USAF Safe-to-fly Glove 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) Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) gloves. The goal is to develop an expanded listing of gloves for USAF aircrew and to gather information for planning purposes, including determining the acquisition strategy (full and open competition, small business set-aside, or sole-source).

The RFI seeks information on companies with expertise in StF gloves. It outlines detailed technical requirements for various glove types based on temperature ranges (Hot, Temperate, Intermediate Cold/Wet, Cold, Extreme Cold) and associated specifications (MILSPEC and PD). Key requirements include:

• Flame Resistance (FR) in accordance with ASTM D6413.

• Touchscreen capability for electronic devices.

• Water Resistance testing (AATCC 127).

• Colorfastness testing (AATCC-8, AATCC-62, ASTM-D-6012).

• Specific material and construction requirements for different temperature conditions.

• Glove insulation properties (clo value).

• Berry Amendment compliance (10 U.S.C 2533a).

• Certificate of Compliance (C of C) may be accepted in lieu of specific test reports.

• Responses are due by 12:00 PM EST on June 16, 2026.

• Responses and questions should be directed to Mr. Donald F. Fleury via email (donald.f.fleury.civ@army.mil) or phone (508-206-3071).

• Email subject line: "Response to T-38 ESUP-I2 Request for Information # ROUK-26-0006".

• Responses should include company information (name, address, POC, CAGE, DUNS, etc.) and indicate if the company qualifies as a Small Business.

• Responses are limited to 35 pages.

• Government will post answers to questions on beta.sam.gov.

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

• NAICS Code for this action is 315210, with a size standard of 750 employees.

• Companies should indicate if they are interested in being a prime contractor or subcontractor.

• This is an RFI only, not a request for quote or proposal. No contract will be awarded based on this RFI.

• The Government will not reimburse costs associated with responding.

• All submissions become Government property.

• Not responding does not preclude participation in future RFPs.

• Proprietary information must be clearly marked.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "ROU Process for StF Gloves," outlines the Air Force's process for certifying commercial and government off-the-shelf (COTS, GOTS) gloves as Safe-to-Fly (StF). It details the steps vendors must follow to submit data and glove samples for review and approval.

• Vendor Submission: Vendors provide data (not older than 1 year) and glove samples.
• ROU Review: The Human Systems Program Office (ROU) reviews the data against StF requirements.
• Package Preparation: A package is created including a StF checklist, testing results, and relevant memos.
• Approval: Upon approval, a vendor STF letter is issued for a three-year period, indicating the glove is approved as StF.
• Changes: Any material or manufacturing changes require vendor coordination and AF approval.
• Recertification: A recertification process allows for extending StF approval for existing gloves.

This document is crucial for any vendor seeking to have their gloves certified as Safe-to-Fly for Air Force aircrew. It clarifies the entire certification process, including data requirements, testing procedures, approval timelines, and the implications of making changes to approved gloves. Understanding this process is essential for preparing a compliant submission and ensuring successful certification.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a memorandum from the Department of the Air Force implementing immediate changes to DAFI 36-2903, "Dress and Personal Appearance of Department of the Air Force Personnel." It supersedes previous guidance and outlines specific updates and clarifications to existing regulations.

This document is not a solicitation, SOW, PWS, amendment, or Q&A. It is an administrative update to Air Force uniform and appearance regulations. While it details changes to uniform policies, it does not directly relate to a specific procurement opportunity. Therefore, it has no direct relevance to a bidder's decision-making process for a SAM.gov opportunity.