Purchase of Emergency Breathing System

Amendment 3 - 8/26/26 - This amendment is to provide:

1) Revise Attachment 1- Terms and Conditions.

2) Revise Attachment 3- Schedule of Supplies.

3) Update synopsis as follows:

It is anticipated that a firm-fixed price purchase order will be awarded on a brand name or equal basis for the items listed in Attachment 3 - Schedule of Supplies. The brand name and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of the Emergency Breathing System is Aerial Machine & Tool Corporation (CAGE Code: 70133) or Aqualung USA, Inc. (CAGE Code: 94120). A full description of the salient characteristics of “equal to” items may be found in Attachment 2. Concerns having the expertise and required capabilities to provide these items, or an equal alternative are invited to submit offers in accordance with the requirements stipulated in this solicitation. All items shall be NEW approved items and must be the completed assembly as a whole (including the cylinder, regulators, hose, and purge protection).

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES

Nomenclature

EBS 20” Hose

EBS 27” Hose

National Stock Number (NSN)

4220-01-HS3-8159

4220-01-HS3-8160

4240-01-HS1-8933

4220-01-543-8219

Part Number (PN)

CAZ-KCG1

CAZ-KCG2

108382

079105

4) Answer the following bidders questions:

Q1: Attachment 3 lists the line items as "EBS 20-inch Hose" and "EBS 27-inch Hose," whereas Attachment 2 describes a complete Emergency Breathing System (cylinder, first-stage regulator, hose, manifold, and second-stage regulator). Please confirm if CLIN 1 and CLIN 2 represent one complete EBS assembly rather than just replacement hoses. Please clarify if the removal of Attachment 2 in the solicitation takes away the EBS cylinder/bottle from the requirement.

A1: The Government confirms that the requirement is for a complete and fully assembled Emergency Breathing System (EBS), as detailed in Attachment 2 - Salient Characteristics. This includes the cylinder, first-stage regulator, hose, and second-stage regulator. 

The nomenclature in Attachment 3 - Schedule of Supplies has been corrected via amendment to reflect this. Line Item 1 represents a complete EBS assembly configured with a 20-inch hose, and Line Item 2 represents a complete EBS assembly configured with a 27-inch hose. Bids must be for complete, fully functional systems, not standalone replacement hoses.

To satisfy the requirement for a complete assembly under each Line Item, offerors may propose either a single top-level assembly part number (e.g., the Aerial configuration) or a combination of component part numbers (e.g., the Aqua Lung configuration) that together constitute the complete, required system.

Q2: The specified Aerial part numbers CAZ-KCG1 and CAZ-KCG2 appear to represent Coast Guard-specific configurations that differ from Aerial’s commercial Corsair configurations. Please confirm whether CAZ-KCG1 and CAZ-KCG2 are customized Coast Guard configurations, and whether offerors of equal products may propose comparably configured OEM systems using commercially available components that achieve equivalent form, fit, and function.

A2: The Government confirms that part numbers CAZ-KCG1 and CAZ-KCG2 represent specific configurations designed to meet unique Coast Guard operational safety requirements. Specifically, these configurations feature an "always-on" architecture (no manual ON/OFF selector knob) to ensure immediate air delivery during emergency water egress, and a rigid second-stage purge-protection cover to prevent accidental air depletion when aircrew members are in a prone position.

Offerors of equal products may propose comparably configured systems using commercially available OEM components, provided the offered system fully satisfies all written salient characteristics in Attachment 2 and achieves equivalent form, fit, and function. It should be noted that the part numbers noted in this amendment manufactured by Aqualung USA, Inc. are considered an equal.

Q3: Please provide or identify the publicly available descriptive literature, drawings, or specifications for CAZ-KCG1 and CAZ-KCG2 that were used to establish salient characteristics, so that equal-product offerors can understand the precise requirements on the same basis as the brand-name manufacturer.

A3: The Government does not possess or distribute proprietary manufacturer engineering drawings for Aerial part numbers CAZ-KCG1 and CAZ-KCG2. Equal-product offerors must rely on the objective technical specifications and physical dimensions detailed in Attachment 2 (Salient Characteristics) to establish their design basis. Any proposed equal product will be evaluated strictly against those written standards.

Q4: Current-production Aqua Lung SEA configurations can be furnished with an existing OEM-supported lightweight braided hose containing a polyurethane core in the required 20-inch and 27-inch lengths. Please confirm that selecting an existing OEM hose option will be evaluated as an offered product configuration and will not be considered a developmental modification, provided the completed assembly satisfies all salient characteristics.

A4: The Government confirms that if an offeror proposes an existing, commercially available OEM-supported hose configuration that fully meets the technical specifications of Attachment 2, it will be evaluated as a standard product configuration and will not be considered a developmental modification. However, to be determined technically acceptable, the completed assembly as a whole (including the cylinder, regulators, hose, and purge protection) must satisfy all written salient characteristics in Attachment 2.

