RFI - Enhanced Flame Resistant Combat Ensemble (EFRCE) Manufacturability and Certification (USMC)

SOL #: RFI-EnhancedFlameResistantCombatEnsemble(EFRCE)ManufacturabilityandCertification(USMC)Sources Sought

Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSE
Dept Of The Army
W6QK ACC-APG NATICK
NATICK, MA, 01760-5011, United States

Place of Performance

Quantico, VA

NAICS

Cut and Sew Apparel Contractors (315210)

PSC

Clothing, Special Purpose (8415)

Set Aside

No set aside specified

Timeline

1
Posted
Nov 25, 2025
2
Last Updated
Apr 1, 2026
3
Response Deadline
Apr 23, 2026, 9:00 PM

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. Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) is conducting a Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI) to identify industry partners capable of manufacturing the Enhanced Flame Resistant Combat Ensemble (EFRCE). This RFI aims to certify vendors who can produce the EFRCE Blouse and Trouser, enabling them to sell commercially to USMC units. Responses are due by April 23, 2026.

Opportunity Details

This is a market research effort to assess industry's capability to produce the EFRCE, which provides flame resistance and insect protection for Marines in field and combat operations. The ensemble includes a blouse (half-zip, mock turtleneck, knit torso, woven sleeves/collar) and trousers (concealed button fly, multiple pockets, reinforced seat/knees). Vendors must meet detailed specifications outlined in Class 1, Type I of MIL-PRF-EFRCE.

Response Requirements

Interested parties must submit:

  • Company Information: Name, address, point of contact, business size, socioeconomic status, NAICS, CAGE code, and GSA FSS contract number (if applicable).
  • End-Item Samples: One blouse and one trouser manufactured to Class 1, Type I of MIL-PRF-EFRCE. Substitute fabrics may be used for samples, but detailed descriptions and physical performance data for proposed production fabrics are required.
  • Material Samples: Two-yard samples for each proposed material (if not using substitutes for end-item samples), including fiber content, construction, weight, and performance attributes.
  • Physical Performance Data: Corresponding test data for materials.
  • Pricing: Estimated price per yard for fabric and garment pricing (blouse/trouser) for production volumes from 5,000 to 40,000 units/year, broken down by material and labor costs.
  • Berry Amendment Compliance: Verification that all components are compliant.

Key Specifications & Clarifications

The EFRCE uniform requires specific woven (cotton/nylon/meta-aramid twill) and knit (meta-aramid/FR rayon/nylon/para-aramid) fabrics, permethrin treatment for insect repellency, and adherence to extensive testing protocols for flammability, seam strength, and colorfastness. Vendors must formally request EFRCE blouse and trouser pattern files (AccuMark Version 17.1) from Katherine Verrico (Katherine.a.verrico.civ@us.navy.mil), copying the primary points of contact.

Submission & Deadlines

  • Responses Due: April 23, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. EST.
  • Questions Due: April 18, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. EST.
  • Submission: Email documentation to Todd Towles (todd.towles@usmc.mil) and Johannes Schmidt (johannes.k.schmidt.ctr@usmc.mil). Labeled material samples should be shipped to Johannes Schmidt at Marine Corps Systems Command, 2200 Lester Street, Quantico, VA 22134.

Important Notes

This is solely for market research; no contract will be awarded. Participation is voluntary, and the Government will not reimburse costs. Non-response does not preclude future participation.

People

Points of Contact

Todd TowlesPRIMARY
Johannes SchmidtSECONDARY

Files

Files

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Posted: Nov 25, 2025
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