RFI for Vendor-Managed Inventory (VMI) for Pandemic Response Program

The Defense Health Agency is conducting market research through a Request for Information to evaluate industry capabilities in providing full lifecycle vendor-managed inventory support for the Pandemic Program’s Personal Protective Equipment, beginning with up to 9,000,000 N95 respirators. This initiative aims to gather insights on the private sector’s ability to manage end-to-end inventory operations including procurement, storage, distribution, replenishment, shelf-life monitoring, and monthly reporting, with future expansion anticipated to include surgical masks, gloves, disposable gowns, and pharmaceuticals. All materials must meet NIOSH approval under 42 CFR Part 84, comply with the Trade Agreement Act by sourcing from approved countries, and adhere to regulatory standards from the FDA, OSHA, and DOT for handling and transport. The agency requires vendors to demonstrate capacity for rapid response, with CONUS deliveries expected within 72 hours and OCONUS material deliverable to the Medical Air Bridge within the same timeframe, followed by completion of international delivery within 10–14 days. A detailed end-of-contract drawdown plan must be included, outlining options such as buy-back, credit, or transfer to a follow-on contract, along with annual supply chain risk assessments. This is strictly an RFI for planning purposes only—no contract will be awarded, no payments will be made for responder costs, and all submissions become Government property. Responses must be submitted electronically by July 17, 2026, to designated POCs with the required subject line, though no format is prescribed. Information marked as proprietary will be restricted to DHA personnel only, while unmarked content may be used for any lawful purpose. The solicitation number is HT9427RFI26VMI, issued by the Department of Defense under NAICS code 423450, with performance based in Fort Detrick, Maryland.