Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
W912BU26QA035 - Responder Uniform 5 year IDC 2026-2031
Department of Defense · Department of the Army
AI summaryOnly small businesses can bid on this set-aside for 12 red, USACE-branded responder clothing items for the Philadelphia District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The buyer is the Department of the Army's W2SD ENDIST PHILADELPHIA office. It plans one firm-fixed-price (FFP: one set price, whatever the work ends up costing) indefinite delivery contract (IDC: orders come as needs arise) with a five-year ordering period. Quotes must come with 12 fully decorated physical samples, graded pass or fail, and a price workbook by the response due date of November 9, 2026, 5:00 PM Eastern. More in the summary
A newer version of this notice was posted Oct 27, 2026. It moves the due date from Oct 21, 2026 to Nov 9, 2026, which is the date shown on this page. See the latest version.
AI summary Beta
Summary of the version posted Oct 21, 2026. The notice was amended Oct 27, 2026. Check what else changed on SAM.gov. This summary may miss requirements: 1 of 5 attachments weren't read (USACE Responder Uniforms_Section B Quotes .xlsx). Check the attachments on SAM.gov.
Only small businesses can bid on this set-aside for 12 red, USACE-branded responder clothing items for the Philadelphia District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The buyer is the Department of the Army's W2SD ENDIST PHILADELPHIA office. It plans one firm-fixed-price (FFP: one set price, whatever the work ends up costing) indefinite delivery contract (IDC: orders come as needs arise) with a five-year ordering period. Quotes must come with 12 fully decorated physical samples, graded pass or fail, and a price workbook by the response due date of November 9, 2026, 5:00 PM Eastern.
Who can bid (4)
- Be a small business concern: the buy is a total small business set-aside
- Be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) and list your UEI on the quote
- The Nonmanufacturer Rule (the small business rule for sellers of products made by others) applies to all 12 items, and the Government says no waiver is in place
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- Offer U.S.-made end products under the Buy American clause; the Government's answers say garments from China or Vietnam are not acceptable
How to submit: Email the quote (Word, Excel or PDF) to henry.sembe@usace.army.mil or Cherita.l.williams@usace.army.mil; ship the physical samples to the Corps of Engineers in Philadelphia. What to include is under Full summary below. Check the solicitation's instructions on SAM.gov.
Things to watch (12)
- Serious: Small business set-aside. Only small businesses can receive this award, and the Nonmanufacturer Rule and the limitations on subcontracting clause (52.219-14) are in the contract, so check how they apply if you resell goods or use a decorator.
- Serious: 12 fully decorated samples are required with the quote. A missing or failing sample can take the quote out of the competition, so each item must be sourced, printed or embroidered and shipped before the response due date.
- Serious: Samples must match the specifications exactly, with no artwork supplied. The Government will not give logo files or preview artwork, will not move the sample deadline, and grades imprinting pass or fail, so you must build the logos from the spec drawings.
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- Serious: Domestic sourcing rules are unclear. Answers cite the Buy American clause (FAR 52.225-1) and also refer to the Berry Amendment (a law favoring U.S.-made textiles in defense buys) and DFARS 252.225-7012; ask the contracting officer which rules govern before you source fabric.
- Worth checking: Rain jacket and pant details are mandatory. The Government says all listed material and construction details are mandatory, and one bidder reported not finding rainwear that meets them, so sourcing may be hard and the lead time is 60 working days.
- Worth checking: No quantities and only a $500 minimum. Demand depends on disasters, so you price four quantity tiers for each of five years with no volume estimate, and the guaranteed minimum is $500.00.
- Worth checking: Five years of prices are set at quote time. The Government says this is firm-fixed-price and the quoter completes the price schedule for the projected five-year period, with prices covering printing, embroidery, packaging and shipping.
- Worth checking: Price workbook attached but not read. The Section B quotes workbook (USACE Responder Uniforms_Section B Quotes .xlsx) is where prices go, so open it on SAM.gov before pricing.
- Minor: Two period of performance start dates. The amended synopsis gives a start of 01/06/2026 and the earlier PDF gives 11/06/2026, both ending 11/05/2031, so ask the contracting officer which is right.
