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
Apr 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 Announcement (SSA), also known as a Request for Information (RFI), to identify industry partners capable of manufacturing the Enhanced Flame Resistant Combat Ensemble (EFRCE). This initiative aims to certify vendors who can produce the EFRCE Blouse and Trousers, enabling them to sell commercially to USMC units. Responses are due by April 9, 2026, 5:00 p.m. EST.

Scope of Work

The EFRCE is designed to provide warfighters with flame resistance and insect protection in field and combat operations, mitigating burn injuries. Manufacturers must adhere to the detailed specifications outlined in the Purchase Description MC-PD-26-001 EFRCE PD 1-16-2026, which supersedes MIL-PRF-EFRCE JAN 2016. Key requirements include:

  • Materials: Specific woven and knit fabrics with detailed physical, mechanical, and colorfastness properties.
  • Treatment: Permethrin treatment for insect repellency.
  • Design: Adherence to specific construction elements for both blouse and trousers.
  • Testing: Extensive testing for flammability, seam strength, toxicity, color matching, and insect bite protection.
  • Compliance: All fibers, components, and materials must be Berry Amendment compliant.

Deliverables & Submission Requirements

Interested parties must submit:

  • Company Information: Name, address, and point of contact.
  • End-Item Samples: One blouse and one trouser manufactured to specifications. Substitute fabrics are permitted for samples, but descriptions and performance data for proposed production fabrics are required.
  • Material Samples: Two-yard samples for each proposed material (if not using substitutes for end-item samples), including fiber content, construction, weight, and performance attributes.
  • Physical Performance Data: Corresponding test data for materials.
  • Pricing: Estimated price per yard for fabric and garment pricing for complete items (blouse/trouser), considering volumes from 5,000 to 40,000 units/year, broken down by material and labor costs.
  • Business Information: Business size (socioeconomic status), applicable NAICS code (8415 - Clothing, Special Purpose), CAGE code, and GSA contract number (if applicable).
  • Pattern Files: Vendors must formally request AccuMark Version 17.1 pattern files from Katherine Verrico (Katherine.a.verrico.civ@us.navy.mil), with a copy to the primary contacts.

Submissions, including electronic documentation, should be sent to Todd Towles (todd.towles@usmc.mil) and Johannes Schmidt (johannes.k.schmidt.ctr@usmc.mil) by April 9, 2026, 5:00 p.m. EST. Material samples should be shipped to Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, VA.

Contract & Timeline

  • Opportunity Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI).
  • Set-Aside: None specified.
  • Response Due: April 9, 2026, 5:00 p.m. EST.
  • Questions Due: April 5, 2026, 5:00 p.m. EST.
  • Published: March 3, 2026.

Important Notes

This SSA is for market research and planning purposes only; it is not a solicitation and will not result in a contract award. Only vendors who successfully complete the certification process will be authorized to sell EFRCE to Marine Corps units. Participation is voluntary, and no costs incurred will be reimbursed by the Government.

People

Points of Contact

Todd TowlesPRIMARY
Johannes SchmidtSECONDARY

Files

Files

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Versions

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