Opportunities

Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) is seeking information via conference calls with industry stakeholders in the cut-and-sew, automation, and manufacturing technology sectors to support the Department of Defense (DOD) clothing and textiles modernization, including the Joint Clothing & Textile Modernization Initiative (JCTMI). This RFI aims to gather insights, case studies, best practices, and resources to quantify the benefits of implementing design-for-commonality process changes in military combat clothing, such as the Advanced Combat Uniform (ACU), Flame Resistant ACU (FR-ACU), Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform (IHWCU), Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform (MCCUU), and Navy Working Uniform Type 3 (NWU III). Beyond single-garment analyses, the RFI is designed to roll up comparable feature-level metrics (e.g., pocket construction, cuff width, closure type) into a holistic DOD view of potential commonality. This will allow the Government to assess alternatives consistently, using a quantified methodology across Services, thus reducing production costs, enhancing automation opportunities, and streamlining manufacturing processes through standardized design features and materials.

Key Opportunity: Responses to this RFI will inform the selection of 2-3 garments for physical prototyping, with potential contract R&D opportunities for industry partners to collaborate with AFFOA in manufacturing and testing prototypes to validate cost savings and manufacturing efficiency improvements.

Please refer to this document for further information:
http://affoa.org/wp-content/uploads/AFFOA_DFM_RFI_Sept2025.pdf

Response Deadline: 11.19.2025

• Topic #: design-for-commonality, military combat clothing
• Technology Areas: Military Apparel
• Link:

Are you working on groundbreaking diagnostics or medical device countermeasures that address public health? I-CREATE is part of a global network of accelerator hubs that provide product development funding, accelerator services, and access to expertise for innovators developing health security solutions.

Startups and university-backed projects worldwide can apply for non-dilutive funding ranging from $50K to $200K. This funding supports the development, evaluation, or validation of innovative solutions aligned with BARDA’s mission to enhance pandemic preparedness and health security. I-CREATE is seeking proposals for the development of innovative diagnostic and medical device innovations, in alignment with BARDA’s mission to promote health security. Innovators are invited to submit proposals for funding to allow:

• Demonstration of proof-of-concept for a BARDA-relevant use case for an existing platform technology
• Demonstration of proof-of-concept for “high-risk” breakthrough technologies
• Advancement of technologies currently in development to the next value inflection point

Learn more and apply here: https://www.universitylabpartners.org/i-create-solicitation

Response Deadline: 09.30.2025

• Topic #: Medicial Devices
• Technology Areas: Medical
• Link: