2025-R-035 Bidder Question Responses (Round 2)_5.28.25.xlsx

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Emergency Supply Kits
Solicitation number
2025-R-035
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About this file

This document is a comprehensive set of bidder question responses for Request for Quotation (RFQ) 2025-R-035 for Emergency Supply Kits issued by the United States Senate's Sergeant at Arms (SAA). The SAA seeks to procure up to 850 emergency supply kits in the initial purchase period, with potential for an additional 250 kits in subsequent option years. The kits must include specific items such as a sling bag backpack, bleeding control kit, multi-charger cell phone cable, LED multipurpose flashlight, emergency ration bars, and various other emergency preparedness components.

Key procurement details include a submission deadline of May 26, 2025 at 12:00 PM ET, with quotes to be emailed to Acquisitions@saa.senate.gov. The solicitation is being conducted under full and open competition, not set aside for small businesses. Vendors must provide product images with their submission and meet specific requirements for each kit component, such as a 20L capacity sling bag, alkaline batteries, and a bleeding control kit with specific items like a Combat Application Tourniquet. Post-award, the winning vendor will be required to provide sample kits and work with the SAA to develop final artwork for the kit's branding.

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Table 1

Question NumberQuestionResponse
1To confirm, will these kits be ordered on an as-needed basis, rather than all at once based on the "estimated quantity"? We want to clarify this to accurately account for shipping costs.The SAA estimates ordering up to 850 in the initial purchase period, with the option to purchase up to 250 during option years one thru four.
2Have these kits been purchased before? If so, do you have historical pricing and quantities/order history available for reference?No, these kits have not been purchased before.
3Line 18 mentions a bleeding control kit. As the contents of such kits can vary significantly, could you provide a breakdown of the items you'd like included?Bleeding Control Kit must include the following:

1) Combat Application Tourniquet (C-A-T) or similar windlass CotCCC approved Tourniquet

2) Compressed gauze

3) Pressure bandage

4) 'Quik Clot'-style bandage

5) Examination Gloves

6) Cloth shears

7) Mini Sharpe-style pen.

4Line 18, the specification calls for a CAT tourniquet. While CAT is a trademark of North American Rescue, the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (CoTCCC) approves several models that meet the same operational standards, such as the SOF-T. Would alternate CoTCCC-approved tourniquets be acceptable?Yes, as long as it is windlass-style.
5Lines 23 & 24 reference a phone charging cable and USB hub. Since power outages are likely in emergency scenarios, would you be open to upgrading the LED Multipurpose flashlight (Line 19) to a model with USB phone charging capabilities instead?The SAA would not be open to a model with USB phone charging capabilities.
6We carry a different variety of emergency kits. Can you tell me more on what type of kit you are looking for? For example: We have a 1 Person 3 Day Emergency Kit, 2 Person 3 Day Emergency Kit, 4 Person 3 Day Emergency Kit, Shelter In Place Kit, 1 Person Deluxe Replenishment Bundle.Please review RFQ ESK items and pricing table for required contents.
7Requesting the itemized list of contents for the "bleeding control kit with C.A.T. Tourniquet" as referenced in the bid specifications.Please refer to the response provided for Question 3.
8I noticed this is out to bid again, due 5/26. Have the terms changed/do we need to resubmit?Yes, you will need to resubmit.

The following update has been made to the solicitation requirements; The Vendor shall provide a representative product image for each item proposed in its submission. Additionally, the specifications for Requirement 1 and Requirement 24 have been revised.

