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, W6QM MICC-WEST POINT, is issuing a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (W911SD26QA049) to procure SHAKO FLOWING FEATHER PLUMES for the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, NY. This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Offers, including a required sample plume, are due by April 18, 2026, at 10:00 AM Local Time.
Scope of Work
This solicitation is for the procurement of "SHAKO FLOWING FEATHER PLUME" (formerly Plebe Cadet Plumes). Key specifications include:
- Height: 16 inches overall (+/- 1 inch tolerance).
- Support Wire: 12-1/2 inches in length.
- Feather Type: Rooster Coque, domestic feathers with varying lengths of 3-7 inches, flowing the plume socket wire.
- Color: Iridescent Black.
- Weight: Not less than 3 ounces or more than 6 ounces.
- Appearance: Full and round, average diameter of 3-4 inches the full length, with bottom feathers flowing past the plume socket wire by at least ½ inch.
- Packaging: Each plume must come with a durable, reusable storage tube (2 ½ to 3 inches in diameter). The requirement is for 1,350 plumes for the Base Year (Item 0001) and an additional 1,350 plumes for the Base Year (Item 1001).
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price.
- Period of Performance: Delivery for Item 0001 is required on or before May 1, 2026. Delivery for Item 1001 is required on or before May 1, 2027.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business (NAICS Code: 315990, Size Standard: 600 employees).
- Offer Due Date: April 18, 2026, 10:00 AM Local Time.
- Solicitation Issue Date: March 19, 2026.
Submission & Evaluation
This acquisition will utilize a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) source selection process. Evaluation will consider both Technical and Price factors.
- Technical Evaluation: Will assess if the contractor's submitted sample plume meets all specified requirements (Acceptable/Unacceptable).
- Price Evaluation: Will determine the reasonableness of the offered price. Mandatory Requirement: Offerors must produce and submit one (1) sample PLUME with their quote by the solicitation closing date/time. Failure to submit a sample will result in no consideration for contract award. Sample Request: Interested offerors must email Shawn Valastro (shawn.m.valastro.civ@army.mil) by April 17, 2026, 1:00 PM Eastern Time, to request a sample PLUME, and a pre-paid PDF shipping label is required for sample shipment.
Contact Information
For inquiries and sample requests, contact Shawn Valastro at shawn.m.valastro.civ@army.mil.