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). The initial focus is on N95 respirators, with an anticipated expansion to include other critical medical supplies. This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. Responses are due by July 17, 2026, at 5:00 PM EDT.
Scope of Work
The DHA seeks VMI services for Government-Owned Material (GOM), including up to 9,000,000 N95 respirators. Key responsibilities for a potential contractor would encompass:
- Ensuring NIOSH certification for N95 respirators.
- Full lifecycle management: procurement, inventory, storage, distribution, replenishment, and shelf-life monitoring.
- Providing secure, environmentally controlled storage.
- Maintaining material freshness with a minimum of 12-24 months shelf life remaining.
- Demonstrating stock rotation capability using commercial sales data.
- Managing surge capacity, maintaining a 20% safety stock, and ensuring timely packaging and shipping (24-72 hours).
- Providing monthly inventory and shipping reports.
- Ensuring compliance with federal regulations (FDA, OSHA, DOT, etc.).
- 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 strategies.
- 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.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought
- Set-Aside: None (market research stage)
- Response Due: July 17, 2026, 5:00 PM EDT
- Published: June 10, 2026
Important Notes
This RFI is for informational and planning purposes only; it is not a solicitation for proposals. No contract will be awarded based on this RFI, and the Government will not pay for any response costs. Proprietary information will be shared only with DHA personnel for market research.