Domestic Sources for Zero-Porosity, High-Performance Coated Parachute Cloth
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 U.S. Army, on behalf of the Program Manager for Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment (PdM-SCIE), is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to identify domestic manufacturers capable of producing a Berry Amendment-compliant, zero-porosity, high-performance coated parachute cloth. This market research aims to ensure supply chain continuity for critical ram-air parachute systems. Responses are due May 12, 2026.
Scope of Work
The Government requires a silicone-coated ripstop fabric functionally equivalent to the material specified in U.S. Army Source Control Drawing 11-1-9306. This material is a critical component for ram-air parachute systems (e.g., RA-1 Canopies). The need arises from a disrupted domestic supply chain for the legacy proprietary material (historically known as SOAR-COAT® Formulation 9120 R3(228)). Key technical requirements include:
- Base fabric conforming to PIA-C-44378, Type IV.
- Zero air permeability (0 CFM maximum per ASTM D737).
- Specific breaking, tear, and elongation strengths (e.g., 45 lbs minimum breaking strength, 12 lbs minimum tear strength, 25% minimum elongation).
- A proprietary-equivalent high-performance silicone formulation applied equally to both sides.
- Strict tolerances for visual defects (e.g., pinholes, blisters, coating streaks, blocking).
- Weight: 1.35 oz/yd² (maximum).
- Color: Gray, conforming to AMS-STD-595, Color #26270.
Information Requested
Interested parties should submit a Capabilities Statement addressing:
- Company profile, CAGE code, and socioeconomic status.
- Confirmation of Berry Amendment-compliant domestic manufacturing capabilities.
- Technical approach for developing/applying a functionally equivalent zero-porosity silicone coating, including estimated timelines for formulation, sample production, testing, and full production readiness.
- Relevant past performance in manufacturing and coating technical textiles for military or aerospace applications.
Submission & Deadline
Responses must be submitted electronically via email to jeffrey.m.campbell18.civ@army.mil no later than 1700 EDT on May 12, 2026. A courtesy copy should be sent to the Contracting Officer and Contracting Specialist. The subject line must be "RFI Response: Zero-Porosity Parachute Cloth - [Company Name]". Submissions should not exceed 10 pages.
Disclaimer
This is an RFI for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a commitment to issue one. The Government will not pay for response costs.