Sources sought for USMA Cadet Full Dress Uniform Plume.
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 Department of the Army, specifically MICC-WEST POINT, is issuing a Sources Sought Notice to identify qualified small businesses capable of providing SHAKO FLOWING FEATHER PLUMES for the Cadet Full Dress Hat at the United States Military Academy (USMA) - West Point, NY. This market research aims to determine if the requirement can be set aside for small businesses. Responses are due January 26, 2026.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for SHAKO FLOWING FEATHER PLUMES for the USMA Cadet Full Dress Hat. Key specifications include:
- Height: 16 inches overall (+/- 1 inch).
- Support Wire: 12.5 inches in length.
- Feather Type: Rooster Coque – Domestic feathers, 3-7 inches in length, flowing past the plume socket wire by at least 0.5 inch.
- Color: Iridescent Black.
- Weight: Not less than 3 ounces, not more than 6 ounces.
- Appearance: Full and round, 3-4 inches average diameter the full length.
- Packaging: Each plume must come with a durable, reusable storage tube (2.5-3 inches diameter).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought Notice (Market Research)
- Set-Aside Intent: Small Business Set-Aside (contingent on sufficient qualified small business responses).
- NAICS Code: 315990 (Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing) with a $500 employee size standard.
- Response Due: January 26, 2026, 4:00 PM EST.
- Published: January 21, 2026.
- Place of Performance: West Point, NY.
Response Requirements
Interested firms should provide:
- Company information (POC, phone, email, DUNS, CAGE, small business status/certifications, NAICS).
- Indication of interest as prime contractor, and any subcontracting/JV/teaming arrangements.
- Detailed previous experience on similar requirements (size, scope, complexity, timeframe).
- Information on commercial availability, pricing, delivery, terms, and warranties.
- Recommendations to structure contract requirements for small business competition.
- Identification of any conditions restricting competition.
- Recommendations to improve specifications.
Additional Notes
This is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. The U.S. Government is not seeking quotes or proposals at this time.