RFI - Enhanced Flame Resistant Combat Ensemble (EFRCE) Manufacturability and Certification (USMC)

SOL #: RFI-EnhancedFlameResistantCombatEnsemble(EFRCE)ManufacturabilityandCertification(USMC)Sources Sought

Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSE
Dept Of The Army
W6QK ACC-APG NATICK
NATICK, MA, 01760-5011, United States

Place of Performance

Quantico, VA

NAICS

Cut and Sew Apparel Contractors (315210)

PSC

Clothing, Special Purpose (8415)

Set Aside

No set aside specified

Timeline

1
Posted
Nov 25, 2025
2
Last Updated
Mar 3, 2026
3
Response Deadline
Mar 9, 2026, 9:00 PM

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 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 to specified standards, enabling them to sell commercially to USMC units. Responses are due by March 9, 2026.

Scope of Work

MCSC seeks manufacturers for the EFRCE, which provides flame resistance and insect protection for warfighters in field and combat operations. The ensemble includes:

  • EFRCE Blouse: A pullover combat shirt with a half-zip front, mock turtleneck, knit torso, woven sleeves/collar, upper-sleeve bellows pockets, adjustable wrist tabs, and external elbow reinforcement.
  • EFRCE Trousers: Features a concealed button fly, seven belt loops with side-waist elastic, various pockets (side-hanging, hip, pleated cargo, calf), and seat/knee reinforcements. Garments must be manufactured in accordance with Class 1, Type I of MIL-PRF-EFRCE, as detailed in the Purchase Description MC-PD-26-001 EFRCE PD 1-16-2026. This includes specific requirements for woven and knit fabrics, permethrin treatment for insect repellency, design elements, components, and extensive testing for physical, mechanical, and colorfastness properties, as well as flammability and toxicity.

Response Requirements

Interested parties must submit:

  • Company name, address, and point of contact.
  • One (1) blouse and one (1) trouser sample manufactured to Class 1, Type I of MIL-PRF-EFRCE.
  • Two (2) yard samples for each proposed material, including fiber content, construction, weight, and performance attributes.
  • Corresponding physical test data.
  • Estimated pricing per yard for fabric and per garment (blouse and trouser separately) for production volumes from 5,000 to 40,000 units/year, broken down by material and labor costs.
  • Verification of Berry Amendment compliance for all fibers, components, and materials.
  • Business size (socioeconomic status), applicable NAICS code (8415 - Clothing, Special Purpose), and CAGE code. GSA Federal Supply Schedule contract number, if applicable.

Contract & Timeline

  • Type: Sources Sought / Market Research (no contract will be awarded from this announcement).
  • Set-Aside: None specified.
  • Response Due: March 9, 2026, 5:00 p.m. EST.
  • Questions Due: March 5, 2026, 5:00 p.m. EST.
  • Published: January 22, 2026.

Additional Notes

This is for market research and planning only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal. Participation is voluntary, and the Government will not reimburse costs incurred for responding. Only vendors determined to be qualified will receive a certification letter, authorizing them to sell EFRCE to Marine Corps units.

People

Points of Contact

Todd TowlesPRIMARY
Johannes SchmidtSECONDARY

Files

Files

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Versions

Version 4
Sources Sought
Posted: Mar 3, 2026
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Version 3
Sources Sought
Posted: Feb 26, 2026
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Version 2Viewing
Sources Sought
Posted: Jan 22, 2026
Version 1
Sources Sought
Posted: Nov 25, 2025
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RFI - Enhanced Flame Resistant Combat Ensemble (EFRCE) Manufacturability and Certification (USMC) | GovScope