By Teresa Bouchonnet, Business Development Specialist, NCMBC
The annual Joint Advance Planning Brief to Industry (APBI) for textile businesses took place in Springfield, VA, 12 - 14 May 2009 with over 500 businesses, 20 different organizations and 1,000 individuals in attendance. This was a face-to-face informal opportunity for government and industry to exchange ideas regarding desires and projected demands for everything from parachutes to uniforms to towels to socks.
This annual event is not a trade show; rather, the Department of Defense (DoD) presents briefings so that industry will understand the future needs of the military. During the event, the Army, Marine Corps, Special Operations Forces, Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Air Force, and the Natick Soldier Research, Development & Engineering Center all gave presentations.
Last year, the focus was the desire for more FR Protection; this year the desire is to decrease the load the soldiers have to carry. DoD wants industry to decrease weight, decrease bulk, increase durability, increase comfort, and increase FR Protection.
With the shift to the war in Afghanistan, the requirements have changed to different types of items for mountaineering equipment, cold weather clothing, and a new style hiking boot. Special breakout sessions were held on 14 May for eyewear, parachutes, handwear, SOF Unique Hydration/Load Carrying Equipment, Army Unique (Army Stove, Mountaineering Equipment, FoF, MACK, RFI Gear) Requirements, Ballistic Helmets and Accessories, USMC Unique Footwear, Uniforms, and Cold Weather Clothing and Equipment. The government fielded questions about their future needs. During many sessions, textile businesses were able to offer suggestions, and meet with DoD representatives regarding different projects.
It is important for DSCP to know you are out there, and what type of products you produce. If you have a product that you feel would interest the military, you can prepare a White Paper or submit an Unsolicited Proposal by going to https://peosoldier.army.mil, and clicking on “Submit a Soldier Product Improvement Proposal” on the left side of the screen. Also, see the “Doing Business with Industry Guide Book” posted at http://nsrdec.natick.army.mil/business/index.htm.
This event was also an opportunity for different businesses to find teaming partners for future bids. The new Army Dress Uniform was worn with the new white shirt. The notices for these white shirts have recently been posted on www.fbo.gov. The new Air Force running suit was also worn. This should be in the field during FY 2010.
A special DoD Glove Industry Technical Committee Meeting was held to generate steps to resolve some of the current glove bid problems. A special committee was formed to create a size standard for gloves. To receive copies of the meeting notes, send an e-mail request to: kburns.maslyent@comcast.net.
Copies of the Power Points presentations from the sessions are posted at: www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/sites/pmice/industryinfo.asp under Joint APBI (13-14 May 09).
This is one of the most important events you can attend if you want to understand the government’s diverse textile needs. Watch around February 2010 for the announcement at www.fbo.gov for next year’s event, and sign up early since space is limited!
For more information about this event or if you have government textile questions, please contact Teresa Bouchonnet at bouchonnett@ncmbc.us.
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