9As a certified Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and a most capable supplier of Emergency Supply Kitting to the Federal Government is respectfully inquiring if this solicitation is set-aside for small business or full and open competition.
This opportunity is being solicited under a full and open competition.
10Wanted to get clarity on the Safety kit requested in the solicitation request. Each kit would contain the 26 line items listed in the excel price sheet?Yes, that is correct. Requirements 2 through 26 must fit inside the Sling Bag Backpack found on Requirement 1.
11Can you please advise if the offeror is required to provide a current statement from the OEM confirming authorization to sell the product to the U.S. Federal Government, or does the previous exemption still apply?The previous exemption still applies.
12Our kits are assembled in the U.S., but can components be sourced from any country, or do they need to be TAA-compliant?This opportunity is exempt from TAA-compliance.
13Please provide a copy of the artwork that is required to be embroidered on the bag.The artwork is not available. The SAA will work directly with the awardee to develop and finalize the required artwork prior to production as part of the post-award coordination process.
14Embroidery: required or will a silkscreen imprint be acceptable?Silkscreen imprint is acceptable.
15Batteries: heavy duty or alkaline?The SAA requires Alkaline batteries.
16Duct Tape: what length (i.e. 5 yards)The SAA requires a minimum of three yards in length and about three inches in width.
17Huck style Towel: what size and color (i.e. Blue, 14x25)?The SAA requires the size to be comparable to 24”L X 16”W, color preference is white.
18Bleeding Control Kit: what other items did you want in this kit besides the CAT tourniquet?Please refer to the response provided for Question 3.
19USB Charging Base: how is this unit powered (i.e. Plug into wall or battery)?The SAA requires the charging base to contain an external electrical cord and/or cable to supply power.
20Multi Charger Cell Phone Cable: which cell phones (i.e. USB-C, micro, and lightning)?The SAA requires a multi charger cell phone cable that includes Micro USB, USB-C, and Lightning connectors.
21Will all 850 kits in the base year and/or 250 kits in subsequent years be ordered at the same time or throughout the year?Please refer to the response provided for Question 1.
22Is it possible to get more information on the L-Sling Bag Backpack? - May we have the brand name and the model number?Brand name and model numbers are not applicable as we are not tied to any specific brands.
23Bleeding Control Kit: Would you happen to have the list of contents?Please refer to the response provided for Question 3.
24Embroidery: Would a Velcro Tape Plate for ID customization be acceptable Artwork?Velcro Tape Plate is not acceptable.
25Multi-Charger cell phone cable: How many phones do you need at once? Is the requirement for Apple Phone charging only?Please refer to the response provided for Question 20.
26USB Charger: The Requirement is for a base station, not a wall charger block?The SAA requires a charger equipped with an external power cord.
27In regards to OEM requirements, the items listed are all generic items from different distributors. Is there any specific brand requirements?No. Please refer to the response provided for Question 22.
28Regarding the sling bag for the kit, is there a manufacturer part number available for the requested item?No. Please refer to the response provided for Question 22.
29The listed dimensions of the bag (9” x 13” x 7”) suggest a capacity of around 13L, which doesn't align with the stated 20L capacity in the description. Would it be better to look for a bag that more accurately matches a true 20L capacity?The bag must be large enough to hold the equipment with a sling strap, with minimum dimensions of 9” x 13” x 7” provided as a reference. Requirements 2 through 26 must fit inside the Sling Bag Backpack.
30Is it acceptable to provide a screen-printed bag, or is embroidery required?Screen-printed is acceptable. Please refer to the response provided for Question 14.
31Will a sample kit be required?The awardee will be required to provide samples in advance of fulfilling orders for the SAA.
32Since we are the OEM of the complete kit, is it necessary to obtain individual letters or statements from each OEM, OEM-authorized distributor, or OEM-authorized distribution channel for every component included in the Emergency Supply Kit?No. Please refer to the response provided for Question 11.
33What is defined as an OEM authorized distribution channel?OEM authorized distributor requirements are not applicable. Please refer to the response provided for Question 11.
34How will orders be placed? Can we expect one large order of kits/supplies annually, quarterly, or will we receive several smaller orders over the course of a year?Please refer to the response provided for Question 1.
35Would we still be considered for award if we implement minimum order quantities on individual ESK items in order to cover shipping costs?The SAA will evaluate all offers/proposals/submissions.
36Under “Minimum Requirements,” item 18 “One (1) bleeding control kit,” what components are required for this kit? (See examples below.)
a.Basic Kit:
i.(1) Fold-out Product Instructions

