1. Purpose
The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is conducting market research to identify U.S.-based manufacturers capable of supplying heavy-duty examination gloves that meet or exceed the performance of gloves currently used in FSIS food inspection operations. These gloves must be manufactured in the United Sates of America.
2. Product Requirements
The government is open to all products the provide the necessary protection, however; it currently uses gloves with the following specifications:
- Material: May be made from any appropriate material that provides the required protection, durability, and dexterity (e.g., nitrile, neoprene, synthetic blends). FSIS’ current glove is made of latex.
- Thickness: Approximately 11 mil at the palm and 14 mil at the fingertips
- Durability: Designed to resist rips, snags, and tears; 3x thicker than standard exam gloves
- Grip: Textured fingertips for enhanced grip in wet and dry conditions
- Comfort: Flexible and form-fitting for extended wear
- Cuff: Extended cuff (minimum 11.6 inches in length) for added wrist and forearm protection
- Powder-Free: Non-powdered interior
- Touch Sensitivity: Maintains tactile sensitivity for inspection tasks
- Certifications:
- NFPA 1999 certified
- Tested for use with chemotherapy drugs per ASTM D6978
- FDA 510(k) cleared
- Sizes: S (6.5–7), M (7.5–8), L (8.5–9), XL (9.5–10)
- Packaging: 50 gloves per dispenser, 10 dispensers per case (or equivalent)
- Compliance: Must be fully Berry Amendment compliant
3. Requested Information
Interested vendors are encouraged to submit the following:
- Company Information
- Company name, address, and primary contact(s) with email and phone
- Business size (small/large) per SBA standards
- Special designations (e.g., 8(a), AbilityOne), CAGE and DUNS numbers
- Product Information
- Product description and technical specifications
- Product images and commercial part numbers
- Available sizes and packaging details
- Certifications and test results (e.g., NFPA 1999, ASTM D6978)
- Complete Bill of Materials
- Production lead times for orders of 500 and 5,000 gloves
- Made in America status:
- Is current production Made in America?
- If not, can it be made compliant?
- What changes are needed and how long would it take?
4. Submission Instructions
Responses should be submitted electronically in PDF format to:
Monika Masei
Chief, Procurement Branch
Monika.masei@usda.gov
(301) 525-1428
Subject shall state: ATTN: Inspection Glove RFI
Deadline: 20 October 2025, 5:00PM EST
5. Disclaimer
This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. FAR 52.215-3 applies. The government may use responses to develop an acquisition strategy or future solicitation.
