USAF Safe-to-fly Boot Program

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) Human Systems Division to conduct a market assessment for Air Force Safe-to-Fly (StF) boots. The goal is to identify companies with expertise and capabilities to provide Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) boots for USAF aircrew. This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to award a contract.

• StF Definition: AF StF boots must meet specific criteria, including dimensions (length, height, width), boot height for male and female sizes, and approved color options (Coyote, Sage Green, Desert Tan, Black).

• Construction Methods: "Sidewall," "Cup," Direct Molded System (DMS), Welt, Stitch-down, and Injected molded processes are acceptable.

• Performance Requirements:

  • Flame Resistance: Must meet NFPA 1971 (2007 Edition) requirements.
  • Upper Heat Resistance: Must meet NFPA 1971 (2007 Edition) requirements.
  • Sole Heat Resistance: Must meet NFPA 1971 (2007 Edition) requirements.
  • Water Resistance: Must be tested per AATCC 127.

• Safety Features: Safety Toe options (steel or composite) are allowed, requiring compliance with ASTM F2412 and ASTM F2413 for Impact (I/75), Compression (C/75), and Electrical Hazard (EH).

• Temperature Ranges: Boots must meet requirements for Hot weather (>70°F), Temperate Weather (>32°F to 70°F), and Cold weather (-20° to 32°F) or Extreme Cold weather (-20°F to -49°F, or below). Specific Purchase Descriptions (PDs) and specifications are referenced for each range.

• Slip Resistance: For cold weather boots, slip resistance testing is required per SATRA Method TM 144, with specified Coefficient of Friction (CoF) values for various surfaces.

• Response Deadline: 12:00 PM EST on 16 June 2026.

• Submission Format: Responses should not exceed 35 pages and should include company information, product sheets, test data, and answers to any questions.

• Contact Information: Responses and questions should be directed to Mr. Donald F. Fleury (donald.f.fleury.civ@army.mil, 508-206-3071).

• Email Subject Line: "Response to T-38 ESUP-I2 Request for Information # ROUK-26-0005"

• Prospective contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database.

• Companies should state if they qualify as a Small Business.

• NAICS Code for this requirement is 316210, with a size standard of $45M.

• Responses are not offers and will not be returned. All costs are at the respondent's expense.

• Not responding does not preclude future participation.

• The Government will answer questions and post responses on beta.sam.gov.

• Questions must not contain trade secrets or classified information.

Amendment / Modification

This memorandum immediately implements changes to DAFI 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Department of the Air Force Personnel. Compliance is mandatory, and this memorandum prevails over any inconsistent publications.

Key changes and reissues from previous DAFGM versions include:

• Table 5.1 Updates: Authorized patches and qualification tabs have been updated.
• Officer Uniforms: Requirement for officers to maintain a full set of OCP uniforms is removed; officers now only need to maintain uniforms required for assigned duties and mission requirements.
• Wear Restrictions:
  • Earpieces, earbuds, headphones, etc., are restricted indoors and outdoors during official duties.
  • Personal media devices are restricted while walking in uniform, except for emergencies or official business.
• Sunglasses: Mirrored lenses are no longer authorized. Wear of Meta/AI glasses in uniform is restricted.
• Bags: Standardization of authorized bag colors.
• Watch Caps: Clarification of authorization and colors.
• Duty Identifier Patches: Restriction on wear removed, and Table 5.1 updated with authorized patches/qualification tabs.
• Colored T-Shirts: Permitted on Fridays with utility uniforms when authorized by the unit commander.
• Call Signs: Authorized for daily wear on flight duty and desert flight duty uniform nametags.
• Combat Boots: Height requirement changed to 6-12 inches, with a compliance deadline of September 30, 2026.
• Shaving Profile Authority: Changed to unit commanders.
• Sideburns: Policy updated to reflect above the ear opening.
• Mustaches: Policy updated to prohibit mustaches beyond the corners of the mouth or into a respirator seal zone.
• Eyelash Extensions: Authorization removed unless for medical reasons.
• OCP Shirt Sleeves: Clarified folding instructions.
• Gender Terminology: "Gender" replaced with "sex" (as applicable), and references to gender dysphoria exceptions removed.
• Nail Polish: Authorized colors changed to clear or French/American Manicure only.
• Male Grooming: Clarified that male Airmen must be clean-shaven at the start of the duty day unless medically or religiously accommodated.
• Male Hair: Clarified that male hair will not touch the ears.
• "Gig Line": Definition added.

This memorandum supersedes previous DAFGM versions and updates DAFI 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Department of the Air Force Personnel. Specific sections affected include those related to uniform items, grooming standards, and wear policies.

This document is a guidance memorandum and does not directly impact proposal submission deadlines or evaluation factors for a solicitation. However, it updates the standards that Air Force personnel must adhere to, which could be relevant in contexts where uniform compliance is a factor.

Other / Unclassified

This document outlines the "Safe-to-Fly (StF) Test Plan" for Commercial and Government Off-the-Shelf (COTS) boots intended for Air Force (AF) aircrew. It details the requirements and test methods for certifying boots as "Safe-to-Fly," ensuring they meet specific performance standards related to dimensions, construction, flame resistance, heat resistance, water resistance, and safety toe compliance.

This document is crucial for potential bidders who manufacture or supply footwear for Air Force aircrew. It specifies the technical requirements, testing procedures, and compliance criteria that boots must meet to be considered "Safe-to-Fly." Bidders need to understand these detailed specifications to ensure their products align with AF standards, which will be a key factor in any future procurement opportunities for aircrew boots.