities, should be included in the company’s NAICS code listing in SAM. 4. The NAICS Code for this action is 314999, size standard 500 employees. Based on the NAICS Code, state whether your company qualifies as a: Small Business (Yes/No) Women-Owned Small Business (Yes/No) Economically Disadvantaged Small Business Women-Owned Small Business (Yes/No) 8(a) Certified (Yes/No) Date certified: HUB Zone Certified (Yes/No) Veteran-Owned Small Business (Yes/No) Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (Yes/No) Statement as to whether your company is domestically or foreign owned (if foreign owned, please indicate country of ownership). Statement as to whether your company is the manufacturer of the item or the reseller. 5. Please provide the following (or similar) technical information: Please provide feedback on the Maternity Flight Suit Requirements Please provide the following (or similar) cost information: Current unit cost or estimated unit cost. Please list any order quantity price breaks. 6. Please limit your responses to no more than three (3) pages, to include product sheets, graphs, charts (and no more than eight (8) pgs. of Test Data) in 12-point font, and answers to the questions above; and, identify a representative to support further Government inquiries and requests for clarification of the information provided, if needed. If possible, include sample of fabric swatch if requesting certification of fabric for consideration. For a product certification submit a representative sample preferably in more than one size, or one for each gender. If a company is capable of some, but not the entire requirement stated in this Request for Information, please provide a response that explains the requirements of which you are capable. Marketing materials and products are considered an insufficient response to this Request for Information/Certification Submission Request. 7. Respondents should indicate which portions of their responses are proprietary and mark accordingly. All information received in response to this RFI that is properly marked as “proprietary” will be handled accordingly. Proprietary information must be clearly marked on the outside container and on the materials inside. The Government shall not be liable for, or suffer any consequential damages, for any proprietary information not properly identified. Questions: Responses to questions from interested parties will be promptly answered and posted on the Beta.SAM.gov website, unless some release of proprietary information is involved or the answer addresses a question specific to a company or that company’s response. Post submittal, one-on- one information sessions with respondents are not contemplated; however, they may be offered to responders to clarify the government’s understanding of their submittal, the capability ramifications, or to discuss their business approach. Information feedback sessions may be offered to respondents after the RFI assessments are completed. Points of Contact (POC) for this RFI: Jay Phillips, Contract Specialist Jay.Phillips@us.af.mil Lance Sorenson, Contracting Officer Lance.Sorenson@us.af.mil Contracting Office Address: Bldg. 12 1981 Monahan Way Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433 Please submit samples to: Air Force Uniform Office, Attn: (T. Roan) AF NMND &FR Certification Program 1901 10th street (bldg. 63), Wright Patterson AFB OH 45433 Verbal questions will NOT be accepted. All questions will be answered via posting answers to this Beta.SAM.gov website; except as provided above. Additionally, questions must NOT contain trade secrets or classified information. The Government reserves the right to not address questions received after 30 Sept 2020.