Hearing Aid Manufacturer

The Indian Health Service (IHS), a component of the Department of Health and Human Services, is seeking qualified manufacturers to produce fully programmable hearing aids meeting comprehensive technical specifications. This pre-solicitation notice represents a market research effort to identify Indian Economic Enterprises capable of manufacturing these devices, with the government explicitly stating it will not accept resellers or pass-through entities. Contractors must meet rigorous specifications including a minimum of 16 channels, three or more programs, adaptive directional microphone technology, wireless programmability, active feedback suppression, data logging, and wireless communication between binaural hearing aid sets. Additionally, devices must comply with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Acoustical Society of America (ASA) S3.22-2014 standards, maintaining total harmonic distortion below 5% and equivalent input noise levels not exceeding 29 dB for standard instruments or 32 dB for power and super-power instruments. Interested vendors must submit a detailed capability statement by December 17, 2025, including company documentation such as SAM UEI number, DUNS number, CAGE code, and the mandatory Buy Indian Act Indian Economic Enterprise Representation Form.

This procurement is set aside exclusively for Indian Economic Enterprises under the Buy Indian Act, restricting competition to Indian-owned businesses that meet federal set-aside requirements. The pre-solicitation notice does not disclose an estimated award value or specific quantity of hearing aids to be procured, as this remains a market research phase preceding formal solicitation development. Contractors must offer hearing aids in a range of styles appropriate for mild, moderate, and severe hearing losses, with a minimum of one model per group featuring an output of at least 125 dB SPL and maximum gain of 60 dB SPL. Devices must be available in multiple color options, including dark brown, medium brown, beige or light skin tones, and highly contrasting colors for the dual sensory population. The government's emphasis on actual manufacturing capability and comprehensive technical compliance indicates this will be a substantial procurement targeted at expanding Indian Health Service hearing aid availability for enrolled tribal members.