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The Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) is seeking to perform market research on potential sources and best practice information towards designing, developing, and buying for a lightweight Alpine Ski and Touring Boot (ASTB) - All Terrain and Alpine Touring Ski Poles (ATSP) for use by the United States Marine Corps (USMC). The purpose of the ASTB is to provide the Marine Corps with a lightweight boot that can be used for skiing in all conditions; snow, ice, mountain and glacier conditions. The ASTB must be compatible with other components of the Marine Corps All Terrain Ski System: skis, ski binding, ski poles, and ski skins. The ASTB shall be compatible for use with the Marine Corps Snowshoe (Denali MSR Snowshoe) and the USMC full gator. The ATSP shall be compatible with other components of the Marine Corps Cross Country Ski System: skis, ski boot, and Ski bindings. Ski Boot. The ski boot shall; (1) have a combination of features found both in backcountry boots and touring boots; (2) be lightweight, warm, and comfortable; (3) have a removable, replaceable thermal liner which aides in a snug fit, comfort, and warmth of the boot; (4) be able to fit an Alpine Touring type ski bonding with tack fittings and have adjustable tour mode capability; (5) be available in half sizes, ranging from 3 to 16.5; (6) have a "Vibram" type sole; (7) allow for a full range of motion (toe bellow that allows forefoot flex and easier touring, and a combination of ergonomic bellows that allow a natural walking motion for ease of movement in bivouac areas, approaches to rock faces, and allow Marines to be able to drive and maneuver vehicles); (8) be a non-reflective, white snow camouflage pattern, without logos; (9) be able to fu! nction in temperatures down to -40 degrees F; (10) be waterproof; (11) be used with a full gator and not hinder the ski binding; (12) accept removable crampons; and (13) have a forward lean of 19 to 23 degrees and boot height will not exceed 27.5cm). The outer design of the boot shall be a rugged, adjustable plastic type finish, allowing the skier control of ankle and foot movements in all snow conditions and terrain. Sufficient easy lock straps, and buckles, or a combination of both, are required to adjust the form fit of the ski boot to the user's ankle and foot. Weight of a pair of ski boots, with liners, shall not exceed 6 lbs. Ski Poles. Ski poles shall: (1) be adjustable two piece aluminum poles to provide support and stability while used for skiing, backpacking, or snowshoe movements; (2) be made of 7000 series aircraft aluminum with 1mm thick wall; (3) be adjustable to a length of 155cm; (4) be able to perform their intended functions in temperatures down to -40 degrees F; (5) have two baskets provided (one for powder and a second one for hard pack); (6) have an adjustable strap with the "pop-top" grip, to allow Marines wearing mittens ease of adjustability; (7) have an easy lock expander system and double ! locking torque lock to reduce slippage; and (8) allow 250 lb combat loaded Marines the capability to balance themselves as they maneuver on skis, or snowshoes, through various snowy and icy terrains. Construction shall be no less than 18mm diameter at the top of the pole and no less than 16mm diameter at the bottom of the pole. The ski pole handles shall be constructed of rubber type material to help reduce cold hands. The ski pole's strength should support the weight of a fallen Marine to lift himself from a fallen position (horizontal to vertical position). Color of the ski poles shall be a dull white snow camouflage pattern without logos. Skis. The ski for use by the Marine Corps is a wider, shorter ski allowing Marines, weighing as much as 250 lbs, to maneuver through all snow conditions and terrain, to include the capability to maneuver in compartmentalized areas (wooded and rocky areas), including glacier areas. Skis shall: (1) be a wood core, laminated finish with steel inserts for binding attachment reinforcement; (2) be of two sizes: 170cm (plus or minus 2cm) and 180cm (plus or minus 2cm); (3) be torsion ridged for ease of turning and edging; (4) have a single camber; (5) have medal edges; (6) have tip and tail connectors for skins; (7) have a one-half inch hole in the shovel for attachment of Marine Corps Casualty Evacuation Sled; and (8) have a straight tail design with minimum side cut dimensions: a) Tip (toe) 110mm (plus or minus 3mm); b) Waist 80mm (plus or