Sources Sought IPE Cleaning.pdf

SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE: CLEANING AND SANITIZATION OF INDIVIDUAL

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Office: Virginia Air National Guard

Solicitation Number: Will be assigned if an RFP is issued

Title: Cleaning and Sanitization Services for Individual Protective Equipment (IPE)

NAICS Code: 812320 - Drycleaning and Laundry Services

Response Date: 26 November 2025

Subject: Sources Sought Notice for IPE Cleaning and Sanitization Services

1. INTRODUCTION

This is a Sources Sought Notice. This notice is for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Quote (RFQ). It is not a solicitation or an indication that the Virginia Air National Guard will contract for the described services. This notice is to identify qualified and experienced businesses capable of providing specialized cleaning and sanitization services for Individual Protective Equipment (IPE) used by Virginia Air National Guard personnel. Responses to this notice will assist the Virginia Air National Guard in determining appropriate acquisition strategies.

2. BACKGROUND

The Virginia Air National Guard requires reliable and professional cleaning and sanitization services for the Individual Protective Equipment (IPE) used by its personnel. Maintaining the cleanliness and integrity of this equipment is critical for ensuring the safety and well-being of our personnel. The IPE items to be cleaned may include, but are not limited to:

• Chemical JSList Coats Qty 1,074

• Chemical Gloves Qty 1,292

• Chemical Gloves Inserts Qty 2,017

• Flyers Kit Bag Qty 1,707

• Mukluk Liner ECW Qty 478

• Modular Sleep System Qty 195

• Sleeping Bag Qty 381

• IOTV Torso Extremity Protection Qty 275

• JSList Chemical Training Coat Qty 574

• Chemical Training Glove Qty 261

• Chemical Training Glove Insert Qty 68

• JSlist Chemical Training Trouser Qty 867

• JSList Chemical Trouser Qty 1,439

CBRN TRAINING SUITS: (coats, trousers, gloves and inserts)

1. Preparation:

• Brush or wipe off dust or contamination from the gear.

• Remove any tape of other material attached during training.

2. Washing:

• Pre-soak: Soak the gear in warm, soapy water if available.

• Wash: Wash the gear with warm, soapy water. Avoid using harsh cleaners that could damage the fabric.

• Rinse: Rinse the gear thoroughly with cool, clean water to remove all soapy residue.

3. Drying:

• Tumble dry on a low, warm, gentle cycle.

SLEEPING BAGS:

1. Preparation:

• Pre-treat any heavily soiled areas with a mild detergent.

• Close Zippers and Fasteners: Zip up all zippers and close any Velcro closures to protect them during washing.

• Turn Inside Out (Optional): Turning the bag inside out can help to protect the outer shell and concentrate the cleaning action on the inner lining.

2. Washing:

• Washing Machine Size: Use a large-capacity front-loading washing machine .

Top-loading machines with a center agitator can damage the sleeping bag. A commercial laundromat is often a good option.

• Detergent: Use a mild, down-specific or gentle liquid detergent . Avoid using powdered detergents, as they can leave residue. Do not use fabric softener or bleach.

• Water Temperature: Use cold or lukewarm water .

• Wash Cycle: Select a delicate or gentle cycle .

• Extra Rinse Cycle: Run an extra rinse cycle to ensure that all detergent is removed.

3. Drying:

• Low Heat: Use a large-capacity dryer on a low-heat setting . High heat can damage the insulation.

• Dryer Balls or Tennis Balls: Add clean dryer balls or tennis balls to the dryer.

This will help to break up clumps of insulation and restore loft.

• Multiple Cycles: It may take multiple drying cycles to completely dry the sleeping bag. Check the bag frequently and remove it from the dryer if it starts to get too hot.

• Air Drying (Alternative): If you prefer to air dry the bag, lay it flat on a clean surface or hang it in a well-ventilated area. This can take several days.

IOTV VESTS: (plates will be removed)

1. Preparation:

• Remove All Components: This is the most important step. Remove the ballistic inserts (front, back, and side), soft armor inserts (if present), and any other removable components (e.g., side plates, groin protector, throat protector, shoulder pads).

• Inspect for Damage: Before cleaning, inspect the outer carrier for any rips, tears, or damaged stitching. Repair these areas before cleaning to prevent further damage.

• Empty Pockets: Make sure all pockets are empty.

• Close Zippers and Velcro: Close all zippers and secure all Velcro closures to prevent damage during cleaning.

2. Washing:

• Spot Cleaning (Recommended for Light Soiling):

Mix a small amount of mild, pH-neutral detergent with water.

Dampen a clean cloth with the solution.

Gently wipe down the outer carrier, focusing on soiled areas.

Rinse the cloth with clean water and wipe away any detergent residue.

Air dry thoroughly.

• Machine Washing (Use with Caution and Only if Permitted by Manufacturer):

Only machine wash the IOTV outer carrier if the manufacturer's care instructions specifically allow it.

Use a front-loading washing machine (top-loading machines with an agitator can damage the carrier).

Use a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water.

Use a mild, pH-neutral detergent.

