Positive Pressure Suits
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 National Institutes of Health (NIH) is conducting a Sources Sought to identify qualified Total Small Business sources capable of providing bio-safety level 4 (BSL-4) positive pressure suits. This market research aims to gather information on the availability and capability of small businesses. Responses are due by Friday, May 8, 2026, at 1:00 PM EST.
Scope of Work
NIH requires BSL-4 positive pressure suits for researchers in high containment laboratories, necessitating periodic replacement due to wear from chemical showers and daily use. Key requirements for the suits include:
- Material: Must be resistant to daily quaternary virucidal chemical showers.
- Filtration: Each suit must include an in-line HEPA filtration system that connects to a facility-provided breathing air system via standard Parker quick connections.
- Air Delivery: Must use air provided at 60 PSI and utilize an internal suit air distribution system to deliver 25 cfm, which is HEPA filter exhausted.
- Design: Air hose hook-up shall be on the right side; all seams must be air and watertight; the suit’s feet must be stocking type that will fit into a shoe or boot.
- Communication: Noise level inside the suit must be below the OSHA standard (90 decibels PEL) to allow clear communication over radio or phone by the user.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- NAICS: 315990 (500 employees size standard)
- Response Due: May 8, 2026, 1:00 PM EST
- Published: April 23, 2026
Evaluation
This notice is for market research purposes to obtain information regarding the availability and capability of qualified small business sources, including HUBZone, service-disabled veteran-owned, 8(a), veteran-owned, woman-owned, or small disadvantaged businesses. Responses will inform future acquisition strategies.
Additional Notes
This is not a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. Only organizations considered a small business under NAICS 315990 should submit a response. Capability statements must demonstrate the ability to provide positive protection suits that meet the minimum requirements listed and must indicate the business size. Submit responses in writing by email to Tonia Alexander (tonia.alexander@nih.gov), with the subject line referencing SS-75N98026Q00250.