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SYNOPSIS:
This Request for Information (RFI) seeks innovative concepts and technologies from a wide range of stakeholders- including industry, academia, and non-traditional partners- to address the challenge of particulate and vapor infiltration at the interface between worn protective systems. The focus is on mitigating undesired airflow and contaminant ingress caused by pressure fluctuations and dynamic body movement, commonly referred to as the “bellowing effect.” The objective is not to improve current fielded configurations, but to explore forward leaning solutions that inform future research and development efforts across a variety of applications. The Government requests that responses to this Sources Sought be submitted electronically to Juan Fernandez, [email protected] and Audrey Swartz, [email protected] no later than August 8th, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. EST.
DESCRIPTION:
The Joint Project Manager for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Protection (JPM CBRN P) is conducting market research to identify innovative solutions that address the persistent challenge of contaminant infiltration at the interface between physically integrated protective components worn by individuals.
This RFI seeks to understand novel approaches for controlling air and particulate movement across dynamic interface zones – areas subject to frequent motion, stretching, or bending, which can lead to air exchange and penetration of harmful substances. A key issue is the bellowing effect, in which movement-induced pressure changes cause the interface to act as a leak path, reducing the effectiveness of the protective system as a whole.
This effort is intentionally broad and not limited to traditional chemical-biological protective ensembles, nor to any specific combination of garments, materials, or equipment. We encourage ideas from across sectors and disciplines, including but not limited to those working in textiles, seals, adaptive materials, soft robotics, wearables, fluid dynamics, and beyond.
JPM CBRN P is interested in technologies at any stage of maturity that could reduce or eliminate particulate and gas infiltration through interface points, particularity under conditions of continuous or high-mobility use. Solutions may be component-based, system-level, or even conceptual framework that can guide future integration efforts.
This is not a call to upgrade or modify currently fielded systems. Rather, it is an opportunity to explore breakthrough ideas that reimagine how dynamic interfaces manage movement, airflow, and sealing performance in protective configurations.
RESPONSES: responses should include as much of the following information as is available:
It is requested that respondents having systems or technologies believed to be suitable as described herein, submit electronic copies of any available product data sheets, related brochures, descriptions, price lists, technical/operator manual(s), test reports, or other documentation as available and deemed appropriate. There is a ten-page limit on submissions outside of any additional documents listed here.
Respondents may submit multiple technologies but should clearly identify the advantages/disadvantages of each.
This Sources Sought Announcement is issued solely for information and planning purposes and to identify interested sources. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION. No contract will be awarded from this announcement. This Sources Sought does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. It is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. Further, unsolicited proposals will not be accepted. Funding is not available currently. The United States Army has not made a commitment to procure any of the items/services discussed, and release of this Sources Sought Announcement should not be construed as such a commitment or as authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought. Response to this Sources Sought Announcement is voluntary and no reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this and any follow-on information requests. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned.
Not responding to this Sources Sought Announcement does not preclude participation in any future RFP if any is issued. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized in the SAM.gov website. It is the responsibility of the potential responders to monitor this site for additional information pertaining to this subject.
QUESTIONS:
Questions are highly encouraged. Any questions for clarification may be emailed to Juan Fernandez, [email protected] and Audrey Swartz, [email protected] no later than July 25th, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. EST. Verbal questions will NOT be accepted. Questions shall NOT contain proprietary or classified information. An unattributed list of questions and answers will be published at the same web location of this Sources Sought Announcement.
RESPONSE DUE DATE:
Interested parties may identify their interest and capability by sending responses regarding this requirement to JPM CBRN Protection via e-mail ONLY to Juan Fernandez, [email protected] and Audrey Swartz, [email protected] no later than August 8th, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. EST. The U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative cost incurred in response to this Notice. All costs associated with responding to this Notice will be solely at the expense of the interested party.
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