N08-104 TITLE: Development of Single-Layer Universal Combat Uniform Material

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Chemical/Bio Defense, Materials/Processes

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PM Infantry Combat Equipment, ACAT III

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in accordance with section 3.5.b.(7) of the solicitation.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a single-layer Universal combat uniform material proven to endure in any environment including Chemical Biological (CB), rain / snow / ice resistant (WR), flame resistant (FR) and high heat. Typical protective garments such as the current fielded garment (JSLIST) and other developmental concepts use double layer construction consisting of outershell and inner liner that provides CB protection to users in the field. The ultimate uniform is bulky, heavy and very expensive due to the two-layer configuration design, it�s like sewing two uniforms into one. Therefore, effort would be to offer single�layer configuration such to produce a lightweight uniform incorporating CB, WR and FR protection. FR protection would need to be equivalent or better than existing, similar weight commercial FR fabrics.

DESCRIPTION: Use of a Universal Combat material offering CB, WR, and FR protections would be ideally suited for rapid deployment. With compact vacuum package capabilities the uniform can travel easily within cargo pocket, MOLLE, or other means into combat situation. The single layer textile design would offer a highly breathable lightweight comfortable concept uniform in either typical shirt / trouser, coverall i.e. CVC or other design so designated by USMC designers. Garment would be significantly reduced in bulk, weight and requires significantly less sewing. It would be lightweight and comfortable enough to be worn in place of the standard uniforms.

PHASE I: Determine, insofar as possible, the scientific and technical approaches for completing the following tasks: Universal material would possess a level of carbon based / nano-tube additives or other novel means that would effectively assure the current 24 hour CB level of continuous protection from a liquid challenge of 10 gm/square meter against chem. agents HD, GD, and VX after 45 days of wear (720 hours cumulative hours). Fibers shall be inherently FR to provide that form of protection and subsequent WR or Silicone finish would provide a highly protective water-repellency. Uniforms fabricated from Universal fabric would provide high degree of breathability, be lightweight and be capable of providing 45 day wear life. Additionally this material technology can be manufactured into a lightweight single layer chemical duty uniform in lieu of an overgarment and can be tailored to protect against reduced chemical agent challenge levels.
Universal material would possess a high degree of field durability and be launderable up to 25 X�s w/ drying and / or be dry cleanable. Material would address durability issues such as pilling, abrasion, strength, tear resistance, comfort, breathability, water-repellency (WR), Flame-Resistance (FR) at highest possible protection, hand, dyeing / printability and other properties. The goal is develop a garment offering maximum flame and heat radiant protection that is Berry Amendment compliant (Made in USA).
Minimum 5 � 10 yards material would be submitted for full laboratory testing and several uniforms of USMC design for full CB and FR manikin testing.

PHASE II: Develop proof-of-concept uniforms from large scale run of Universal material under field trial conditions. Uniform design and number ranging from 200 -400 uniforms or various combination of uniforms would be submitted as demonstrators for material.

PHASE III: Commit to large scale production capabilities according to Berry Amendment requirements.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Universal material would be suitable for nuclear or other anti-toxic cleanup applications. Furthermore, technologies could be separated for material to possess all three protections, two or even single use. WR and FR protections would be used for outdoor commercial markets such as tentage, tarps and other covers. Material would have multi-service applications and could be extended for CB protective tentage and commercial markets for hunting and other outdoor recreation activities.

REFERENCES:
1. MIL-PRF-MCCUU ATT 1 DTD 12 AUG 2004

2. MIL-PRF-MCCUU ATT 2 DTD 18 ARP 2006

KEYWORDS: Chemical Biological; Flame Resistant; Water Repellency.

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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