How to respond to the Army’s Multifunctional Soldier Textile RFI

What the Army is looking for

The Army’s DEVCOM Soldier Center and Product Manager for Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment want information and sample materials for fibers, yarns, fabrics, coatings and finishes that could improve soldier protection and comfort. The strongest interest is in PFAS-free materials that combine at least two functions, such as moisture management with vector protection or repellency with flame resistance.

Areas of interest include moisture management, thermal protection and barriers, water, ice and chemical repellency, vector protection, and flame resistance. The Army is interested in both mature solutions that could be validated for near-term use and early-stage concepts for future uniforms.

Key date and what the deadline means

Responses are due December 23, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. EST. Send them electronically to the two Army contacts named in the announcement.

This is a request for information, not a formal request for proposals. It is for information gathering and planning and will not directly lead to a contract award.

Who this opportunity suits

This RFI may suit textile suppliers and developers of fibers, yarns, fabrics, coatings or finishes with relevant material performance information or samples. The Army is interested in solutions for dismounted soldiers facing changing temperatures, exertion, moisture and operational conditions.

Both near-term products and far-term research concepts are relevant. The announcement also welcomes early-stage, single-function materials when the respondent explains how they could be integrated with other materials to create a multifunctional product.

How to access the opportunity and respond

To reach the opportunity through the portal, click “View original source.” If the first click opens the portal homepage, click it again to go to the bid. A free account may be needed to view documents, though many bids do not require one.

Submit your response electronically to [email protected] and [email protected] by the stated deadline. Follow the announcement’s submission instructions and include information about your material and its relevant functions.

Practical preparation tips

Describe the material’s functions clearly and explain how they work together. If it is a single-function, early-stage concept, explain its potential integration with other materials, such as through coatings, fiber blends or layered systems.

State whether your approach is near-term or exploratory and provide supporting performance information. For near-term solutions, address durability after laundering and abrasion where relevant. For vector protection, the Army specifically seeks evidence of laundering durability and maintained air permeability and vapor transmission; for flame resistance, address the criteria stated in the announcement.

Make clear that the approach is PFAS-free. If you provide samples, connect each sample to the functions and performance information described in your response.