1. Purpose
The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is conducting market research to identify qualified sources for the design and manufacture of Cold Weather Contact Gloves. These gloves must be Made in America and capable of preventing cold weather injuries while supporting high dexterity tasks in cold environments.
2. Product Requirements
The gloves must meet the following performance and compliance criteria:
- Thermal Protection: Suitable for cold environments; minimum CLO rating of 0.65
- Dexterity: Capable of supporting fine motor tasks
- Capacitive Touch: Must support touchscreen use
- Flame Resistance: Shall not melt or drip when exposed to heat or flame
- Durability: High resistance to abrasion, tearing, and puncture
3. Applicable Test Methods
Vendors should be familiar with and capable of meeting the following ASTM and industry standards:
4. Requested Information
Interested vendors are encouraged to submit the following:
Company Information
- Company name, address, and primary contact(s) with email and phone
- Business size (small/large) per SBA standards
- Special designations (e.g., 8(a), AbilityOne), CAGE and DUNS numbers
Product Information
- Product description and images
- Available sizes
- Commercial part numbers and pricing
- Complete Bill of Materials
- Production lead times for 50 and 200 pairs
- Capacitive touch capability
- CLO rating and measurement method
- American made status:
- Is current production in America?
- If not, can it be made compliant?
- What changes are needed and how long will it take?
5. Submission Instructions:
Responses should be submitted electronically in PDF format to:
Monika Masei
Chief, Procurement Branch
Monika.masei@usda.gov
(301) 525-1428
Subject shall state: ATTN: Cold Weather Glove RFI
Deadline: 20 October 2025, 5:00PM EST
6. Disclaimer
This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. FAR 52.215-3 applies. The government may use responses to develop an acquisition strategy or future solicitation.
