Emergency Medical Services in Panama
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Medical Readiness Contracting Office - West (MRCO-W) is conducting market research via a Sources Sought notice for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Panama. This effort aims to identify capable small and large businesses for Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) services. The government is particularly interested in various small business categories, including 8(a), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOB), HUBZone, and Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) concerns. Responses are due by 10:00 CST on May 14, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
This Sources Sought notice is for market research only to determine the availability of responsible sources and to inform the best acquisition strategy for a new requirement. The services include providing BLS and ALS EMS in designated areas of Panama, specifically supporting the Jungle Operation Training Course- Panama (JOTC-P) and the Joint Security Cooperation Group- Panama (JSCG-P).
For JOTC-P, a dedicated ambulance will be required 24/7 for 21 days during ten annual courses at the Cristobal Colon Aeronaval Base, transporting patients to hospitals in Colon or Panama City (Panama Clinic for severe trauma). For JSCG-P, on-call ambulance services will be needed for personnel within the Panama Canal Zone (from Colon to Panama City), also transporting to Panamanian hospitals. The draft PWS indicates support for up to 200 personnel for JSCG-P.
Key Requirements
Contractors must provide ambulances, medical supplies, equipment (including communication systems and patient tracking), and medical liability insurance. Personnel must be bilingual (English/Spanish), certified/credentialed, and a medical director licensed in Panama is required. Compliance with Panamanian and U.S. safety and health standards, background checks, security clearances, and specific training (CTIP, OPSEC, iWATCH, Anti-Terrorism Level I, PII) are mandatory. Health and immunization requirements also apply.
Contract Details & Timeline
- Notice Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- NAICS Code: 621910, Ambulance Services (Size Standard: $22,500,000)
- Product Service Code: Q529, Emergency Medicine Services
- Place of Performance: Designated areas in Panama (Panama Canal Zone, Colon, Cristobal Colon Aeronaval Base, Panama City, Panama Pacifico, potentially Arraijan, Chorrera, Pacora).
- Period of Performance (anticipated): A 12-month base period with one 12-month option period. JOTC-P support to begin NLT June 12, 2026; JSCG-P support 10 days after contract award.
- Response Due: May 14, 2026, at 10:00 CST.
- Published: May 11, 2026.
Submission Requirements
Interested parties should email responses to Kevin Vijayan at kevin.vijayan.civ@health.mil. Submissions must include:
- Business size relative to NAICS 621910.
- Recommendation for an alternate NAICS code and rationale, if applicable.
- Company name, UEI, CAGE, and contact information.
- A technical capabilities statement.
Important Notes
This is solely for market research. Responses do not guarantee participation in future solicitations or contract awards, and the government will not reimburse any costs associated with preparing a response. A draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) is available as an attachment.