Bid guide
How to bid on Advanced Tactical Parachute System (ATPS) Lightweight Canopy Fabric for DEPT of Defense
What the Army is buying and why it matters
The Department of Defense is conducting market research for advanced, lightweight parachute canopy materials. Specifically, the Army's Personnel Airdrop Systems team is looking for a replacement for the PIA-C-44378 Type IV fabric currently used in the T-11R reserve canopy.
The goal is to reduce the overall weight and packed volume of the reserve canopy system. This is important for enhancing jumper mobility, improving aircraft egress efficiency, and increasing overall mission effectiveness for soldiers. This is an opportunity for manufacturers to propose innovative fabric solutions that meet critical military performance standards.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This Request for Information (RFI) was published on September 08, 2026. Responses are due by email no later than September 29, 2026. The official deadline is October 06, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET.
It is crucial to submit your response by the September 29, 2026 email deadline. This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not guarantee a future Request for Proposal (RFP) or contract award. The Army will use the information gathered to inform future procurement decisions for the Advanced Tactical Parachute System (ATPS) Design Optimization effort.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for textile product mills and manufacturers specializing in advanced materials, particularly those with expertise in high-performance fabrics for aerospace, defense, or similar applications. Firms that can provide lightweight, durable, and strong parachute canopy materials are encouraged to respond.
The relevant category for this RFI is equipment, and the NAICS code specified is 314999 (All Other Miscellaneous Textile Product Mills). Companies with existing or developmental fabrics that can reduce weight and packed volume while maintaining or improving performance characteristics compared to current military standards should consider responding.
How to respond to this RFI
Responses should be submitted in PDF or DOCX format and must not exceed ten pages, excluding cover pages and test data appendices. Your submission must include your company name, CAGE code, point of contact, a statement regarding the Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) and Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of your proposed fabric, and your business size under NAICS code 314999.
Email your response to Mr. Eric Louglin at [email protected], Mr. Tashfiq Salam at [email protected], and Mr. Mark Whiteman at [email protected]. Remember to provide a courtesy copy to the Contracting Officer and Contracting Specialist points of contact listed in the original solicitation.
Tips for preparing a competitive response
Focus on clearly detailing how your proposed fabric directly addresses the primary objective of lower weight and bulk, while ensuring seamless compatibility with the T-11R canopy assembly. Provide specific comparative data against the PIA-C-44378 Type IV baseline for tear strength, tensile strength, air permeability, abrasion resistance, deployment shock-loading, relative weight, and pack volume reduction.
Highlight your industrial capability, including current or planned domestic availability in compliance with Berry Amendment and Buy America Act, manufacturing volume, and projected timeframe for full rate production. Include current and projected cost estimates for 1,500 linear yards of fabric. If your material is PFAS-free, provide additional information on performance and manufacturing impacts. Ensure your response is concise and adheres strictly to the ten-page limit.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from DEPT of the Army; the original posting controls.