RFI - Congressional Military Footwear Research – Technology Assessment and Manufacturing Footwear
ID: RFI-TechnologyAssessmentAndManufacturingFootwearType: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE ARMYW6QK ACC-APG NATICKNATICK, MA, 01760-5011, USA

PSC

FOOTWEAR, MEN'S (8430)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, specifically the Army's Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Soldier Center, is seeking information from footwear manufacturers regarding their capabilities and processes as part of the FY24 Congressional Military Footwear Research Initiative. The objective is to identify potential gaps and improvements in domestic military footwear manufacturing, including boots, athletic, and dress shoes, to enhance production capabilities and ensure technological dominance in the sector. Interested parties are invited to submit their responses electronically by June 16, 2025, at 5:00 PM EST, to the designated contacts, Wendy Johnson and Anita Perkins, with no funding currently available for this initiative. Responses should include business size, applicable NAICS code, and interest in participating in the footwear technology assessment and manufacturing process advancements.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The document addresses vendor inquiries related to a Request for Information (RFI) concerning the FY24 Congressional Military Footwear Research initiative. It clarifies that FY24 refers to expiring funds meant for a specific footwear technology assessment, distinct from previous efforts. This RFI aims to evaluate current and future manufacturing capabilities, focusing on enhancing domestic military footwear production, including boots, athletic, and dress shoes. The document underscores that responses are sought from whole footwear manufacturers as well as supply chain participants, reflecting a broader approach than prior initiatives. The objective is to identify improvements in manufacturing capabilities aligned with military needs. This initiative represents a strategic investment in the footwear sector, ensuring that domestic manufacturers can meet military footwear demands effectively.
    Similar Opportunities
    Molder Shoes
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Defense, through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA Troop Support), is preparing to solicit bids for the manufacture and delivery of Molders Shoes, specifically designed to meet military specifications. These shoes, identified by NSN 8430-01-174-2413, must be constructed from high-quality materials, including black cattlehide leather, and must adhere to stringent safety and performance standards, such as impact and compression resistance, as well as specific packaging and labeling requirements. This procurement is critical for ensuring that military personnel have access to durable and reliable footwear, with a total contract quantity ranging from a minimum of 1,395 pairs to a maximum of 20,925 pairs over three years. Interested vendors should note that the solicitation is expected to be posted on or after December 16, 2025, and must ensure they are registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) to participate. For further inquiries, potential bidders can contact Victoria O'Reilly at victoria.o'reilly@dla.mil or Charles Brown II at charles.brown3@dla.mil.
    Navy Oxford Dress Shoe
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Defense, through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support, is seeking manufacturers for the procurement of Navy Oxford Dress Shoes for both men and women. This contract involves the manufacture and delivery of these shoes, adhering to specific military specifications, with a minimum order quantity of 36,510 pairs over a three-year base term, and an estimated annual quantity of 146,052 pairs per tier. The contract will be awarded based on a best value trade-off evaluation, considering factors such as product demonstration models and past performance, with a maximum potential order of 657,234 pairs. Interested parties should contact Jamie Heiman at Jamie.Heiman@dla.mil or 445-737-3279, or Clifford Lawson at CLIFFORD.LAWSON@DLA.MIL or 445-737-8084 for further details, and proposals must be submitted electronically via the DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS).
    Marine Corps Intense Cold Weather Combat Boot
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Defense, through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support, is seeking proposals for the manufacture and delivery of Marine Corps Intense Cold Weather Combat Boots (MC ICWB). This procurement aims to fulfill a requirement for 1,260 pairs of boots over a three-year base term, with an estimated annual quantity of 5,000 pairs per tier across three tiers, and a maximum quantity of 22,500 pairs to accommodate fluctuations in demand. The contract will be a Firm-Fixed Price, Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type, with a production lead time of 180 days for the first delivery order and 150 days for subsequent orders, emphasizing the importance of U.S.-made materials in compliance with the Berry Amendment. Interested small businesses must submit proposals electronically via the DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) and can contact Jamie Heiman at Jamie.Heiman@dla.mil or Clifford Lawson at CLIFFORD.LAWSON@DLA.MIL for further information.
    Shoe, Men’s Poromeric
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Defense, through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support, is seeking proposals for the procurement of Men's Poromeric Shoes under solicitation SPE1C1-25-R-0116. This opportunity involves an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a three-year base term, requiring a minimum quantity of 34,323 pairs and an estimated annual quantity of 137,292 pairs, with a maximum of 514,845 pairs over the contract's life. The shoes must meet specific technical and quality requirements, including domestic production for certain components, adherence to rigorous testing standards, and detailed packaging and labeling specifications to ensure traceability and quality assurance. Interested vendors should contact Michael Curry at michael.curry@dla.mil or 215-737-7018 for further information, and proposals must be submitted via the DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) by the specified deadlines.