minus 3mm); and c) Tail 100mm (plus or minus 3mm). Skis must perform intended functions in temperatures down to -40 degrees F. The color of the ski will be a dull white snow camouflage pattern. Weight of a pair of skis shall not exceed 5 lbs (plus or minus 6oz). Ski Skins. Ski Skins shall: (1) provide full coverage of the above sized skis; (2) be lightweight and must fold to comfortably fit inside a Marine's pack; (3) be lightweight, (4) be black in color with no logos and (5) be able to function in temperatures down to -40 degrees F. Skin composition should be no less than a 70 percent mohair and 30 percent nylon blend. Ski Binding. Ski binding should be versatile for use in backcountry, mountaineering and cross country skiing. Ski binding shall: (1) be lightweight, durable and weigh less than 2 lbs per pair; (2) have adjustable binding that allows for changing from "down-hill" mode to "touring-mode" without removing skis; (3) have adjustable heel height for easier heel rotation; (4) provide low torsion flex; (5) be Alpine Touring offering both a locked down heel for downhill skiing and an unlocked heel for uphill skiing and touring on rolling terrain; (6)! have an adjustable safety release setting to be set according to skier weight, ability, and skier type that will activate in case a skier falls or incurs an avalanche; (7) be able to perform its intended functions in temperatures down to -40 degrees F; (8) use the boot sole to provide a rigid and stable base for transmitting skiing power to the ski base and edges; (9) be simple, durable, easily mountable, adjustable, light weight; and (10) not be shiny. Releasing shall be adjusted on both a lateral and vertical axis. Binding will connect to the ski boot through four points of metal to metal contact (two at the toe and two at the heel). Binding SHALL NOT have a linking bar to connect the heel and toe, in order to ensure zero lifted weight while the binding is in touring mode and to keep the binding as light weight as possible. The binding will offer an elevated heel position to reduce fatigue resulting from long steep ascents. Color of the binding shall be a dull finish, or a white snow camouflage. Binding must accommodate/adjust to different boot sizes ranging from 3 to 16.5. Respondents who believe they have the ASTB and/or the ATSP capable of meeting this requirement are invited to submit copies of relevant documentation in response to this Request for Information (RFI). Respondents may submit documentation for either the ASTB or the ATSP or both. The documentation must directly address the respondent's ability to meet the aforementioned needs, and MUST include documentation of Berry Amendment compliance, as well as all components of the ASTB and/or the ATSP; including all aspects of production; must be made and assembled in the USA. The Berry Amendment and Buy American Act will apply to any future contract award. While self certification shall be required in any solicitation resulting from this notice, the USMC is seeking supporting documentation under this announcement to determine and substantiate that the ASTB and/or the ATSP are Berry Amendment compliant. In addition, MARCORSYSCOM seeks to identify those manufacturers that qualify as a small business in order to determine if the resulting procurement can be set aside for small business (FAR 19.502-2(b). Information may include literature, brochures, price lists, warranty coverage, business size, and any other relevant information. Responses shall be submitted no later than 2 p.m. EST, local time on Wednesday, January 6, 2010 to Belinda L. Toews, Contract Specialist, at email address: [email protected] or via fax to 703-432-3262. The Classification Code is 84-Clothing, Individual Equipment and Insignia. The Federal Supply Code is 8465-Individual Equipment. The NAICS Code is 423910-Skiing equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers. All questions regarding this notice should be addressed to Belinda L. Toews in writing by e-mail or fax ONLY. TELEPHONE CALLS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. THE SUBMISSION OF THIS INFORMATION IS FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT TO PROCURE ANY ITEMS/SERVICES, OR FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO PAY FOR THE INFORMATION RECEIVED. NO SOLICITATION DOCUMENT EXISTS. Point of ContactBelinda L. Toews, Contract Specialist, Phone (703) 432-3359, Fax (703) 432-3262, email: [email protected].

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