Brand Name National Stock Numbers: Industry Feedback Request
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Supply Chain Management Contracting Division, is conducting a continuous Request for Information (RFI) to gather industry feedback on Brand Name National Stock Numbers (NSNs). The purpose is to determine if requirements currently designated as brand-name-only can be met by alternative manufacturers. Industry is invited to propose suitable substitute products. Responses are due by February 12, 2027.
Purpose & Scope
GSA is seeking feedback on NSNs that were established as Brand Name specific, meaning their Item Purchase Descriptions (IPDs) are written for a single manufacturer. The agency aims to verify if the need described by these IPDs can only be met by the cited manufacturer, or if other manufacturers' products can fulfill the requirement. This initiative supports GSA's goal to add these items to contract while promoting competition. The attached Excel documents list various items, including hand tools, hardware, packaging systems, navigation sets, and office equipment, for which feedback is sought.
Submission Requirements
To respond, interested parties must complete the attached Excel template, accurately filling in the highlighted columns designated for industry feedback. Supporting documentation must be provided for all NSNs where a viable substitute is proposed, with the NSN clearly indicated on every page of literature. Responses should be emailed to fssi.mro-req@gsa.gov with the subject line: "BN NSN Industry Feedback, [Your Vendor or OEM Name]". Individual IPDs can be requested via email using the subject: "BN NSN Industry Feedback, IPD Request, NSN (please list NSN)".
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Response Due: February 12, 2027 (This is a continuous RFI)
- Published: April 2, 2026
- Set-Aside: None specified.
Additional Notes
A Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (JOFOC) document explains that these Brand Name NSNs are due to operational, technical, or interoperability requirements. However, GSA maximizes competition at the order level by soliciting quotes from multiple authorized distributors or resellers. The estimated value for the current SCMCD Brand Name NSN portfolio is approximately $51.9 million (FY25), with a 10-year total estimate of $595 million. GSA maintains this open RFI as part of its strategy to identify potential alternate items and promote competition, supporting NSN/IPD updates and engaging the vendor community.