Q5: Please confirm that current-production systems from other manufacturers (such as the Aqua Lung SEA or Poseidon EBS configurations) will be considered equal products when demonstrated to satisfy all stated salient characteristics, including systems based on equipment already fielded or developed in coordination with the USCG.

A5: The Government confirms that current-production systems from alternative manufacturers will be evaluated. All proposed systems must satisfy all written salient characteristics in Attachment 2.To be determined technically acceptable, the proposed system must meet all mandatory physical integration and safety limits, including the rigid purge-protection cover, the "always-on" (no manual selector) architecture, and the maximum physical dimensions required to seamlessly fit within the standard USCG aircrew survival vest interfaces. Proposed systems that fail to meet any individual salient characteristic will be evaluated as technically unacceptable.

Q6: In regard to the physical dimensions (Attachment 2). Please provide the measurement methods, applicable tolerances, and specific endpoints for the following requirements. Specifically, clarify whether gauges, fill ports, relief devices, hose swivels, mouthpieces, or other projections are included or excluded from: 1. Maximum 10-inch overall length of the cylinder and first-stage regulator assembly. 2. Maximum 2.25-inch circular diameter of the second-stage regulator and purge-protection cover; and 3. Maximum 2.75-inch overall length of the second-stage regulator and purge-protection cover.

A6: Yes, the physical dimensions specified in Attachment 2 must be met to ensure the equipment seamlessly integrates into the standard USCG aircrew survival vest without restricting aircrew mobility or causing cockpit snags.

1. Cylinder and First-Stage Regulator (Max 10-inch overall length): This measurement is the absolute end-to-end length of the rigid assembly, measured from the base of the cylinder to the outermost rigid point of the first-stage regulator body. It includes all integrated rigid components (fill ports, relief devices).
2. Second-Stage Regulator and Purge-Protection Cover (Max 2.25-inch circular diameter / Max 2.75-inch overall length): These measurements represent the maximum rigid envelope of the second-stage regulator assembly, including the rigid purge-protection cover, hose swivels, and rigid housing projections. Only the highly flexible, soft silicone rubber mouthpiece is excluded from these rigid dimensions.

Q7: Please identify the operational, safety, interface, or performance basis for requiring the basis for design-specific characteristics: 4. A piston-type first-stage regulator. 5. Polyester outer-braid and polyurethane-core hose construction. 6. A rigid, injection-molded purge-protection cover; and 7. The specified dimensional limits.

A7: The specified design characteristics are based on the following critical operational, safety, maintenance, and physical interface requirements:

Rigid Purge-Protection Cover: Critical safety requirement. The cover must be rigid (whether injection-molded, 3D-printed, or otherwise manufactured from stiff, durable material) to prevent accidental air depletion when a Flight Mechanic is in a prone position on the cabin floor. A flexible or soft cover is unacceptable as it will compress under the crew member's weight and depress the purge button.

Specified Dimensional Limits: Strict physical constraints dictated by the standard-issue USCG aircrew survival vest to ensure seamless integration, mobility, and prevention of cabin snags.

Piston-Type First-Stage Regulator: Selected for its exceptional mechanical simplicity, robust durability, and high-flow rapid air delivery. Because this system is designed strictly for emergency egress, it may remain stored for extended periods. The piston design utilizes fewer moving parts and dynamic seals than a diaphragm regulator, minimizing potential failure points. Additionally, this straightforward mechanical design allows for highly efficient maintenance and servicing directly by USCG Aviation Survival Technicians (ASTs) without requiring highly specialized manufacturer calibration tools.

Polyester/Polyurethane Hose Construction: Provides maximum flexibility, superior resistance to abrasion from flight gear, and prevents kinking to ensure an unobstructed air path.

Q8: Please confirm whether an OEM-signed compliance certification supported by manufacturer-controlled drawings, specifications, and qualification records will satisfy the solicitation’s documentation requirements. If independent third-party test reports or laboratory certifications are required for any specific characteristic, please identify them and state the acceptable form of documentation.

A8: The Government confirms that an OEM-signed compliance certification, supported by the manufacturer’s technical drawings, product specifications, and standard qualification records, is acceptable to satisfy the solicitation's documentation requirements. This documentation must objectively demonstrate that the offered product meets all physical dimensions, system weight, 20ft depth functionality, always-on architecture, and purge protection characteristics detailed in Attachment 2.

Q9: Please confirm whether each salient characteristic in Attachment 2 was established as an independent operational, safety, or vest-interface requirement, or was derived directly from the measurements/specifications of the brand-name article (CAZ-KCG1 / CAZ-KCG2).

A9: The salient characteristics in Attachment 2 were established strictly as independent operational, safety, and aircrew vest-interface requirements. They are derived from documented safety needs—such as preventing accidental air depletion while aircrews are in prone operational positions and ensuring immediate, on-demand air delivery during emergency water egress—as well as the physical integration boundaries of the standard USCG aircrew survival vest.