Place the carrier in a mesh laundry bag to protect it during washing.

Do NOT use bleach or fabric softener.

Remove the carrier immediately after the wash cycle is complete and hang it to air dry.

• Hand Washing (for More Heavily Soiled Carriers):

Fill a large tub or container with lukewarm water and a small amount of mild, pH-neutral detergent.

Submerge the outer carrier in the water and gently agitate it to loosen dirt and grime.

Let the carrier soak for 30-60 minutes.

Drain the soapy water and refill the tub with clean water. Gently squeeze the carrier to remove the soapy water. Repeat this process until all of the soap is gone.

Hang the carrier in a well-ventilated area to air dry.

3. Drying:

• Air Dry Only: Never put the IOTV outer carrier in a dryer. The heat can damage the fabric and any remaining components.

• Hang in a Well-Ventilated Area: Hang the carrier on a hanger or clothesline in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.

• Turn Inside Out: Turning the carrier inside out during drying can help to speed up the process.

• Ensure Thorough Drying: Ensure the carrier is completely dry before reassembling it. Dampness can lead to mildew and damage.

3. REQUIRED CAPABILITIES

Interested businesses should possess the following capabilities:

• Experienced: Demonstrated experience in cleaning and sanitizing IPE, preferably for similar industries or applications. Experience cleaning [mention specific IPE types if you can].

• Specialized Equipment & Processes: Possess specialized equipment and utilize processes that effectively clean and sanitize IPE without compromising its protective properties. Detail the types of cleaning processes used (e.g., ultrasonic cleaning, autoclaving, chemical disinfection).

• Validated Cleaning Procedures: Utilize cleaning and sanitization procedures that are validated by [e.g., the manufacturer of the IPE, a relevant standards organization (NIOSH, ANSI), or industry best practices].

• Cleaning Agents: Utilize cleaning agents that are compatible with the materials of the IPE and that effectively remove contaminants while preserving the gear's integrity. Provide a list of cleaning agents used.

• Documentation: Maintain detailed records of cleaning and sanitization procedures for each item, including date, time, cleaning agents used, and personnel involved.

• Inspection and Certification: Ability to inspect IPE after cleaning and sanitization to ensure it is free of contaminants and in good working order. Provide certification or documentation of the inspection results.

• Turnaround Time: Ability to provide timely cleaning and sanitization services, meeting the required turnaround time of [Specify Turnaround Time - e.g., 24 hours, 48 hours, etc.].

• Transportation: Ability to safely transport IPE to and from the Virginia Air National Guard facility (if off-site cleaning is required).

• Packaging and Storage: Ability to properly package and store cleaned IPE to prevent contamination during transport and storage.

• Compliance: Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations regarding the handling and disposal of hazardous materials and waste.

• Licensed and Insured: Must be fully licensed and insured to operate a cleaning and sanitization business. Provide proof of insurance.

• Security: Adherence to security protocols, if applicable, for access to the facility and handling sensitive equipment.

• Safety: Ability to demonstrate a robust safety program, and adhere to all OSHA requirements.

4. INFORMATION REQUESTED

Interested businesses are requested to submit a brief (2-page maximum) capability statement that includes the following information:

• Company Name:

• Address:

• Point of Contact: (Name, Phone Number, Email Address)

• DUNS Number:

• Business Size and Socioeconomic Status: (e.g., Small Business, Veteran-Owned Small Business, Women-Owned Small Business, etc.)

• Brief Description of Services Offered: Specifically address cleaning and sanitization of IPE, detailing the types of gear you are capable of cleaning.

• Relevant Experience: A summary of relevant experience providing IPE cleaning and sanitization services, including a list of past clients and a brief description of the services provided. Include types of IPE cleaned, industry served, and types of contaminants removed.

• Cleaning Processes and Equipment: Detailed description of the cleaning processes and equipment used to clean and sanitize IPE.

• Cleaning Agents: List of cleaning agents used and their compatibility with various types of IPE materials.

• Quality Control Procedures: Describe your quality control procedures to ensure effective cleaning and sanitization.

• Inspection and Certification Procedures: Describe your inspection and certification procedures.

• Turnaround Time: Typical turnaround time for IPE cleaning and sanitization services.

• Transportation Capabilities: Describe your capabilities for transporting IPE to and from our facility (if applicable).

• Licenses and Certifications: A list of all relevant licenses and certifications.

• Insurance Coverage: Briefly state the type and amount of insurance coverage carried.

• Safety Program: Briefly describe your company’s safety program.

5. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Interested businesses should submit their capability statements electronically to desiree.santos.2@us.af.mil by 26 November 2025. Please include the solicitation number in the subject line of your email.

6. DISCLAIMER

This is a Sources Sought Notice only and does not commit the Virginia Air National Guard to issue a solicitation or award a contract. The information provided in response to this notice will be used for planning purposes only and will not be released to the public. All information submitted will be held in a confidential manner. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this notice.

7. QUESTIONS

Questions regarding this Sources Sought Notice should be directed to SMSgt Desiree Santos desiree.santos.2@us.af.mil.