RFI Domestic Footwear Manufacturing Processing Advancementsview on SAM.gov

SYNOPSIS: This Sources Sought Announcement is to assist the US Army DEVCOM Soldier Center to identify potential sources which will support the re-shoring of the domestic footwear industry, improve capabilities for the domestic military footwear industrial base, and ultimately provide the best performing footwear technology to the Warfighter. The Government requests that responses be submitted electronically to anita.a.perkins.civ@army.mil and mary.k.prebensen.civ@army.mil by 05 June 2026 by 5pm EST. Background: The Combat Capabilities Development Command - Soldier Center (DEVCOM SC) is seeking information on footwear manufacturers interested in identifying possible gaps and process and/or equipment improvements to enhance domestic processing capabilities, which may be beneficial to future military footwear systems. This request is part of a research and development effort under the FY24 Congressional Military Footwear Research Initiative. Description: Projects of interest should focus on approaches that: Increase domestic production capacity and adopt advanced manufacturing technologies to enhance productivity. Efforts should provide tangible improvements to footwear manufacturing processes. Re-shore critical footwear technologies and strengthen domestic production capabilities. Improve the cost-effectiveness, quality, or performance of military footwear. Implement flexible, automated, or digital manufacturing approaches adaptable to multiple footwear types. Specific Specifications: To qualify for participation, respondents must have U.S.-based manufacturing facilities with the capability to produce military footwear that complies with all Berry Amendment requirements and meets the specifications detailed in the relevant Department of Defense (DoD) purchase descriptions. Eligibility is based on this demonstrated capability, not on prior DoD experience. All proposed solutions must align with the project scope and the following constraints: 1. Product Compliance: The proposed manufacturing improvements must not alter the footwear's design, materials, or construction in any way that would result in non-compliance with the applicable DoD purchase description. Any footwear prototypes delivered must meet all specifications of an existing purchase description. 2. Funding Limitations: Funding may not be used for capital expenditures, defined as purchases of long-term physical assets such as equipment, facility improvements, or tooling intended for full-scale production. Tooling used for short-run prototype production (e.g., lasts or molds), as well as consumables, prototype materials, labor, and short-term leases, are considered allowable project expenses. 3. Excluded Platforms: Proposals for the Army Extreme Cold Weather Boot (often called the "Bunny Boot") and the Army Jungle Boot will not be considered for this effort. The purchase descriptions and technical requirements for these specific platforms are under revision, making them unsuitable for th…