STATE OF TENNESSEE
TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF DISABILITY AND AGING
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
FOR
Seating and Positioning Clinic 3D Printing
RFI # 34401-99596
November 17, 2025
1. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:
The State of Tennessee, Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging issues this Request for
Information (“RFI”) to gather information from experienced vendors and manufacturers regarding 3D
printing systems, materials, software, and support services. This information will be used to develop a
comprehensive understanding of the market and to inform the development of a future formal
solicitation (e.g., RFP). We appreciate your input and participation in this process.
2. BACKGROUND:
Issuing Agency:
State of Tennessee
Department of Disability and Aging (DDA)
Seating and Positioning Clinics Division
2.1. Introduction and Background
The State of Tennessee, Department of Disability and Aging (DDA), Seating and Positioning
Clinics Division, provides person-centered, therapeutic assessments and fabricates custom
medical equipment for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (ID/DD). Our
mission is to enhance mobility, positioning, and quality of life through highly specialized devices
such as custom molded seat inserts, sidelyers, trunk supports, and adaptive wheelchair
components.
Currently, fabrication relies on traditional methods involving material carving, molding, and
casting. To advance our services, improve efficiency, enhance customization, and reduce
material waste and inventory costs, the DDA is exploring the integration of advanced additive
manufacturing (3D printing) technology into our clinical workflow.
2.2 Objectives
The primary objectives for implementing 3D printing technology are:
Increase Efficiency: Reduce the time from patient assessment to delivery of final equipment.
Enhance Precision: Utilize digital scanning and printing for superior fit, comfort, and
therapeutic outcomes.
Reduce Costs: Minimize material waste, physical storage needs, and inventory loss.
Improve Technology: Modernize our fabrication process with scalable, reproducible digital
technology.
1
Ensure Sustainability: Identify a vendor partner for long-term support, training, and
technological advancement.
3. COMMUNICATIONS:
3.1. Please submit your response to this RFI to:
Jason Camperlino – Statewide Director of Innovation Centers
Department of Disability and Aging
500 James Robertson Parkway
Davy Crockett Tower, 2nd Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
629-250-9367
Jason.Camperlino@tn.gov
3.2. Please feel free to contact the Department of Disability and Aging with any questions regarding
this RFI. The main point of contact will be:
Jason Camperlino – Statewide Director of Innovation Centers
Department of Disability and Aging
500 James Robertson Parkway
Davy Crockett Tower, 2nd Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
629-250-9367
Jason.Camperlino@tn.gov
3.3. Please reference RFI # 34401-99596 with all communications to this RFI.
4. RFI SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
EVENT
1. RFI Issued
2. RFI Response Deadline
TIME
DATE
(Central Time (all dates are State
Zone)
business days)
November 17, 2025
December 17, 2025
5. GENERAL INFORMATION:
5.1. Please note that responding to this RFI is not a prerequisite for responding to any future
solicitations related to this project and a response to this RFI will not create any contract rights.
Responses to this RFI will become property of the State.
5.2. The information gathered during this RFI is part of an ongoing procurement. In order to prevent
an unfair advantage among potential respondents, the RFI responses will not be available until
after the completion of evaluation of any responses, proposals, or bids resulting from a Request
for Qualifications, Request for Proposals, Invitation to Bid or other procurement method. In the
event that the state chooses not to go further in the procurement process and responses are
never evaluated, the responses to the procurement including the responses to the RFI, will be
considered confidential by the State.
5.3. The State will not pay for any costs associated with responding to this RFI.
6.
INFORMATIONAL FORMS:
The State is requesting the following information from all interested parties. Please fill out the
following forms:
RFI #34401-99596
TECHNICAL INFORMATIONAL FORM
1. RESPONDENT LEGAL ENTITY NAME:
2. RESPONDENT CONTACT PERSON:
Name, Title:
Address:
Phone Number:
Email:
Respondents are requested to provide detailed information on their proposed solutions, addressing the
following areas. Please structure your response to correspond with the numbered items below.
