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 Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI) to gather industry feedback on Brand Name National Stock Numbers (NSNs). The purpose is to verify if items currently designated as Brand Name Only can, in fact, be met by alternative manufacturers or products. This is a continuous RFI, with responses accepted until February 12, 2027.
Purpose and Scope
GSA is seeking industry input to determine if the need described by existing Brand Name specific Item Purchase Descriptions (IPDs) can be met by manufacturers other than the one currently cited. The RFI aims to identify suitable substitute manufacturer names and part numbers for various items, including hand tools, office supplies, and other hardware, as detailed in the attached NSN lists. This initiative supports GSA's goal to add these items to contract while promoting competition where possible, in line with FAR Part 10. The associated Brand Name NSN portfolio has an estimated 10-year value of $595,001,672.35.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Response Due: February 12, 2027 (Continuous RFI)
- Published Date: April 2, 2026
- Product Service Code: 5120 (Hand Tools, Nonedged, Nonpowered), though the scope extends beyond this to various items.
Key Documents
- Brand Name NSNs List 02 April 2026.xlsx: This Excel spreadsheet provides a comprehensive list of NSNs, product descriptions, brand names, manufacturers, and part numbers. It includes items like "BOX, SEA," "CARTRIDGE,TONER," "PACKAGING SYSTEM," "NAVIGATION SET," and various hand tools such as "PUNCH,KNOCKOUT," "SAW,HAND,CROSSCUT," and "WRENCH SET." Bidders must review this list to identify specific items for which they can propose substitutes.
- GSS SCMCD BNJ JOFOC.pdf: This document justifies the use of other than full and open competition for Brand Name NSNs, explaining that while items are Brand Name Only, GSA maximizes competition at the order level by soliciting from multiple authorized distributors. It also highlights GSA's continuous RFI efforts to identify alternate items.
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 proposed substitutes, with the NSN clearly indicated on every page. Responses, including the completed template and supporting literature, should be emailed to fssi.mro-req@gsa.gov. The email subject line must follow the format: "BN NSN Industry Feedback, [Your Vendor or OEM Name]". Individual Item Purchase Descriptions (IPDs) can be requested via email using the subject: "BN NSN Industry Feedback, IPD Request, NSN (please list NSN)".
Contact Information
- Primary Contact: Tabitha Smith,
tabitha.smith@gsa.gov,573-528-3352 - Secondary Contact: Brand Name RFI Team,
brandnamerfi@gsa.gov,573-528-3352
Set-Aside
No set-aside is specified for this Request for Information.