Sole Source Intent - Full-Face Snorkel Testing

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for a firm-fixed-price contract to conduct a "Full-Face Snorkel Mask Safety Performance Study." The primary objective is to evaluate and quantify the physiological and engineering hazards—specifically carbon dioxide (CO2) accumulation and respiratory resistance—associated with full-face snorkel masks currently available in the consumer marketplace. The selected contractor will perform six key tasks over a one-year period of performance: procuring 20 to 25 marketed mask samples; conducting physical engineering inspections; performing respiratory testing using an automated breathing metabolic simulator (ABMS); analyzing technical data related to hypercapnia and pulmonary edema risks; delivering comprehensive progress and final reports; and conducting a technical briefing. To qualify, offerors must demonstrate relevant experience within the past three years. Key personnel must include at least one member holding a PhD in Biomedical Engineering or a related field, with specialized expertise in underwater breathing systems, respiratory injury physiology, snorkel mask design, and diving safety. Proposals must be submitted by August 24, 2026, in three separate volumes: Volume 1 (Contract and Pricing), Volume 2 (Technical Quote, limited to 20 pages), and Volume 3 (Past Performance detailing three relevant contracts). Quotes will be evaluated using a best-value tradeoff process based on four factors: Technical Approach, Proposed Personnel, Past Performance, and Price, with technical and personnel factors carrying more weight than price.