The Indian Army is in the process of Product Improvement of Overall Combination in Disruptive Pattern Uniform that has life of 18 months authorized to different Arms & Services of Indian Army, and has issued a RFI for the same.
The item needs improvement to align itself with current functional requirements of Indian Army.
Further, this RFI endeavors to envisage vendor participation for selection of product by way of user trials.
The broad qualitative requirements for the product (Disruptive Pattern Uniform) are as under:-
(a) Colour. Digital Camouflage Print.
(b) Fabric. Fabric to be conducive for existing varied weather conditions in Indian Subcontinent and in synchronization with vast improvements in field of textiles & should preferably have following properties:-
(i) Comfort & Breathability. The fabric must be light weight with good comfort & breathability factor.
(ii) Strength. The fabric to have adequate bursting strength to cope up with rugged usage in harsh conditions.
(iii) Wash Fastness. The fabric to have good wash & colour fastness.-
(iv) Material & Texture. As per functional necessity, best composition of cotton, polyester & other associated fabrics along with technical textiles to be explored. Following are required:-
(aa) Buttons. Buttons embossed with ‘Indian Army’ in Olive Green Colour which are flexible and Heat Resistant.
(ab) Zipper. Best trade quality.
(ac) Sewing Threads. Sewing Thread Spun Polyester OG or similar of best trade quality.
(ad) Velcro. Best Trade Quality.
(v) Usage in Diverse Climatic Conditions. Should cater for a detachable inner/outer secured with zip to add-on a detachable layer to increase the effectiveness during extreme winters.
(vi) Fire Resistant. Since individuals wearing Overall Combination are exposed to conditions that can ignite fire, fabrics having Fire resistant properties to be explored without compromising on breathability aspects.
(c) Design. The design to incorporate the following:-
(i) Ease of Operability. Design should cater for free movement of limbs, arms and should not be restrictive during maintenance work.
(ii) Reinforcement. Reinforcement through double patches for rugged use at elbow, knee and shoulders be incorporated in the new design.
Noteworthy, a meeting is scheduled on 01 Sep 2023 at 1100 hrs to discuss the design & fabric parameters and work out the modalities for progressing further.
The forum of vendor interaction will be utilized to highlight issues regarding clarification on the aspects incorporated/missed out in broad qualitative requirements, if any.
Also, interested vendors will be asked to provide 10 samples as per the broad qualitative requirements on “No Cost No Commitment (NCNC)” basis for user trials.
The dates and timelines for submitting samples will be clarified during the vendor interaction, however, the trials are tentatively planned to commence from Oct 2023-Jan 2024.
It is to be noted that the parameters for the Disruptive Pattern Uniform, highlighted above are broad guidelines and changes required, if any, will be incorporated in consultation with QA/QC agency during the vendor interaction.
The last date of confirmation for participation in the vendor interaction is 25 Aug 2023.
