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 (USMC) is conducting a Sources Sought (RFI) to identify industry partners capable of manufacturing the Enhanced Flame Resistant Combat Ensemble (EFRCE). This process aims to certify vendors, enabling them to sell directly to USMC units, rather than awarding a contract. Responses are due by March 9, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
This RFI seeks to identify qualified manufacturers for the EFRCE Blouse and Trouser, a flame-resistant combat ensemble designed to mitigate flash-fire burns. The ensemble includes a pullover combat shirt (blouse) and trousers, both manufactured to Class 1, Type I of MIL-PRF-EFRCE, Uniform, Enhanced Flame Resistant Combat Ensemble Blouse and Trouser, dated JAN 2016 (superseded by MC-PD-26-001).
Vendors must demonstrate capability to meet detailed performance specifications, including material requirements (woven and knit fabrics with specific physical, mechanical, and colorfastness properties), permethrin treatment for insect repellency, and precise design elements for both garments. Extensive testing and verification protocols for materials and finished garments are also outlined.
Deliverables
Interested parties must submit:
- Company information (name, address, POC).
- One (1) end-item blouse and one (1) trouser sample (substitute fabrics are allowed for samples, but production fabric data is required).
- Two (2) yard samples for each proposed material, with detailed descriptions and performance attributes.
- Corresponding physical performance data for materials.
- Estimated pricing per yard for fabric and garment pricing for the complete end item (blouse and trouser separately), considering 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, NAICS code, and CAGE code.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Sources Sought (RFI) – No contract will be awarded from this notice.
- Response Due: March 9, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. EST.
- Questions Due: March 5, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. EST.
- Published: February 26, 2026.
- Set-Aside: Not applicable; this is a vendor qualification and certification process.
Submission & Contact
Responses, including documentation, must be emailed to Todd Towles (todd.towles@usmc.mil) and Johannes Schmidt (johannes.k.schmidt.ctr@usmc.mil). Labeled material samples should be shipped to Marine Corps Systems Command, Attn: Johannes Schmidt, 2200 Lester Street, Quantico, VA 22134.
Vendors interested in submitting must formally request EFRCE blouse and trouser pattern files (AccuMark Version 17.1) from Katherine Verrico (Katherine.a.verrico.civ@us.navy.mil), with CC to the points of contact.
Additional Notes
This is for market research and planning only. Participation is voluntary, and the Government will not reimburse costs. Only certified vendors will be authorized to sell EFRCE to Marine Corps units. Non-response does not preclude future participation.