How to respond to DLA’s Leather, Sheepskin, Hair Type market research

What DLA is researching

The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support Clothing & Textiles Directorate is researching U.S. sources that can manufacture leather, sheepskin, hair type. The material is used in clothing and equipment components, including helmet retention systems.

This is a Sources Sought notice for market research, not a request for proposals or a promise of future business. DLA wants to understand domestic production capabilities, capacity, limitations, material availability, lead times, and country of origin.

Deadline and what happens next

Responses are due October 31, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET. Send your information by that deadline to both named DLA contacts.

DLA may conduct additional market research before posting a solicitation. It will not pay for responses or the cost of preparing them.

Who this opportunity suits

This notice is relevant to U.S.-based manufacturers and other companies that can supply or support leather, sheepskin, hair type and can describe domestic manufacturing capabilities. The listed NAICS code is 315990, Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing.

The notice asks respondents to identify whether they are a supplier, distributor, contractor, or another type of provider. It also asks for company size and profile, CAGE code, and the country associated with the CAGE or NCAGE.

How to prepare and send a response

Use the opportunity notice ID “Sources Sought Leather, Sheepskin, Hair Type” when requesting technical package requirements. The notice recommends reviewing technical documents for items you can support before deciding whether to request specifications. In the request’s Special Instructions, enter “URGENT – MARKET RESEARCH – EXPEDITE.”

To open the opportunity through the portal, click “View original source.” If the first click opens the portal homepage, click it again to go to the notice. A free account may be needed to view documents.

Email your response by the deadline to Ryan Reynolds, Contract Specialist, and Michelle Falkowski, Contracting Officer. Include your company name, CAGE code, company size and profile, supporting information, and answers to the notice’s questions for each item you may supply or support.

Make your response specific and useful

Answer each of the 12 questions directly. Give clear figures for minimum quantities, monthly capacity, yards per week, economically producible quantities, available operating capacity, and production lead time. If a figure depends on assumptions, state them.

Describe raw-material availability and supply constraints plainly, including major components, critical materials, lead-time issues, suppliers, and local labor availability. Identify the material’s country of origin and your company’s role in supplying it.

Keep proprietary information clearly marked. Before sending, check that both recipients are included and that your response addresses domestic manufacturing capability and the specific items you can support.