RFI - BIOCONTAINMENT, ISOLATION, AND QUARANTINE (BIQ) SHIPBOARD ISOLATION SYSTEM (SIS)

Note:  This is a follow-on Request for Information (RFI) to two previous Sources Sought Announcements (links provided below) and is requesting more detailed information about readily available or commercial off the shelf (COTS) solutions for a hospital bed isolation system to support the Biocontainment, Isolation, and Quarantine (BIQ) Shipboard Isolation System (SIS) program.

1. https://sam.gov/opp/d2ddfa1fb4694c4eb83a33ba50085882/view, posted 11 SEP 2023 through 31 OCT 2023
2. https://sam.gov/opp/9d48079a6e6f41819578ab491a4c06f1/view, posted 06 AUG 2024 through 08 NOV 2024

Synopsis: The purpose of this RFI is to obtain detailed information to assist the Joint Project Manager for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Protection (JPM CBRN Protection) in identifying readily available or COTS systems for the BIQ SIS program.  The system will temporarily enclose and isolate an infectious patient confined to a hospital bed on a U.S. Navy ship to control and prevent the spread of biological threats (biothreats).

The U.S. Government requests that responses be submitted via email ONLY to Brian Liska at brian.liska@usmc.mil no later than 10 SEP 2025 by 5:00 p.m. EST.

Background: To address the goals and objectives of the Chemical and Biological Defense Program (CBDP) Enhanced Biodefense and Pandemic Preparedness Narrative and the National Biodefense Strategy and Implementation Plan, JPM CBRN Protection is in need of a system to temporarily isolate an infectious patient confined to a hospital bed on a U.S. Navy ship. This RFI is issued to determine what solutions are available, and to obtain details about these systems to determine if they may be suitable for military use.

Description: This isolation system must be able to be erected quickly to temporarily isolate an infectious patient confined to a hospital bed in a shipboard environment.  The system must include an air filtration system to generate a negative pressure inside the enclosure, produce sufficient air changes inside the enclosure, and filter exhaust air from the enclosure.  Other features such as, but not limited to, inlet air filters, glove ports, pass-thru interfaces, and windows are needed for healthcare workers to provide care to the patient.

Programs: This RFI is in support of the SIS program, which is one of the three BIQ programs managed by JPM CBRN Protection.  Requirements for the system are currently being developed.

Government Furnished Property: None

Responses: Interested parties are invited to submit a response to this RFI.

This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and to identify potential readily available or COTS solutions. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION. No contract will be awarded from this RFI. This RFI does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. It is subject to change and is not binding on the U.S. Government. Further, unsolicited proposals will not be accepted. Funding is not available at this time. The U.S. Government has not made a commitment to procure any of the items/services discussed, and release of this RFI should not be construed as such a commitment or as authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought. Response to this RFI is voluntary and no reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this and any follow-on information requests. All submissions become U.S. Government property and will not be returned.

Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP(s) if any is(are) issued.

Interested parties may identify their interest by submitting a white paper regarding this RFI to JPM CBRN Protection via e-mail ONLY to Brian Liska at brian.liska@usmc.mil no later than 10 SEP 2025 by 5:00 p.m. EST.  Please include the following information in the white paper:

1. Please provide system description(s) and image(s).
2. What is the size and weight of the system?
3. What is the cost and delivery lead time for 1 system up to 10 systems?
4. What is the location of the manufacturing facility?  Are any system components/parts sourced outside of the United States and if so, where?
5. What is the shelf life and recommended storage conditions of the system?
6. Is the system a prototype, commercial off the shelf, or government off the shelf?
7. What negative pressure (in inches of water column/gauge) is maintained inside the enclosure (i.e., the enclosed patient isolation area)?
8. How many air changes per hour are maintained inside the enclosure?
9. What media is used to filter the inlet and exhaust air (e.g., HEPA, ULPA, MERV-14)?
10. What is the power source for the system (e.g., rechargeable battery, non-rechargeable battery, 120 VAC, 240VAC)?  If there is more than one power source, then please list all of them.  Please provide battery model numbers.  How many hours can the system continuously operate using each power source?
11. What EMI testing has been performed on the system (e.g., MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-464)?
12. What features are incorporated in the system to prevent liquids (e.g., blood, urine, vomit) from leaking out of the enclosure (e.g., leakproof zipper, absorbent pad)?  Additionally, what volume of liquid can be contained within the enclosure?
13. Has the system been tested for compatibility with any decontaminants (e.g., Calla 1452, 9% calcium hypochlorite and seawater solution, Joint General-Purpose Decontaminant)?
14. What is the minimum and maximum temperature and relative humidity that the system can be operated in?
15. Has the system been tested in any adverse environmental conditions (e.g., sand, fungus, salt spray/fog, rain)?
16. What material testing has been performed (e.g., tear strength, puncture resistance)?
17. Is PFAS contained in any component used in the system?
18. Are storage containers provided to protect the system from corrosion due to exposure to salt-laden air/water when it is stowed?  What is the size and weight of the system when it is being stowed?
19. Has any shock and/or vibration testing been performed on the system?  If yes, then please indicate which standards were used (e.g., MIL-STD-810H, MIL-DTL-901E, MIL-STD-167-1A).
20. Is there a way to secure the hospital bed within the system?
21. How many people are required and how long does it take to setup the system?  How many people are required to operate the system?

NOTE:  Specification sheets, reports, and/or manuals may be included with the white paper.

The U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative cost incurred in response to this RFI. All costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the expense of the interested party.

Questions: Any questions for clarification may be emailed to Brian Liska at brian.liska@usmc.mil no later than five business days before 10 SEP 2025. Please allow three business days for a response. Verbal questions will NOT be accepted. Questions shall NOT contain proprietary or classified information. An unattributed list of questions and answers will be published at the same web location of this RFI.

**Amendment 0001 - Document "SIS RFI Questions (2025-09-08)" uploaded to answer questions