Ann: Appendix 4C - quarterly, page-33

Going by the photo of a soldier in the snow on p. 5 of the report, I’d hazard a guess that the new opportunities in military referred to on p. 8 are in cold weather uniforms.

In late 2016 Natick announced a 3 year effort, to be conducted between 2017 and 2019, to improve performance of cold weather clothing.

In October last year it was announced that Mission Ready had been awarded a contract to produce next generation cold weather gear prototypes for the US Army based upon Government furnished designs under solicitation number W911QY-17-R-0041. The single fixed price contract was for the production of trial quantities of an experimental cold weather jacket and trouser in 6 sizes to be received by December 1, 2017 for a winter 2017-2018 limited field user evaluation.

In November, the Defence Logistics Agency released further details on its CTAPS (Cold Temperature and Arctic Protective System) requirements. The stated aim was to develop a cold weather clothing system with relevant flame protective capability, enhanced environmental protection in the form of moisture management and thermal regulation, reduced weight and bulk, and increased integration with PPE and load bearing equipment to sustain operation effectiveness from -65°F to +45°F.

Materials of interest were to also have improved water resistance and/or waterproof, wind resistance of shell materials.

The final ensemble needed to be Berry Compliant and the FR protection level and layer was TBD.

Defence Logistics also noted an “upcoming opportunity” to supply new Fire Retardant Fleece to be worn aboard ship by certain Navy personnel. Desired availability is by 1 January 2019.