STITCHLESS FABRICATION PROCESS FOR ECWCS The USAMC Acquisition Center, Natick Contract Division, in support of the U.S. Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command (USA SBCCOM), intends to conduct negotiations and award a contract to Clemson Apparel Research Center on the basis of other than full and open competition in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation part 6.302-1 and 6.302-3. This acquisition involves the development of a stitchless (without sewing) Second Generation Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) fabrication process in support of current FY00 Army MANTECH project requirements in an effort to increase production capabilities, aid in future procurements by increasing competition through means of automation and to reduce costs or minimize duplicity of costs. The goal of this initiative is to eliminate the current practice of sewing, which creates needle holes thus creating leakage of water, chemicals, or other environmental threat. The stitchless process would eliminate the subsequent practice of seam-taping in order to create waterproof seams for both primary (side/underarm/seat/inseam/etc.) and secondary (pocket attachment/hems/front placket/closures/etc.) seam constructions. The stitchless process would construct the garment in a single operation and thus eliminate the current practice of sewing and taping which is not only like sewing the garment twice but also inhibits the overall breathability of the garment which counters its' intended purpose. Clemson Apparel Research Center is the only know source that possess the expertise and computerized equipment that interfaces with the Army, and have made considerable progress in this area, through other contracts and their own resources. The goal of this effort is to mature the technology, and will include a product demonstration to all of industry so that the commercial marketplace can use this technology to compete on future acquisitions for various products. Award to another company would result in duplication of costs and would delay the development of this technology to an unacceptable state. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement. The timeframe for this notice is reduced from 45 days to 30 days to expedite the process in order to mature the technology so that it can be inserted into the commercial marketplace in adequate time to respond to the third generation ECWCS requirement. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. See Note 22. Any questions shall be sent to the following: U.S. AMC Acquisition Center, Natick Contracting Division, ATTN: AMSSB-ACN-S/Peggy Dube, Natick, MA 01760-5011. E-MAIL: To contact Contract Specialist, peggy.dube@natick.army.mil. Posted 08/09/00 (W-SN484199).

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