- Minor: Response due date was moved; older documents show earlier dates. The amended notice and the Government's answers give November 9, 2026, 5:00 PM ET, while the earlier PDF gives October 21, 2026 and the amended synopsis shows October 13, 2026 crossed out.
- Minor: Field hat wording differs between the notice and the specification. The notice text puts OPERATIONS EMERGENCY on the front, but the Government's answers say to follow the specification: the logo on the front and EMERGENCY OPERATIONS on the back.
- Minor: Government pays on delivery, with no financing. You carry the cost of making and shipping the goods until they are delivered and accepted, since there is no advance or interim payment.
Read from the notice and 4 attachments. 1 of 5 not read. Show which files.
- AMEND1-Rev-Combined Solicitation Synopsis_USACE Responder Uniforms W912BU26QA035_tc final reeview.docx (read)
- Rev-Combined Solicitation Synopsis_USACE Responder Uniforms W912BU26QA035.pdf (read)
- Amendment 0002-Response to RFIs - Responder Uniform Questions .pdf (read)
- USACE 2026 SPECS.pdf (read)
- USACE Responder Uniforms_Section B Quotes .xlsx: not read (the AI doesn't read this file type yet): open it on SAM.gov
Full summary
What they want
- Twelve contract line items (CLINs: the priced lines of the contract), each priced per each (ea.) with no quantity stated: field hat, knit hat, rain jacket, rain pant, Brisk insulated jacket, Techno Lite three-layer knit jacket, QA T-shirt, women's and men's short sleeve performance polos, women's and men's long sleeve performance polos, and Class 3 safety vest
- Garments in Old Glory Red (the vest in Pantone 387), with the USACE BUILDING STRONG logo and EMERGENCY OPERATIONS text in iridescent white print or white embroidery, and a Red PMS 193 print on the vest back, all built to the USACE specifications
- Delivery orders placed as emergencies and disaster response need clothing, over a five-year ordering period, shipped to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Philadelphia
- Lead times in the specifications: 20 working days for the field hat, T-shirt and polos, 60 working days for the rain jacket and rain pants, 45 working days for the vest
- Packaging per the specifications: garments polybagged with size labels, 25 per box, in new corrugated cartons
- Prices that include printing, embroidery, packaging and shipping to the Philadelphia destination
- Contract type
- Firm-fixed-price (FFP) indefinite delivery contract (IDC: orders come as needs arise); single award with delivery orders to follow; sent as a request for quotation (RFQ)
- Period of performance
- Five-year ordering period. The documents give the period of performance as 01/06/2026 thru 11/05/2031 in the amended synopsis and 11/06/2026 thru 11/05/2031 in the earlier PDF
- Place of performance
- Philadelphia, PA, USA; deliveries and samples go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-2004
- Estimated value
- Government's answers: minimum guarantee of $500.00 and total capacity (maximum) of $5M for the IDC
- How they'll choose
- Best value to the Government: the 12 samples are graded Pass or Fail first, then price is evaluated for reasonableness
- Offers due
- November 9, 2026, 5:00 PM Eastern (EDT) (from the version posted Oct 21, 2026; amended since)
- How to submit
- Email the quote (Word, Excel or PDF) to henry.sembe@usace.army.mil or Cherita.l.williams@usace.army.mil; ship the physical samples to the Corps of Engineers in Philadelphia
What they'll judge offers on
- Factor 1, Clothing Samples (Pass or Fail): one fully decorated sample of each of the 12 items, checked for item design, color, imprinting, materials, packaging, workmanship and other specified requirements. Only quotes with a Pass go on to award
- Factor 2, Price: judged for reasonableness and may be compared to the Independent Government Estimate (IGE: the Government's own price estimate); unit prices are entered in the Section B workbook for each item, quantity tier and year
What to include when you submit
- Use the latest version of the combined synopsis/solicitation when you prepare the quote
- Include the solicitation number; your name, address and phone number; your Unique Entity Identifier (UEI: your SAM.gov business ID) and electronic funds transfer (EFT) indicator if it applies; and the representations and certifications not already in SAM
- State how far you agree with all terms, conditions and provisions of the solicitation and its amendments
- Complete the Section B price workbook: enter a unit price in every quantity tier (25-149, 150-299, 300-575, 576-5,000) on the YEAR 1 through YEAR 5 tabs, and disregard Sheet5
- Make each unit price cover printing, embroidery, packaging and shipping to the Philadelphia destination
- Hold your prices firm for 60 calendar days from the date quotes are due
- Send one fully printed or embroidered sample of each of the 12 items so they arrive by the response due date, addressed to Attn: Stacy Coppinger, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-2004; samples may be shipped separately from the emailed quote
- Use the sizes the specifications give for each sample; the Government will not supply logo artwork files and will not review artwork before samples are made
Current contractor
No incumbent is named. The Government's answers give a prior contract number, W912BU-21-D-0002, for these items.
