COVID-19 Elastomeric Respirator

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) intends to award a sole source firm fixed price purchase order to Allegheny Health Network. The purpose of this contract is for NIOSH/NPPTL to receive empirical data evaluating HCP perspectives and concerns regarding EHMR use in a healthcare setting and current EHMR use strategies due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) of The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducts personal protective equipment (PPE) research and evaluations on respirators, gloves, surgical gowns, etc. The “best or preferred use practice” is for conventional EHMR use in healthcare settings by Healthcare Providers (HCP) of multiple occupations. N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirator (FFR) shortages across the nation have led healthcare system and industrial workplaces to rely on alternative Respirator Protection Devices (RPDs) during the COVID-19 response. One potential drawback of EHMRs concerning potential contamination of the sterile field and general areas from the wearer’s exhaled breath is addressed by some hospitals by placing a surgical mask over the exhalation valve and having the HCP wear a face shield during aerosol generating procedures. The Allegheny Health Network has successfully deployed, trained and used Elastomeric Half-Mask Respirators (EHMRs) that is essential for conducting this study. They are the only Health System in the country that has completely transitioned their Respiratory Protection Program to elastomeric respirators. NIOSH NPPTL has been coordinating with Allegheny Health Network to establish a working relationship to support the execution of a sole source contract for Allegheny Health Network to develop Best Practice Guidelines based on current knowledge to accompany the Strategic National Stockpile’s distribution of EHMRs. This contract action is for supplies or services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b) (SAP) and 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1). Interested parties may identify their interest and submit documentation of their capability to respond to the requirement. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, all responses received within ten (10) days of the issuance of this notice will be considered by the government. A determination by the government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Any response should be emailed to the appropriate point of contact at [email protected] by 11:00 AM on 13 August 2020.