US Army uniform moves forward, page-70

This is becoming a bit like Groundhog Day, only worse…

Opens: January 8, 2018 – Closes: February 7, 2018

TITLE: Application of a Low-Cost, Flame-Resistant treatment to the Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform that Provides Durable, Flame-Resistant Properties

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials/Processes

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MCCUU, FROG Tropical Clothing, MC uniforms

OBJECTIVE: Develop a low-cost and durable flame-resistant (FR) treatment for the Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform (MCCUU).

……The targeted cost increase for this technology should be less than 5% of the current MCCUU (objective) and less than 10% of the current MCCUU (threshold) cost.  The current MCCUU cost is approximately $80 per set (blouse and trouser).  Preference will be given to technologies that can be applied to the MCCUU, although, the Marine Corps may consider other technical options (e.g., treating NYCO fabrics).  Applying FR treatment to the MCCUU would enable treatment of existing MCCUU’s…..

….If the added cost to incorporate this technology is minimal, the Marine Corps could potentially eliminate a uniform variant and issue one uniform: an FR MCCUU, instead of two uniforms: an FR and non-FR uniform (i.e., MCCUU).  With approximately 180,000 active duty Marines and additional Reserve Marines, the market size is significant, since Marines need to constantly replace their worn MCCUU’s…..

http://www.navysbir.com/n18_1/N181-004.htm

If I’m reading this correctly, the Marines prefer the FR treatment to be applied to the finished uniform, rather than to the pre-cut and sewn fabric.

What’s more, they don’t seem to want to pay more than $8 (or is that $4) per uniform. According to Petra, there’s 4 yards of fabric in each MCCUU. So that would be $2 (or is that $1) per yard for FR treatment. When, according to Petra, Alexium FR cost per yard is $13.....