    Intermediate Cold Weather Boot
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Defense, through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), is seeking proposals for the procurement of Men's Combat Boots designed for Intermediate Cold Weather, under the presolicitation notice SPE1C1-25-R-ICWB. The boots must be manufactured in accordance with the specifications outlined in Product Description GL-PD-13-01, which includes features such as waterproof leather uppers, removable insulated booties, and a speed lace closure system, ensuring compliance with military standards for performance and safety. This initiative is crucial for providing the necessary footwear for military personnel operating in cold weather environments, with a guaranteed minimum order of 2,000 pairs and estimated annual quantities reaching up to 17,000 pairs, resulting in a maximum contract value of $7.5 million. Interested small businesses are encouraged to contact Angela Harris-Norton at angela.harris-norton@dla.mil or 445-737-1220 for further details, with a production lead time of 150 days and a focus on U.S. production compliance.
    Boot, Firemen, Type II (Knee)
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Defense, through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA Troop Support), is seeking suppliers for the Boot, Firemen, Type II (Knee), as outlined in presolicitation SPE1C125RX014. The boots must be manufactured in accordance with the Commercial Item Description A-A-50371B, which specifies requirements such as vulcanized construction, steel box toes, and compliance with NFPA 1971 standards, ensuring they are suitable for fire protective gear. This procurement is critical for fulfilling backorders and maintaining safety standards for firemen, with a guaranteed minimum order of 3,230 pairs and an annual estimated quantity of 3,890 pairs, valued at up to $7.5 million. Interested vendors should contact Ryan Reynolds at ryan.reynolds@dla.mil or 445-737-0423 for further details, noting that the solicitation will be available on the DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS).
    Air Force Hot Weather Safety Boot
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Defense, through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA Troop Support), is seeking qualified small businesses to provide Air Force Hot Weather Safety Boots, specifically designed with steel toes for both men and women. The procurement includes a total of 119,520 pairs of boots over a three-year period, with stringent requirements for materials, construction, and quality assurance, including compliance with ASTM standards for protective footwear. These boots are essential for ensuring the safety and comfort of military personnel in hot weather conditions, and the contract will be awarded based on best value tradeoff source selection procedures, focusing on product demonstration and past performance. Interested vendors should contact Ronald Ball at ronald.ball@dla.mil or 445-737-5823, or Clifford Lawson at clifford.lawson@dla.mil or 445-737-8084 for further details, and must register on the DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) to access the solicitation once posted.
    Air Force Temperate Weather Boot
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Defense, through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support, is seeking proposals from qualified small businesses for the procurement of Air Force Temperate Weather Boots, specifically designed for both men and women. The contract will cover the production of Coyote-colored boots that meet stringent specifications outlined in the Product Descriptions PD-77AESG-06-01A for men's boots and PD-77AESG-06-03A for women's boots, which include requirements for materials, performance criteria, and safety standards. These boots are essential for military personnel operating in temperate weather conditions, ensuring durability and comfort in demanding environments. Interested vendors should note that the contract will be awarded as an Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type with a guaranteed minimum of 17,196 pairs and a maximum value of $44,881,560, with proposals evaluated based on product demonstration models and past performance. For further inquiries, potential bidders can contact Angela Harris-Norton at angela.harris-norton@dla.mil or Clifford Lawson at clifford.lawson@dla.mil.
    Army Hot Weather - Fire Resistant Boots
    Buyer not available
    The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is issuing a presolicitation notice for a contract to procure Army Hot Weather-Fire Resistant-Safety Boots for men, specifically set aside for small businesses. This procurement involves a Firm Fixed Price, Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a three-year base term, aiming to supply an estimated total of 34,800 units, with a guaranteed minimum of 2,900 and a maximum of 52,200 units. The boots are essential for military personnel operating in hot weather conditions, ensuring safety and compliance with stringent quality standards. Interested vendors can find more details and submit inquiries to primary contact Ronald Ball at ronald.ball@dla.mil or secondary contact Clifford Lawson at clifford.lawson@dla.mil, with the solicitation available on the DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS).
    Military Unique Sustainment Technology III (MUST-III) Research and Development SP4701-26-B-0001
    Buyer not available
    The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is seeking research and development partners for the Military Unique Sustainment Technology III (MUST-III) program, aimed at enhancing the Department of Defense's clothing and textile supply chain. This initiative focuses on leveraging advancements in digital design and manufacturing technologies to improve agility and efficiency in producing Advanced Clothing and Individual Equipment (CIE). The DLA plans to invest up to $50 million from FY2026-2030, with an initial 45-day window for submitting cost and technical proposals for Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts, followed by opportunities for White Paper submissions. Interested parties can direct inquiries to Andrea Nicolucci at Andrea.Nicolucci@dla.mil, with the initial proposal deadline set for 45 days after the announcement.