Ceremonial Blue Service Caps
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of the Army, through W6QM MICC-FT BELVOIR, has issued a Sources Sought notice for Ceremonial Blue Service Caps. This market research aims to identify capable vendors for providing Blue Dress Service Caps to the 3d Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) for ceremonial duties in the Military District of Washington. The government currently intends to award a sole source contract to Kingform Cap Company Inc., but is seeking industry interest and capabilities to facilitate competition. Responses are due by May 28, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. Eastern Time.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for 1450 Army Dress Service Caps, including 1290 enlisted, 120 company grade officers, and 40 field grade officers. These caps are for military personnel performing ceremonial burial honors. Specific design requirements include gold bands above and below the branch, and a gold bullion color band. Detailed specifications cover materials, construction, and performance standards, such as:
- Materials: Polyester/wool tropical blue fabric (Army Blue 450), rayon lining, specific military standards for various components (e.g., MIL-C-43665 for mothproofing, MIL-C-21115 for fabric).
- Construction: Detailed requirements for stitches, seams, thread breaks, and stitches per inch.
- Performance: Colorfastness (light, perspiration, crocking) meeting AATCC Chromatic Transference Scale ratings.
- Usage: Caps are for both Male and Female personnel of "The Old Guard."
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- NAICS Code: 315990 (Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing)
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research to determine potential for competition)
- Response Due: May 28, 2026, 10:00 A.M. Eastern Time
- Published: May 8, 2026
- Period of Performance: 120 days
- Delivery: Not Later Than 60 days after purchase order, to Central Issue Facility, Bldg. 205, Fort Myer, VA 22211.
Information Requested
Interested parties should provide:
- Relevant past performance (contract numbers, dollar values, descriptions).
- Indication of possessing the cap pattern or if government supply is needed.
- Firm details: name, POC, phone, email, SAM UEI, CAGE code, business size, small business status.
- Interest in competing as a prime, or details on subcontracting/joint ventures.
- Information on commercial availability, pricing, delivery schedules, and customary terms.
- Recommendations to improve competition or the Army's approach/specifications.
Additional Notes
This notice is for market research only and does not constitute a solicitation. The government is not seeking quotes or proposals at this time. No payment will be made for submitted information. Potential offerors are responsible for monitoring SAM.gov for future updates. Primary Contact: LTC Paul Kilgore (paul.m.kilgore.mil@army.mil). Secondary Contact: MAJ Tavon Cooper (tavon.m.cooper.mil@army.mil).