RFI for Vendor-Managed Inventory (VMI) for Pandemic Response Program
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 Defense Health Agency (DHA) is conducting market research through a Request for Information (RFI) to identify industry capabilities for providing full lifecycle Vendor-Managed Inventory (VMI) support for its Pandemic Program Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), starting with N95 respirators. This RFI aims to gather information for developing a comprehensive strategy for potential future procurements. Responses are due July 17, 2026, by 5:00 PM EDT.
Purpose
The DHA seeks to understand industry's capacity to manage Government-Owned Material (GOM) for critical medical supplies. This market research will inform future procurement strategies for VMI services, potentially expanding beyond N95 respirators to include surgical masks, gloves, disposable gowns, and antibiotics/pharmaceuticals.
Scope of Interest
The potential VMI services would involve managing up to 9,000,000 N95 respirators, ensuring NIOSH certification, and covering the full lifecycle from procurement to distribution. Key responsibilities include:
- Inventory Management: Storage, distribution, replenishment, and shelf-life monitoring of GOM.
- Storage: Providing secure, environmentally controlled facilities.
- Product Freshness: Maintaining a minimum of 12-24 months shelf life remaining and demonstrating stock rotation.
- Logistics & Responsiveness: Managing surge capacity, maintaining a 20% safety stock, and ensuring timely packaging and shipping (24-72 hours).
- Reporting & Compliance: Providing monthly inventory and shipping reports, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations (FDA, OSHA, DOT).
- Supply Chain: Sourcing materials from Trade Agreement Act (TAA) compliant countries and assessing supply chain risks.
Information Requested
Respondents should provide details on:
- Corporate Experience: VMI program experience, warehouse network, GOM management, and proposed business/fee structures.
- Technical/Operational Capabilities: Inventory management systems, regulatory compliance, product recall processes, and end-of-contract inventory disposition.
- Modernization & AI: Potential uses of AI/ML for demand forecasting, inventory optimization, supply chain resiliency, automated reporting, and logistics.
- Supply Chain & Risk Management: Processes for ensuring TAA compliance and mitigating supply chain risks.
- General Information: Obstacles faced in similar procurements and recommendations for future RFPs.
Submission Details
- Response Due: July 17, 2026, 5:00 PM EDT.
- Submission Method: Electronically to jared.d.acre.civ@health.mil and patrick.m.younkins.civ@health.mil.
- Subject Line: "RFI Response: VMI for Pandemic Response Program".
- Format: Address questions in the order presented; marketing materials are not requested.
Important Notes
This is strictly an RFI for market research and planning purposes; it is NOT a solicitation for proposals or quotations. No contract will be awarded based on this RFI, and the Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred. Proprietary information will be shared only with DHA personnel for market research.