# Domestic Sources for Zero-Porosity, High-Performance Coated Parachute Cloth Canonical: https://abierto.us/opportunities/sciesoarcoatzeroporosityrfi - Solicitation number: SCIE_SOAR-COAT_Zero-Porosity_RFI - Notice type: Sources sought - Status: Closed. Deadline was May 12, 2026 at 5:00 PM EDT - Department: Department of the Army - Agency: Department of the Army - Contracting office: W6QK ACC-APG (W91CRB) - NAICS: 313320 Fabric Coating Mills - Product or service code: 1670 Parachutes; Aerial Pick Up, Delivery, Recovery Systems; Cargo Tie Down Equipment - Place of performance: Natick, Massachusetts - County: Middlesex County (FIPS 25017). https://abierto.us/counties/middlesex-county-ma-25017 - City: Natick. https://abierto.us/cities/natick-ma-2501743895 - First posted: April 28, 2026 - Last posted: April 28, 2026 - SAM.gov: https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/4300af0dcb5d4438bb98b9df158422ce/view ## Description 1.0 INTRODUCTION The U.S. Army, on behalf of the Program Manager for Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment (PdM-SCIE), is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to conduct market research. The Government is seeking to identify domestic manufacturers capable of producing a Berry Amendment-compliant (10 U.S.C. 2533a) parachute cloth that is functionally equivalent to the material specified in U.S. Army Source Control Drawing 11-1-9306. 2.0 BACKGROUND The specified parachute cloth is a critical component for the production of ram-air parachute systems (e.g., RA-1 Canopies) supporting U.S. Army operations. The established domestic supply chain for the legacy proprietary coated material (historically known as SOAR-COAT® Formulation 9120 R3(228)) has been disrupted due to the loss of a key domestic coating capability. The Government is seeking to identify and qualify new domestic sources to ensure supply chain continuity and industrial base resilience. 3.0 TECHNICAL SUMMARY The Government requires a high-performance, zero-porosity, silicone-coated ripstop fabric. The base fabric must conform to PIA-C-44378, Type IV. The finished cloth must meet all physical, performance, and visual defect requirements outlined in Source Control Drawing 11-1-9306, including, but not limited to: Zero air permeability (0 CFM maximum per ASTM D737) Specific breaking, tear, and elongation strengths A proprietary-equivalent high-performance silicone formulation applied equally to both sides Strict tolerances for visual defects (e.g., pinholes, blisters, coating streaks, blocking) **Note:** The full technical requirements are detailed in the attached RFI document and Source Control Drawing 11-1-9306. 4.0 REQUESTED INFORMATION Interested parties are requested to submit a Capabilities Statement outlining their technical expertise, production capability, and quality control processes necessary to manufacture this material. Specifically, respondents should address: Company profile, CAGE code, and socioeconomic status. Confirmation of domestic manufacturing capabilities compliant with the Berry Amendment. Current availability of a Berry Amendment-compliant (10 U.S.C. 2533a) parachute cloth that is functionally equivalent to the material specified in 11-1-9306. Technical approach to developing/applying a functionally equivalent zero-porosity silicone coating. Estimated timelines for formulation development, sample production, testing, and full production readiness. Relevant past performance in manufacturing and coating technical textiles for military or aerospace applications. 5.0 SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS Responses must be submitted electronically via email to jeffrey.m.campbell18.civ@army.mil no later than 1700 EDT on May 12, 2026. Responses shall provide a courtesy copy to the Contracting Officer and Contracting Specialist points of contact included below. Please include "RFI Response: Zero-Porosity Parachute Cloth - [Company Name]" in the subject line. Submissions should not exceed 10 pages. 6.0 DISCLAIMER This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes—it does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. This request for information does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. The Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI; all costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the interested party’s expense. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued. CONTACT INFORMATION Contracting Office Address Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground, Division D 6515 Integrity Court Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5001 Contracting Officer Alexander Obriwin, alexander.s.obriwin.civ@army.mil Phone: (520) 671-3072 Contracting Specialist Christine Chase, christine.n.chase2.civ@army.mil Phone: (520) 671-2585 ## Publications - April 28, 2026: Sources sought, due May 12, 2026 at 5:00 PM EDT. Notice 4300af0dcb5d4438bb98b9df158422ce. https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/4300af0dcb5d4438bb98b9df158422ce/view ## Points of contact - Jeffrey Campbell, jeffrey.m.campbell18.civ@army.mil --- Source: SAM.gov Contract Opportunities bulk extract. Confirm deadlines on SAM.gov before responding. Cite https://abierto.us/opportunities/sciesoarcoatzeroporosityrfi.