(2) Pair Nitrile Gloves (Latex Free)

(1) Emergency Scissors

(1) Tourniquet (SWAT-T®, CAT®, SOF®, SAM XT® or RMT®)

(1) Compressed Gauze, 4.5" x 4.1 yd

(1) Trauma Dressing, 6"

(1) Emergency Survival Blanket

(1) Permanent Marker

b.Intermediate Kit:
i.(1) Fold-out Product Instructions

(2) Pair Nitrile Gloves (Latex Free)

(1) Emergency Scissors

(1) Tourniquet (SWAT-T®, CAT®, SOF®, SAM XT® or RMT®)

(1) QuikClot OTC Hemostatic Dressing, 3" x 4'

(1) Compressed Gauze, 4.5" x 4.1 yd

(1) Trauma Dressing, 6"

(1) Emergency Survival Blanket

(1) Permanent Marker

c.Advanced Kit:
i.(1) Fold-out Product Instructions

(2) Pair Nitrile Gloves (Latex Free)

(1) Emergency Scissors

(1) Tourniquet (SWAT-T®, CAT®, SOF®, SAM XT® or RMT®)

(1) QuikClot OTC Hemostatic Dressing, 3" x 4'

(1) Compressed Gauze, 4.5" x 4.1 yd

(1) Trauma Dressing, 6"

(1) HyFin Vent Chest Seal Twin Pack (2 Seals)

(1) Emergency Survival Blanket

(1) Permanent MarkerOur requirements closely resemble the 'Intermediate' Kit
37What constitutes a multipurpose LED flashlight?A flashlight with LED bulb which provided steady light with an option for flashing mode.
38What constitutes a compact multitool? Swiss army type or more like a tool?A small 'Swiss Army' or 'Leatherman'-style multitool. Kinife blade cannot be longer that two and one/half inches.
39Do you want everything packed in a stuff sack or is this another item for inside the kit?All items must fit inside the Sling Bag Backpack. Please refer to the response provided for Question 29.
40What delivery timeframe are you looking for in terms of these emergency supply kits?During fourth quarter of FY25 or first quarter FY26
41Requirement #3 - What color? Assorted colors? What length? Might be best to provide MPN from Cyalume https://www.cyalume.com/In reference to glow sticks, color preference is yellow and size is six inches in length.
42Requirement #8 - Are these batteries for flashlight provided or something else? Quality flashlights such as Streamlight or Surefire use CR123 batteries.In refrence to the AA batteries, they may be used for flashlight and/or other uses.
43Requirement #2 - Would a Nitrile (non-latex) glove be okay? Is powder free okay?In reference to the pairs of Nirile gloves (L), nitrile and power free gloves are acceptable.
44Requirement #5 - Is it okay for this to be longer, for example: 10 ft long vs the 6.67 feet.
In reference to the 80-inch orange paracord, our minimum requirement is 80-inches.
45Requirement # 9 - Is this just a standard poly bag or does it need to be Gov't grade? Should it have a draw string or anything else special?In reference to the 9" X 12" black Poly bag, a standard poly bag, black in color, is acceptable with a “Zip Lock” style closing
46Requirement #10 - How many yards of tape are required? Would a roll of duct tape work?In reference to the flat package of duct tape, a roll doll duct tape is not an acceptable option. For additional information regarding the minimum length requirement, please refer to the response provided for Question 16.
47Requirement #15 - Would antimicrobial hand wipes work?In reference to the single-use sanitizing hand wipes, antimicrobial hand wipes would be acceptable.
48Requirement #19 - Can you provide an idea of how big for the flashlight, sizes vary a great deal.
Is it a small hand held one?In reference to the LED multipurpose flashlight, a small or compact is preferred, being less than six inches long.
49Requirement #20 - Do you require a certain expiration date on these? Shelf life?In reference to the 2400 calorie / 18 oz emergency ration bar, our preference is for a five-year shelf life.
50Requirement #26 - Do you required a certain expiration date on these?In reference to the ten (10) count of glucose tablets, there are no requirement for expiration dates.

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