Not in the notice text
- The Section B price workbook (USACE Responder Uniforms_Section B Quotes .xlsx) is attached but not read, so its exact layout is not confirmed here; check it on SAM.gov.
- No estimated quantities are given for any item; the Government says demand depends on the occurrence and size of disasters.
- The specification pages for the knit hat, Brisk insulated jacket and Techno Lite jacket, and the sample size for each item, could not be read in the specifications file; check the PDF on SAM.gov.
- Whether sample production and shipping costs are reimbursed is not clear; the Government's answer to that question is just "Yes".
- Which domestic sourcing rules apply (Buy American, Berry Amendment, DFARS 252.225-7012) is not clearly settled in the Government's answers.
- Which of the two period of performance start dates is correct is not stated.
Eligibility and how to respond
- Set aside for small businesses: only a business that counts as small under this notice's NAICS code can bid as the prime contractor. More open small business set-asides under NAICS 323113
- How to submit, from the AI summary: Email the quote (Word, Excel or PDF) to henry.sembe@usace.army.mil or Cherita.l.williams@usace.army.mil; ship the physical samples to the Corps of Engineers in Philadelphia. Check it in the notice before you send anything.
Notice details
- Posted
- Sep 21, 2026
- Notice type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- Office
- W2SD ENDIST Philadelphia, PA
- Product/service code
- 8415 · Clothing, Special Purpose
- Business type
- Printing & publishing (FedReady's grouping, from NAICS 323113)
- Versions
10 versions have been posted, newest first.
- Oct 27, 2026 · Amendment 0009Due Nov 9, 2026
- Oct 21, 2026 · Amendment 0008Due Nov 9, 2026
- Oct 16, 2026 · Amendment 0007Due Nov 9, 2026
- Oct 15, 2026 · Amendment 0006Due Nov 9, 2026
- Oct 15, 2026 · Amendment 0005Due Nov 9, 2026
- Oct 13, 2026 · Amendment 0004Due Nov 9, 2026 (changed)
- Oct 6, 2026 · Amendment 0003Due Oct 21, 2026
- Oct 5, 2026 · Amendment 0002Due Oct 21, 2026
- Sep 23, 2026 · Amendment 0001Due Oct 21, 2026
- Sep 21, 2026 · Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (this version)Due Oct 21, 2026
- Attachments
Past awards and competition
Who has won work like this before, the likely incumbent, and what similar contracts paid, from USAspending.gov.
