RFI Rapid Shelter Alternatives.pdf

FEMA Logistics Operations Division 07.07.26

Industry Request for Information:

Rapid Sheltering Alternatives Background The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is exploring commercially available alternatives to its current expeditionary tent systems used for the immediate sheltering of disaster survivors. FEMA seeks information on rapidly deployable shelter solutions that can improve survivor safety, comfort, durability, and operational efficiency while remaining suitable for austere and post-disaster environments.

Potential vendors should be able to provide verifiable and successful examples of meeting large surges in order fulfilment, manufacturing and shipping timelines.

Potential product solutions should be capable of supporting operations in a wide range of climates—including tropical, temperate, desert, arctic, and high-wind and rain environments—and should emphasize rapid deployment/ease of transportation and minimal set-up and site requirements, and long-term reusability.

Basic shelter requirements include, but are not limited to:

Requirement Functionality Consideration

Flooring Integrated or elevated flooring to reduce flooding, mud intrusion, and moisture damage during prolonged rainfall.

Weight Units weighing approximately 600 pounds or less are preferred to improve transportation efficiency and deployment timelines.

Wind & Rain Resistance

Engineered to withstand high winds, heavy rainfall, and tropical environments using robust anchoring systems rather than relying solely on ballast.

Ventilation Passive ventilation (e.g., screened ridge or roof vents) to reduce interior heat while preventing insect intrusion.

Storage & Security Lockable entry points and waterproof storage options for occupants’ personal belongings.

Capacity Accommodate a family of five while providing flexible interior layouts or multiple rooms where practical.

Requested Information

1. Product Overview o Please describe the shelter products your company believes are most suitable for FEMA’s immediate sheltering mission, including intended use, key features, and current production status.

2. Environmental Performance o Which climates and environmental conditions are your shelter systems designed to operate in (e.g., tropical, arctic, desert, temperate, coastal, high-wind, heavy snow, heavy rainfall)? Please identify any tested environmental ratings or certifications.

3. Compliance, Testing, and Standards o Please identify any applicable codes, standards, certifications, or third-party testing your shelter has undergone (e.g., structural, wind, fire resistance, electrical, accessibility, or other relevant standards). Include copies of testing reports or certifications, if available.

4. Production Capacity & Lead Time o What is your current manufacturing capacity?

o How quickly could your company fulfill orders of approximately:

100 units 500 units 1,000 units o Please provide estimated lead times (days, weeks, or months) under normal production and surge conditions.

5. Pricing o What is the approximate unit cost?

o Do you offer volume pricing or quantity discounts? If so, please identify pricing tiers.

6. Transportation & Deployment o Can your shelters be shipped throughout the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, U.S.

territories, and overseas (OCONUS)?

o Please describe standard transportation methods (truck, container, palletized shipment, air transport, etc.).

o Do you offer shipping services? if so, what would be the approximate unit shipment cost to Guam, Puerto Rico, Alaska and Hawaii?

7. Dimensions & Weight o Please provide:

Exterior dimensions Interior floor area Packed dimensions Total unit weight

8. Occupancy & Interior Configuration o How many occupants can the shelter comfortably accommodate?

o Are multiple-room or configurable interior layouts available?

9. Installation Requirements o What is the average setup and teardown time?

o How many personnel are required?

o Are specialized tools, equipment, certifications, or technical expertise required for installation?

o Is installation cost included in unit cost? If not, please provide an approximate unit install cost.

10. Installation Support o Does your company provide installation services, on-site technical assistance, or training for setup and maintenance?

11. Site Requirements o What site preparation is required prior to installation?

o Can the shelter be installed on uneven ground or unimproved sites?

o Are foundations, concrete pads, or specialized anchoring systems required?

12. Floor System o Does the shelter include an integrated or elevated floor?

o If so, please describe the floor construction and its resistance to flooding, moisture, mud, and ground intrusion.

13. Utilities o Can the shelter safely accommodate electrical service?

o Please describe available electrical interfaces, wiring provisions, lighting options, HVAC compatibility, and support for generators or shore power.

14. Amenities & Accessories o What optional features or accessories are available (e.g., bathrooms, kitchens, showers, HVAC systems, partitions, storage, lighting, solar power, accessibility features)?

15. Durability & Reusability o Are the shelters designed for repeated deployment and long-term reuse?

o Please describe features that improve durability, such as antimicrobial materials, mold or mildew resistance, corrosion resistance, ease of cleaning, repairability, and compact storage.

16. Operational Experience o Please describe your company’s experience supporting military operations, disaster response, humanitarian relief, emergency management, or other austere-environment missions.

o Include examples of recent deployments, customers, or contracts where appropriate.

17. Additional Information o Please provide any additional information you believe would assist FEMA in evaluating your shelter solution, including certifications, testing results, technical documentation, or innovative capabilities not specifically addressed above.

18. Interested parties are requested to respond to this Sources Sought in the following manner.

o “ Rapid Sheltering Alternatives” shall be in the subject line of your e-mail.

o All responses shall be unclassified, with proprietary information clearly marked.

o RFI Responses shall include the following information:

Cover Sheet shall include:

1. Company Name and Address,

2. UEI#,

3. Point of Contact: Name, Title, Email Address and Phone Number;

4. Socioeconomic Business Type (e.g., HUBZone small business concern, service-disabled veteran-owned small business firm, 8(a) contractor, woman-owned small business, small business, or large business concern). Also, business size in relation to the NAICS code size standards assigned to this acquisition.

5. If applicable, GSA Schedule Number, Contract Number

Any information submitted in response to sources sought/request for information (e.g., capability statements) is subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, USC 552(a). The Government does not request any proprietary information be submitted, not shall it be liable, for any consequential damages for any proprietary information.