Hearing Conservation Program

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

DEA Hearing Conservation Program

1. Purpose

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is conducting market research to identify qualified vendors capable of providing nationwide, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)-compliant hearing conservation services.

This RFI is issued solely for planning and informational purposes in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 10 (Market Research).

Responses will assist DEA in:

• Understanding available service delivery models and technologies
• Assessing data security and compliance approaches
• Informing potential acquisition strategies

The following information is the Product Service Code (PSC) and North American Industry Classification System (NAICS):

PSC:Q514 

Description

Medical- Otolaryngology Includes: Otolaryngologists (ENT) Physicians who specialize in adult & pediatric ENT, Physicians Assistants who specialize in ENT, ENT technicians/technologists, audiologists and audiology technicians/ technologists.

Excludes: Family & Internal Medicine Physicians (both MD’s and DO’s) (Q509), Pediatricians/Pediatrics (Q516), Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses, Nursing/ Medical Assistants (all fall under Q401-Nursing), Speech Therapists and Physical and Occupational Therapists (Q518 Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation)

NAICS: 621111

Description

Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists)

This U.S. industry comprises establishments of health practitioners having the degree of M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) or D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) primarily engaged in the independent practice of general or specialized medicine (except psychiatry or psychoanalysis) or surgery. These practitioners operate private or group practices in their own offices (e.g., centers, clinics) or in the facilities of others, such as hospitals or HMO medical centers.

This RFI does not constitute a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or award a contract.

2. Program Overview

DEA anticipates a requirement to support:

• Approximately 4,000 employees
• Across approximately 230 locations nationwide
• Including headquarters, field offices, and remote locations
• Audiometric testing performed on a recurring basis to meet OSHA requirements

DEA maintains ownership of all program data and will not modify its IT environment to accommodate vendor tools.

3. Scope of Information Requested

Vendors are requested to provide information regarding their capability to support a national hearing conservation program, including but not limited to:

• Audiometric testing
• Reporting and compliance support
• Data handling and security
• Logistics and scheduling at scale

DEA is open to multiple delivery models, including mobile services, portable solutions, clinic-based services, or combinations thereof.

4. Data Ownership, Security, and IT Requirements

Vendors shall address the following clearly and explicitly:

1. Data Ownership
   • Confirm that all data generated under this program would be owned exclusively by DEA.
2. Data Storage
   • Describe where data are stored (on-premises, cloud, vendor systems, or client systems).
   • Identify whether the vendor’s system is intended to be a system of record.
3. Data Transfer
   • Describe how data are transferred to the Government (e.g., CSV export, secure file transfer, API).
   • Identify supported unique identifiers (e.g., MRN or employee ID).
4. Security and Compliance
   • State FedRAMP status, if any.
   • If not FedRAMP authorized, describe alternative approaches for secure data handling and integration with Government-approved systems.
   • Describe encryption at rest and in transit.
   • Describe access controls and audit capabilities.

DEA systems remain the authoritative system of record.

5. Vendor Qualification Questions

Vendors shall respond to the questions below. Responses should be concise and factual.

A. Corporate Capability

1. Describe your company’s experience providing hearing conservation services at a national scale.
2. Identify the number of clients currently supported under hearing conservation programs.
3. Describe experience supporting federal, state, or military organizations (if applicable).

B. Service Delivery Model

1. Describe how audiometric testing is performed (e.g., mobile units, portable equipment, clinics).
2. Describe how services are provided for:
   • Large sites
   • Small or remote locations
3. Identify who performs testing (e.g., vendor staff, subcontractors).
4. Describe technician qualifications and training standards.

C. Standards and Compliance

1. Describe how your solution meets OSHA audiometric testing requirements.
2. Describe how Standard Threshold Shifts (STS) are identified and reported.
3. Describe how employee notifications and compliance documentation are generated.

D. Scheduling and Logistics

1. Describe how testing schedules are developed and managed across multiple locations.
2. Describe how new hires and retests are handled.
3. Describe your ability to consolidate nearby locations to improve efficiency.

E. Reporting and Deliverables

1. Sample standard reports provided to clients.
2. Identify typical turnaround time from test completion to report delivery.
3. Describe how historical records are maintained and accessed.

F. Technology

1. Describe the testing equipment used (high level).
2. Identify any operating system dependencies.
3. Describe any limitations or requirements placed on the client’s IT environment.

G. Pricing Model

1. Describe your general pricing structure (e.g., per day, per test, per location).
2. Identify any recurring costs.
3. Identify available contract vehicles (e.g., GSA Schedule), if applicable.

6. Location

Refer to Attachment 0001 – HCP Data Location Collection 2025

7. Response Instructions

• Responses shall be submitted electronically in PDF format.
• Maximum length: 20 pages, excluding attachments.
• Vendors may include capability statements or diagrams as appendices.
• Clearly label responses with the RFI number.

8. Government Disclaimer

This RFI is for informational purposes only and does not obligate the Government in any way. Responses will not be returned. DEA will not reimburse costs incurred in responding to this RFI.

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9. Point of Contact

Only electronic responses will be accepted. Please send responses and the completed questionnaire via email to the Contract Specialist, Kenny Douangmala via email at Kenny.J.Douangmala@dea.gov with the Notice ID subject line “[VENDOR NAME] Response to 15DDHQ26N00000003 – Hearing Conservation Program” no later than February 18, 2026 10:00 AM Eastern Time. Earlier submission is highly encouraged. The Government reserves the right to not accept responses after the due date. Responses will not be returned. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this Inquiry.