Before you respond
- How to respond to a solicitation (8 steps)
- How to read a government solicitation
- How to price a government contract
- Set-aside contracts explained
Terms on this notice: Solicitation, Set-aside
Full notice text from SAM.gov
The purpose of amendment 0003 is to correct the closing time zone from 05:00 PM 11/09/2026 EDT to 05:00 PM EST 11/09/2026 and to add the Berry amendment DFARS 252.225-7012. The purpose of this(amendment-1) extension to close 11/09/2026 to be able to review all RFI requestions and to give potential vendors adequate time to send in thier quotes and samples. The Submission for RFI questions is officially closed on 10/07/2026 at 12:00 EDT. All quesstions received will be answered and publish here. DESCRIPTION OF PRODUCT, SERVICE, OR ITEM PROPOSED Description of the acquisition: Not limited to, but shall include: Procurement of high-quality safety uniforms and apparel for first responders (Emergency Management Association - EMA) within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Philadelphia District. The contract will provide twelve (12) distinct clothing items customized with USACE agency branding, text, and specific safety markings to support first responder visibility and identification: Emergency Response Hat (Field Hat): Old Glory Red, 6-panel cotton chino blend twill cap, structured mid-profile pro crown, curved visor, pro-stitched finish, self-material velcro back closure, 6 finished reinforced eyelets. Embroidered in white polyester thread on front: OPERATIONS EMERGENCY; back: LOGO STRONG BUILDING USACE. Emergency Response Knit Hat: 100% acrylic pro rib knit cap with cuff (Length 9.00", Width 7.75", Cuff Length 3.00"). Embroidered in white polyester thread on front: USACE BUILDING STRONG LOGO. Durable Water-Repellent Jacket (Rain Jacket): Old Glory Red, 4 oz. 100% nylon DWR micro porous plain weave waterproof breathable fabric. Single-ply hood with drawstring, red #5 coil full zipper front flap closure, drawcord waist, no pockets, 2 eyelets underarm vents, 5-needle safety stitch, reinforced zipper seams. Iridescent white print. Right chest: USACE BUILDING STRONG LOGO; Left chest: EMERGENCY OPERATIONS (centered); Back: USACE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS BUILDING STRONG LOGO. Durable Water-Repellent Pant (Rain Pant): Old Glory Red, 4 oz. 100% nylon DWR micro porous plain weave waterproof breathable fabric. Elastic bottom, 1.5” waistband with self-drawcord, back patch pocket with velcro on right side, 5-needle safety stitch. Brisk Insulated Jacket: Old Glory Red, 3.4 oz./yd² (115 gsm) polyester microfiber twill. 2.95 oz. insulation in body, 1.7 oz. in sleeves, polyester brushed tricot lining in body, roll-away hood, thermal retention shockcord, storm flap with snap closure. Iridescent white print. Right chest: USACE BUILDING STRONG LOGO; Left chest: EMERGENCY OPERATIONS (centered); Back: USACE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS BUILDING STRONG LOGO. Techno Lite Three-Layer Knit Jacket: Old Glory Red, 8 oz./yd² (200 gsm) 3-layer 100% polyester interlock bonded to polyester birds eye. 8,000 mm waterproof rating, 1,000 g breathability rating, matching chin guard, center front reverse coil zipper, lower zippered pockets. Imprinting: Same as Rain Jacket. QA T-Shirt: Old Glory Red, preshrunk 100% cotton jersey. Seamless double-needle collar, taped neck and shoulders, double-needle sleeve and bottom hems. Iridescent white print. Right chest: USACE BUILDING STRONG LOGO; Left chest: EMERGENCY OPERATIONS (centered). Woman’s Red Performance Polo (Ladies Red Performance Polo): Old Glory Red, 4.0-4.8 oz polyester moisture wicking pique fabric. Ribbed knit collar, 4 color matching buttons (distinguishing feature), open hemmed sleeves, side vents, UPF 15-30, ladies sizing. Iridescent white print. Right chest: USACE BUILDING STRONG LOGO; Left chest: EMERGENCY OPERATIONS (centered, placed slightly higher than the men's version). Men’s Red Performance Polo: Old Glory Red, 4.0-4.8 oz polyester moisture wicking pique fabric. Ribbed knit collar, 3 color matching buttons (distinguishing feature), open hemmed sleeves, side vents, UPF 15-30. Iridescent white print. Right chest: USACE BUILDING STRONG LOGO; Left chest: EMERGENCY OPERATIONS (centered). Woman’s Red Long Sleeve Performance Polo Shirt (Ladies Red LS Performance Polo): Old Glory Red, 4.0-4.8 oz polyester moisture wicking pique fabric. Ribbed knit collar, 3 color matching buttons, side vents, spandex cuffs. Imprinting: Same as short sleeve. Men’s Red Long Sleeve Performance Polo Shirt (Men’s Red LS Performance Polo): Old Glory Red, 4.0-4.8 oz polyester moisture wicking pique fabric. Ribbed knit collar, 3 color matching buttons, side vents, spandex cuffs. Imprinting: Same as short sleeve. Class 3 Safety Vest: Pantone 387 color, 3.4 oz. durable, extra breathable high visibility ANSI 107-2010 mesh fabric. Zipper front closure, large outside pocket, 1 inside pocket, 2” silver reflective tape on front and back. Red PMS 193 print on back: USACE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS BUILDING STRONG LOGO.
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