Individual Water Treatment Device (IWTD) Laboratory Testing

In Cooperation with Product Manager Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment (PdM SCIE)

SECTION 1 - Overview

1.1 Background and Introduction

Product Manager Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment (PdM SCIE) is seeking laboratories to validate the capabilities of Individual Water Treatment Devices (IWTDs). This initiative supports the Department of the Army’s goal of providing potable drinking water for Soldiers from any indigenous fresh water source, which enhances Soldier lethality by reducing load and increasing the duration of autonomous squad-level operations.

The Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG), on behalf of PdM SCIE, is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to identify laboratories with the required certifications, equipment, and personnel to conduct this validation testing. The information gathered from this RFI will inform a future request for proposal. The Government reserves the right to cancel this opportunity or make no awards in conjunction with this opportunity.

This is a Request for Information ONLY and not a request for proposal.                                                                                                                   

1.2 Project Problem Statement

The objective of this effort is to validate the ability of Individual Water Treatment Devices (IWTD) to perform clearance of microbiological contaminants and Toxic Industrial Chemicals/Toxic Industrial Materials (TIC/TIMs). Testing must be conducted according to the military-specific purification standards outlined in National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Protocols P248.01 and P248.02. The anticipated scope includes, but is not limited to, the following laboratory capabilities:

• Certification to ISO 17025:2017 or equivalent.
• Ability to evaluate devices against NSF P248.01 and/or P248.02 protocols.
• Capability to draft product-specific test plans in accordance with the P248 validation scheme.
• Commitment to provide all raw data, test data, and internal standard data.

SECTION 2 - RFI Procedures

This RFI is seeking information from qualified sources that can address the stated requirements. All responses to this announcement will be governed by the instructions herein.

Interested parties are requested to submit information packages that present their planned approach to addressing the testing objectives. Packages should focus on the laboratory’s technical approach, capabilities, and relevant experience.

SECTION 3 - Instructions for Information Submissions

3.1 General Guidelines

a.  Unnecessarily elaborate brochures are not desired.

b.  All submissions must be submitted electronically via the email instructions included herein.

c.  Submissions sent through other channels or after the response period has ended will not be reviewed or evaluated.

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

3.2 Information Package Contents

Interested parties shall include the following information in their response:

• A statement confirming if the laboratory is certified to ISO 17025:2017 or equivalent.
• A statement confirming if the laboratory is equipped to evaluate devices against NSF P248.01 and/or P248.02 protocols.
• If subletting work to another laboratory, provide name, credentials and last audit of that laboratory
• An estimated timeline for executing the validation testing, assuming an award in Nov/Dec 2026.
• Information regarding the firm's experience, personnel, and facilities.
• Supporting technical information (e.g., technical literature, test data, illustrations).
• Company background, business size (including socioeconomic status), CAGE code, and applicable NAICS code.
• GSA Federal Supply Schedule contract number, if applicable.

3.3 Information Package Submission

Responses shall be submitted via e-mail to the following points of contact (POCs):

• Eric Brack, eric.m.brack.civ@army.mil
• Parker Brandwein, parker.d.brandwein.civ@army.mil
• Blaise Liess, blaise.p.liess.civ@army.mil
• Ronda Hinnant, ronda.r.hinnant.civ@army.mil

Responses shall be submitted no later than 12 November 2026 by 5:00 p.m. EST. Responses received after this time and date may not be considered. The subject line for responses shall read: “Response to IWTD Laboratory Testing RFI, [Vendor’s Business Name]”

SECTION 5 - Government Points of Contact

Any questions for clarification regarding this opportunity may be emailed to the POCs listed below no later than 12 November 2026 by 5:00 p.m. EST. Verbal questions will not be accepted. Questions shall not contain proprietary or classified information.

Primary Points of Contact

• Primary Point of Contact
  • Eric Brack
  • eric.m.brack.civ@army.mil
  • Phone: 508-206-3968
• Secondary Point of Contact
  • Blaise Liess
  • blaise.p.liess.civ@army.mil
  • Phone: 703-223-1993