RFI Domestic Footwear Manufacturing Processing Advancements
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 US Army DEVCOM Soldier Center is issuing a Sources Sought (RFI) for Domestic Footwear Manufacturing Processing Advancements. This initiative aims to identify U.S.-based manufacturers capable of enhancing the domestic military footwear industrial base through process and equipment improvements. The goal is to re-shore critical technologies and provide superior footwear to Warfighters. This is part of a research and development effort under the FY24 Congressional Military Footwear Research Initiative. Responses are due June 5, 2026.
Scope of Interest
DEVCOM SC seeks information on projects that:
- Increase domestic production capacity and adopt advanced manufacturing technologies to enhance productivity.
- Re-shore critical footwear technologies and strengthen domestic production capabilities.
- Improve the cost-effectiveness, quality, or performance of military footwear.
- Implement flexible, automated, or digital manufacturing approaches adaptable to multiple footwear types.
Eligibility & Constraints
- U.S.-based manufacturing facilities with the capability to produce Berry Amendment compliant military footwear are required.
- Proposed manufacturing improvements must not alter the footwear's design, materials, or construction in a way that would result in non-compliance with applicable DoD purchase descriptions.
- Funding limitations: Funding may not be used for capital expenditures (e.g., equipment, facility improvements, tooling for full-scale production). Allowable expenses include tooling for short-run prototype production, consumables, prototype materials, labor, and short-term leases.
- Excluded Platforms: Proposals for the Army Extreme Cold Weather Boot and the Army Jungle Boot will not be considered.
Response Requirements
Interested parties should submit a response package electronically, including:
- Cover Page: Designated point of contact (POC) information, business website, SAM.gov Unique Entity ID (UEI), and CAGE Code.
- Company Capability Statement: Overview of footwear manufacturing experience, U.S.-based facilities, and current production capabilities.
- Project Description(s): For each distinct project, detail the manufacturing challenge (Need), proposed solution and high-level plan (Approach, with footwear prototypes preferred), anticipated benefits (to military footwear, the proposing vendor, and the domestic industrial base), and optional Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage)
- Response Due: June 5, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. EST
- Questions Due: June 2, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. EST
- Published: May 20, 2026
Important Notes
This is for information and planning purposes only and not a solicitation. No contract will be awarded from this announcement, and funding is not available at this time. Responses are voluntary, and no reimbursement will be provided for costs incurred. Not responding does not preclude participation in any future RFP.