QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.pdf

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. Is North American Rescue (NAR) the only brand approved for this requirement, or will functionally equivalent, TCCC-compliant substitutions be considered for each line item?

Not necessarily, a functional ebullient can be used. However, it MUST include all the items in its entirety, inside of a Nylon bag.

2. Has a formal brand-name justification (BNJ) or Limited Sources Justification (LSJ) been issued for the use of NAR products? If so, may we request a copy?

There is no brand name expectation. Just a necessity for the equipment to meet TCCC standards.

3. What evaluation criteria will be used to determine whether alternative brands or training kits meet the government’s intended use, especially for training and simulation purposes?

The Committee on Tactical Combat Causality Care (CoTCCC) runs the TCCC program and each one of the items contained in the kit is evaluated during training scenarios.

4. Given that the items listed are for Combat Lifesaver (CLS) training kits, will the government accept commercially available, TCCC-aligned alternatives that meet identical size, function, and instructional objectives?

We will accept commercially available kits, but they must meet the exact specifications listed above as the customer tests the students on the use of every item in this kit. They do not have to be these exact brands, but they must be the exact same size.

5. Can we submit a product comparison matrix or technical datasheet demonstrating compliance with TCCC training standards as part of our proposal to justify the use of alternative brands?

Yes, a product comparison for alternative brands is a viable route, but the products must meet the same exact specifications as listed in the kit.

6. Is the requirement for “NAR-specific” products based on operational preference, contractual obligation, or field performance data? Has market research been conducted to identify other manufacturers with equivalent TCCC training solutions?

It does not have to be NAR specific. For example, however, “28F Pre-Lubricated Nasopharyngeal Airway, S-Rolled Gauze - 4.5 in. x 4.1 yd.” are specifications that must be abided by.

7. For the ARS Needle Decompression Kit and CAT Tourniquet Trainer, will FDA-registered and TCCC-vetted equivalents (e.g., TyTek, SAM Medical, PerSys) be accepted if they match training performance requirements?

Other brands will be acceptable if they meet the requirements:

• Strong, reliable needle/catheter: 14-gauge x 3.25 in.

• Rugged needle/catheter protective tube

• Easy ID textured twist top with handy clip

• Easy-open container for quick access

• Capless flash chamber for immediate confirmation of needle placement

8. Since many components (e.g., gloves, tape, markers) are widely available and non-specialized, would you consider generic or equivalent substitutions for non-mission-critical SKUs to improve cost-effectiveness and vendor competition?

If the vendor is willing to assembled them into the kits.

9. Can we offer a pre-assembled TCCC-compliant training kit that consolidates these items under a single NSN or commercial part number, as long as all contents match or exceed listed specifications?

Yes, this is correct.

10. Would the government accept substitutions approved by the CoTCCC (Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care) or items listed on the JTS-approved training gear list, even if they are not NAR branded?

If they are approved by CoTCCC, then yes. They are the program leads.