White and Gray Dress Caps USMA
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 is conducting a Sources Sought notice to identify qualified small businesses capable of providing White and Gray Dress Caps for the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, NY. This market research aims to determine if a Total Small Business Set-Aside is viable for a future solicitation. Responses are due by March 9, 2026, 12 PM EST.
Purpose
This is a Sources Sought notice for information and planning purposes only, not a solicitation. The U.S. Government seeks to procure 1,493 White Dress Caps and 1,493 Gray Dress Caps in various sizes for Cadet issue. The intent is to assess the market for a potential small business set-aside, which requires responses from two or more qualified small businesses.
Scope of Requirement
The requirement is for the manufacture and delivery of specific quantities of white and gray dress caps to USMA West Point, NY. The anticipated NAICS code is 315990 – Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing, with a size standard of 750 employees.
Key Document Insights
Detailed specifications for the dress caps are outlined in the "DRESS CAP Specifications.pdf" document. This document provides an "EVALUATION TABLE" that lists extensive criteria for inspecting and evaluating cap quality, referencing specification UQC S-01-83. It categorizes defects (e.g., material, inner body band, braid, lining, stitching, cleanness) as either "Major" or "Minor." A single Major defect or three Minor defects constitute a failure. Bidders must understand these stringent quality standards to ensure compliance and avoid non-conformance.
Response Requirements
Interested businesses should provide:
- Firm name, point of contact, phone, email, DUNS, CAGE, and small business status/certifications.
- Indication of interest as a prime contractor, including any subcontracting, joint venture, or teaming arrangements.
- Detailed past experience on similar requirements (size, scope, complexity, timeframe).
- Information on commercial availability, pricing, delivery schedules, and warranties.
- Recommendations to structure contract requirements for small business competition.
- Identification of any conditions unnecessarily restricting competition.
- Recommendations to improve approach/specifications.
- Lead time to manufacture the required quantities.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business (conditional)
- Response Due: March 9, 2026, 12 PM EST
- Published: March 4, 2026
Contact Information
Responses must be sent to Leslie Duron at leslie.a.duron.civ@army.mil. Include the Sources Sought Notice ID (W911SD26QA045) in the email subject line.
Additional Notes
This notice does not constitute a solicitation, and the U.S. Government is not seeking quotes or proposals at this time. Not responding does not preclude participation in any future solicitation.