Request for Information – C&T Innovation Day White Paper Submission

This document outlines the U.S. Coast Guard's (USCG) recommended Class II uniform focus areas for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Industry Innovation Day on August 20, 2026. The objective is to engage industry partners to modernize Coast Guard clothing by leveraging commercial textile advancements, aiming to improve performance, durability, and comfort while reducing lifecycle costs. The USCG identifies four key modernization priorities: 1. **All-Weather Coat Modernization:** Evaluate modern waterproof, breathable, and lightweight fabrics to upgrade the long-unchanged coat design. 2. **Cold Weather Outerwear System:** Improve the fleece jacket and parka layering system using advanced insulation and wind-resistant materials. 3. **Dress Uniform Fabrics:** Explore wrinkle-, stain-, and moisture-resistant polyester/wool blends that maintain a traditional military appearance. 4. **Utility and Tactical Uniforms:** Assess high-performance, lightweight, stretch, and quick-drying fabrics for utility uniforms. Modernizing fabric performance is the primary focus, while tactical camouflage designs remain a secondary, future objective. Ultimately, collaborating with the DLA and industry will allow the USCG to adopt commercial textile innovations to enhance member performance and reduce long-term ownership costs without sacrificing professional standards. Key contacts include David Clark, Jay Main, and Nancy Southwick.

This Navy document outlines a request for information to identify innovative domestic materials and assess the current state of the textile and apparel industrial base. The goal is to expand the domestic supply chain, improve product quality, and strengthen manufacturing resilience for uniform and protective clothing requirements. Under the first main focus area, the Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility and Naval Special Warfare seek information on sustainable, alternative, and high-performance materials. Key interest areas include hemp fabrics, circular textile end-of-life management, non-polyester/wool dress fabrics, flame-resistant neoprene, Berry-compliant invisible zippers, and PFAS-free protective ensembles. Additionally, the Navy requires emerging tactical solutions like advanced camouflage patterns, novel load carriage systems, and modernized maritime safety restraints. The second focus area seeks industry feedback to optimize production, policy, and procurement efficiencies. The Navy is looking for insights into manufacturing bottlenecks, forecasting tools, and policies limiting innovation. Furthermore, it seeks best practices for streamlining solicitations, utilizing digital engineering tools like digital twins (with a focus on women's considerations), and implementing accessible, non-practitioner-focused body measurement systems for warfighters. Ultimately, these insights aim to guide strategic government investments and foster a more resilient Class II domestic industrial base.