RFI - Enhanced Flame Resistant Combat Ensemble (EFRCE) Manufacturability and Certification (USMC)
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 U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) is conducting a Sources Sought Announcement (SSA) to identify industry partners capable of manufacturing the Enhanced Flame Resistant Combat Ensemble (EFRCE). This market research aims to certify vendors who can produce EFRCE blouses and trousers according to the latest specifications, enabling them to sell directly to USMC units. Responses are due by March 9, 2026.
Purpose
MCSC seeks to identify qualified manufacturers for the EFRCE, an evolution of the Flame Resistant Organization Gear (FROG), designed to mitigate flash-fire burns and provide insect protection. This SSA is for market research and vendor qualification; no contract will be awarded. Successful respondents will receive a certification letter, authorizing them to sell EFRCE commercially to Marine Corps units.
Scope of Requirement
The EFRCE consists of a blouse and trousers, providing flame resistance and insect protection for field and combat operations. Garments must adhere to the detailed performance specifications outlined in Attachment 1 MC-PD-26-001 EFRCE PD 1-16-2026.docx, which supersedes MIL-PRF-EFRCE JAN 2016. Key requirements include:
- Product: Enhanced Flame Resistant Combat Ensemble (EFRCE) Blouse and Trouser.
- Functionality: Flame resistance and insect protection.
- Types & Classes: Specifically, Type I (EFRCE with Durable Insect Protection) is sought, with various classes including Woodland MARPAT (Class 1), Desert MARPAT (Class 2), NWU II Desert Digital (Class 3), and NWU III Woodland Digital (Class 4).
- Materials: Specifies requirements for woven (cotton/nylon/meta-aramid twill) and knit (meta-aramid/FR rayon/nylon/para-aramid) fabrics.
- Treatment: Permethrin treatment for insect repellency.
- Design: Detailed construction elements for both blouse (multi-cloth design, pullover, half-zip, mock turtleneck, specific pockets, elbow reinforcement) and trousers (concealed button fly, specific pockets, adjustable waist, reinforced seat/knees).
- Testing: Extensive material and garment testing for flammability, seam strength, toxicity, colorfastness, spectral reflectance, and insect bite protection.
- Compliance: All fibers, components, and materials must be Berry Amendment compliant.
Submission Requirements
Interested parties must submit:
- Company name, address, and point of contact.
- One (1) end item sample (blouse and trouser) manufactured to Class 1, Type I EFRCE specifications.
- Two (2) yard samples for each proposed material, with detailed descriptions.
- Corresponding physical test data.
- Estimated pricing per yard for fabric and per garment (blouse/trouser), broken down by material and labor, for volumes from 5,000 to 40,000 units/year.
- Verification of Berry Amendment compliance.
- Business size, socioeconomic status, NAICS code, CAGE code, and GSA contract number (if applicable).
Key Dates & Contacts
- Responses Due: March 9, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. EST.
- Questions Due: March 5, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. EST.
- Email Submissions: Todd Towles (todd.towles@usmc.mil) and Johannes Schmidt (johannes.k.schmidt.ctr@usmc.mil).
- Material Sample Shipping: Marine Corps Systems Command, Attn: Johannes Schmidt, 2200 Lester Street, Quantico, VA 22134.
Important Notes
This is solely for market research and planning; it is not a solicitation or a promise to issue an RFP. No contract will be awarded from this SSA. Participation is voluntary, and the Government will not reimburse costs incurred for responding. Only certified vendors will be authorized to sell EFRCE to Marine Corps units.