Distinctive Red 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 is conducting a Sources Sought to identify potential sources for Distinctive Red Caps for The United States Army Band (TUSAB), "Pershing's Own." The government has an Intent to Sole Source to Kings Form Cap LLC, but is seeking information from other interested parties to determine if competition is feasible. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Responses are due March 5, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. ET.
Purpose & Intent
This Sources Sought notice serves as market research and an Intent to Sole Source to Kings Form Cap LLC for a 12-month period of performance. The U.S. Government is exploring the market for alternative sources to provide Distinctive Red Caps for TUSAB. This is not a Request for Quote (RFQ), Invitation for Bid (IFB), or Request for Proposal (RFP), and does not guarantee a future contract. The anticipated contract type is Firm Fixed Price. The statutory authority cited for the sole source intent is FAR Subpart 13.501(2)(ii) for Simplified Procedures for Commercial Items (contracts exceeding $750,000 but not exceeding $15 million).
Scope of Work
The requirement is for the construction and distribution of Distinctive Red Caps for TUSAB's dress uniforms for Fiscal Year 2026.
- Items:
- Cap, Scarlet Enlisted: 170 units (estimated unit price $110.00)
- Cap, Scarlet Officer: 20 units (estimated unit price $150.00)
- Specifications: Caps must adhere to USPD S-5-68A and be available in various sizes.
- Delivery: Items must be delivered no later than 60 days after construction completion to the TUSAB unit address at 400 McNair Rd., Fort Myer, VA, 22211.
- Quality: Contractors must develop and maintain a Quality Control Plan (QCP), and performance will be evaluated via a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).
Response Requirements
Interested parties, particularly Total Small Businesses, are requested to provide:
- Evidence of capability through past/current contract details (numbers, values, descriptions, POCs).
- Firm details: name, POC, phone, email, SAM UEI, CAGE code, business size, and small business certifications.
- Interest in prime contracting, subcontracting, joint ventures, or teaming.
- Confirmation of manufacturer status.
- Detailed experience with similar requirements (size, scope, complexity, timeframe).
- Information on commercial availability, including pricing, delivery schedules, terms, and warranties.
- Recommendations to improve competition or the Army's approach/specifications.
- Identification of any conditions unnecessarily restricting competition and suggested alternatives.
Submission Details
- Deadline: March 5, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. Eastern Time.
- Submit To: Lieutenant Colonel Paul Kilgore (paul.m.kilgore.mil@army.mil) and Major Tavon Cooper (tavon.m.cooper.mil@army.mil).
- NAICS Code: 315990 (Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing) with a 500-employee size standard.
- Competition Advocate: Concerns regarding restricted competition can be directed to Scott Kukes (scott.d.kukes.civ@army.mil or 520-944-7373).