Q10: Please confirm that offers of equal products will be evaluated strictly and solely against the written salient characteristics in Attachment 2 and the published evaluation criteria and will not be evaluated against unstated design features or preferences associated with the brand-name configuration.

A10: This is brand-name or equal procurement. Therefore, the Government confirms that all offers of equal products will be evaluated strictly and solely against the written salient characteristics in Attachment 2 and the published evaluation criteria in the solicitation. Offers will not be evaluated against unstated design features.

Q11 & Q12: Please identify whether the market research supporting this solicitation included contacting alternative manufacturers or their authorized distributors concerning current production status, availability, and capability to meet requirements. Please confirm whether prior evaluation and development work conducted between the U.S. Coast Guard and alternative vendors was considered during the market research phase for the current requirement.

A11 & A12: The Government's market research was extensive and heavily informed by real-world procurement history, fleet availability, and physical evaluations. Regarding other alternative manufacturers, prior development and evaluation work was fully considered. Alternative configurations were reviewed during market research. 

Q13: Please confirm whether the Government received any representations that alternative emergency breathing systems (e.g., Aqua Lung SEA/SEAS or Poseidon) were discontinued, no longer in production, or no longer available for sale to Government customers. If such representations were received, please identify the source and approximate date.

A13: The Government's procurement decisions and market research were driven by the objective reality of long-term, unfulfilled backorders spanning multiple years, which created an immediate readiness risk for active-duty aircrews. The need to qualify an alternative source was based on this critical lack of supply and the operational necessity to equip flight crews with functional life-support equipment, rather than any single representation.

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Amendment 2- 8/26/26- This amendment is to extend the closing date of this solicitation.

Amendment 1 - 8/21/26 - This amendment is to provide:

1) Revised Attachment 2 - Salient Characteristics and Support Requirements.

2) Answer the following two bidders questions.

Q1: What are the specific thread sizes and fitting types required for connecting the flexible hose to the first-stage and second-stage regulators (e.g., standard standard 3/8"-24 UNF Low-Pressure ports, quick-disconnect fittings, or custom threads)?

A1: First-Stage Regulator Port Connection: 3/8"-24 UNF (Standard low-pressure port; male straight thread with an O-ring seal). Second-Stage Regulator Connection: 9/16"-18 UNF (Standard second-stage demand valve inlet; female swivel nut). Fitting Type: No custom threads or proprietary quick-disconnect fittings.

Q2: What is the specific thread specification for mounting the first-stage regulator to the seamless aluminum cylinder (e.g., 5/8"-18 UNF, M18 x 1.5, or another standard)?

A2: The cylinder neck thread: 5/8"-18 UNF (Standard North American straight thread with a face O-ring seal). The fitting tyoe is straight-thread O-ring boss interface compliant with DOT/TC high-pressure seamless aluminum cylinder standards.

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This is a solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with (IAW) the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 12.201 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice.  This announcement constitutes only solicitation; quotations are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.  Solicitation number 70Z03826QE0000057 is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ).  This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect as of November 28, 2025, IAW the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO).

The applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 336413. The small business size standard is 1,250 employees. This is an unrestricted requirement. All responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation which shall be considered by the agency. 

It is anticipated that a firm-fixed price purchase order will be awarded on a brand name or equal basis for the items listed in Attachment 3 - Schedule of Supplies. The brand name and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of the Emergency Breathing System is Aerial Machine & Tool Corporation (CAGE Code: 70133). A full description of the salient characteristics of “equal to” items may be found in Attachment 2. Concerns having the expertise and required capabilities to provide these items, or an equal alternative are invited to submit offers in accordance with the requirements stipulated in this solicitation. All items shall be NEW approved items.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES

Nomenclature

EBS 20” Hose

EBS 27” Hose

National Stock Number (NSN)

4220-01-HS3-8159

4220-01-HS3-8160

Part Number (PN)

CAZ-KCG1

CAZ-KCG2

Quantity (Qty)

340 each

340 each

NOTE: NO DRAWINGS, SPECIFICATIONS, OR SCHEMATICS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE USCG.

Please carefully review this solicitation’s attachments for additional information and requirements such as applicable clauses and instructions to offerors:  

1. Attachment 1 – Terms and Conditions - 70Z03826QE0000057
2. Attachment 2 – Salient Characteristics and Support Requirements - 70Z03826QE0000057
3. Attachment 3 – Schedule of Supplies - 70Z03826QE0000057

All bidder’s questions shall be submitted by 24 August 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The closing date and time for receipt of offers is 26 August 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Anticipated award date is on or 28 August 2026.  Email quotations are preferred and may be sent to Jackson.S.Perry@uscg.mil and William.P.Morris@uscg.mil . Please indicate 70Z03826QE0000057 on the subject line.