Opportunities / DEPT OF DEFENSE

RFI - Novel or Multifunctional Fibers, Yarns, Coatings/Finishes and Fabrics for Soldier Protection and Comfort (MFFYF)

Description (excerpt)

SYNOPSIS: This Sources Sought Announcement is to assist the US Army DEVCOM Soldier Center, in coordination with the Product Manager for Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment (PdM SCIE), to identify potential sources of multifunctional fibers, yarns, fabrics, coatings, or finishes for Soldier protection, thermal comfort and/or physical comfort. The RFI is issued for the purpose of identifying and assessing novel fibers, yarns, fabrics, coatings or finishes. Of primary interest are multifunctional submissions that provide at least two (2) functionalities (e.g., a moisture management fiber knit into a vector protective structure, an oil repellant coating or finish applied to flame resistant fabric). The Government seeks both near- and far-term approaches: Near-Term Solutions (TRL 5–7+): Mature, drop-in, or near-term standalone textile solutions that can be rapidly validated by DEVCOM SC and could be inserted into active military Programs of Record (PORs). Near-term solutions should be able to withstand laundering and abrasion while maintaining functionality. Far-Term Next-Generation Concepts (TRL 2–4): Emerging, exploratory concepts (e.g., novel fiber cross-sections, grooved/star-shaped capillaries, re-entrant geometries, mechanical vector-barrier architectures, vector protective chemistries, biomimetic moisture channels, and advanced microclimate finishes) to inform technology investments for future uniform platforms. The RFI is issued solely for information gathering and planning purposes. The RFI does not constitute a formal solicitation for proposals and will not directly lead to any contract awards. The following sections of this announcement contain details of the scope of technical interest as well as instructions for submitting a response. The Government requests that responses be submitted electronically to paola.a.dangelo.civ@army.mil and joseph.a.orlando38.civ@army.mil by 23 December 2026 by 5pm EST. Background: This RFI is intended to identify products and suppliers that provide textile multifunctionality to enhance the environmental protection of dismounted Warfighters. Dismounted Warfighters are often exposed to rapid shifts between extreme physical exertion (producing high metabolic sweat and vapor) and prolonged static postures (firing in the prone, kneeling on sub-zero surfaces, sitting in observation posts/foxholes). Protection against extreme environmental conditions (cold or hot, wet or dry) and the compounding physiological stresses i …

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