3. Hardware & Technical Specifications
a. Describe the recommended 3D printer(s) model(s) suitable for medical/therapeutic device
fabrication (example size 24” x 24” x 24” as we are making equipment for people to use as
positioning equipment). To include seats for wheelchairs, backs for wheelchairs, positioning
equipment, etc.
b. Specify the recommended build volume, layer resolution, and print speed.
c. Detail the types of supported filaments/materials (e.g., PLA, PETG, Nylon, specialized
medical-grade composites). Please highlight materials with high durability, impact resistance,
and skin-contact safety.
d. Describe any required ancillary equipment that may be necessary to work with the supplied
3D printer (e.g., 3D scanners, post-processing curing stations, cleaning units).
4. Software & Digital Workflow
a. Describe the complete software ecosystem, including:
b. 3D scanning software if applicable (compatibility with handheld/scanner hardware).
c. CAD/CAM software for design, modification, and preparation of 3D models (e.g., smoothing
scans, adding structural supports).
d. Slicing software and its compatibility with your recommended printer. Please note if 3rd party
slicing software is compatible with printer.
e. File management and storage solutions for patient digital molds.
f. Address software licensing models (perpetual vs. subscription, number of seats).
g. Does the software allow for the end user to make density or softness changes in the flexible
materials?
h. Ability/requirements to run without an operator present (after hours, overnight).
i. Ability to stop and restart prints.
5. Implementation & Support Services
a. Project Management: Outline your proposed approach for project implementation, including
timeline from purchase to full operational capability.
b. Installation & Integration: Detail on-site installation services, including requirements for our
clinic space (power, ventilation, networking).
c. Training: Provide a detailed training plan for clinical staff (therapists, technicians) with
varying levels of technical expertise. Include initial training and ongoing training options.
d. Technical Support: Describe your technical support structure (e.g., phone, email, remote
desktop, on-site), hours of operation, and service level agreements (SLAs).
e. Software Updates: Explain the process and frequency for software updates and patches.
f. Power Outage Management: Please describe the processes for how the printer would
respond/reboot when power outages occur.
6. Vendor Qualifications and Experience
a. Provide company background and history.
b. Describe your specific experience and provide examples (case studies) of implementing 3D
printing solutions in a clinical or medical fabrication environment, particularly those serving
individuals with disabilities and/or direct experience with printing seating and positioning
equipment (wheelchair seats, etc.)
c. Provide at least three client references from similar sectors.
7. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
We are in the process of establishing KPIs to measure the success of this implementation. We
request that your submission propose specific, quantifiable KPIs that we should track. These
may include, but are not limited to:
a. Equipment uptime/availability.
b. Print success rate.
c. Reduction in fabrication time per device.
d. Reduction in material cost per device.
e. Staff proficiency metrics post-training.
8. Risk Assessment and Mitigation
Identify potential problems and risks associated with the implementation and ongoing use of your
proposed system. For each risk, propose a mitigation strategy. Risks may include:
a. Technology obsolescence.
b. Staff resistance or training challenges.
c. Software/hardware compatibility issues.
d. Data security of patient digital files.
e. Supply chain issues for filaments/parts.
COST INFORMATIONAL FORM
Describe what pricing units you typically utilize for similar services or goods (e.g., per hour, each, etc.:
Provide estimated cost ranges for the following. This is for informational purposes only and does not
constitute a formal bid.
a. Capital Equipment: Estimated cost for the recommended 3D printer(s), scanner(s), and
ancillary equipment.
b. Materials: Estimated cost for recommended filaments (per kilogram or roll).
c. Software: Initial licensing fees and annual recurring costs.
d. Services: Costs for installation, initial training, and annual maintenance/support contracts.
1. Describe the typical price range for similar services or goods
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
1. Please provide input on alternative approaches or additional things to consider that might benefit
the State:
This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.