The U.S. Army Natick Soldier, Research, Development, and Engineering Center (NSRDEC) is conducting research on developmental materials for chemical-biological protective clothing systems with increased suitability for military tactical operations.
Current Level A suits are not optimized for use in military tactical environments especially due to their limited durability, noise, and excessively bulky designs. Increased durability and lower noise signature is necessary for increased protection, operational comfort, and mission performance.
The Army also identified flexibility and a degree of stretchiness as important characteristics for mission requirements.
Suppliers and developers are asked to submit statements on their ability to address these protective equipment concerns.
Certain users may be willing to accept a modestly reduced level of protection equivalent to OSHA/EPA Level B, in exchange for greater flexibility, comfort, and increased mission duration, so developmental materials with the potential to meet the requirements of this latter level are also of interest.
Further details are available via Solicitation Number: W911QY16XXX05. The response deadline is June 24, 2016.
