James M. Caldwell, Industry Project Manager, AMTEX Partnership/Automation, Textile/Clothing Technology Corporation, 211 Gregson Drive, Cary, North Carolina 27511

A -- ELECTRONIC EMBEDDED FINGERPRINT (EEF) TAGGING SYSTEMS Textile/Clothing Technology Corporation, Cary, North Carolina, is interested in identifying sources to developing technology relative to electronic embedded fingerprint (EEF) tagging systems (RFID) for use in the textile/garment industry as part of the AMTEX Textile Initiative. This system will consist of low cost RF tags (the fingerprint) with both read-only and read-write capabilities and reader. These tags will be embedded within fabrics and clothing during the manufacturing process and the tags will be used for in-house tracking and identification at every phase of the manufacturing process and throughout the life of the garment, including consumer use and disposal. The tag reader must have a range from 15 cm to 61 cm. Its antenna ``footprint'' must be a minimum of 15 cm from a distance of 61 cm. It must be able to scan multiple tags in its field (50 tags/second), and the frequency of its RF source must be within international requirements. It must read throught cardboard, wood, paper, plastic, rubber, cloth of all kinds and thicknesses. The reader should cost about $500. The tag must have at least 10-digit-8-bit characters for writing a serial number/unique ID. In addition, 125 to 150 characters of information for storing data is required. This read/write tag should be lockable to prevent erasure and overwriting. The tag shall be a passive type of transponder no larger than a dime in size and thickness. The tag's durability requirements are as follows: Operating temperature from 32 to 122 F, storage temperature from -60 to 400 F, pressure 100 psi, and be waterproof. It must be impervious to the following: sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, sodium metabisulfite, potassium permanganate, hydrogen peroxide, citric acid, lithium hyphochlorite, nonionic detergents, polyacrylates, alpha amylase enzyme, acetic acid-sodium phosphate, cationic softeners (w/isopropyl alcochol or diethylene glycol). The tag must be able to withinstand a free drop from 1.5 meters. The tag should cost under $0.10/tag. This system must have at least 99.9% accuracy. Sources are requested to respond in writing, with some previous technology capabilities and accomplishments, with a brief statement regarding their capability to supply this product. Company brochures and literature are not an adequate substitute for a brief written statement. The closing date for submission of responses is 5/5/95. This synopsis is not an RFP or RFQ, but a request for information. Individuals/firms responding to this advertisement will be considered for participation in the upcoming Request for Proposal. Telephone responses are not acceptable. (087)

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