Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Backstop

Updated July 7, 2022

What

The state personal protective equipment (PPE) backstop has been available to help support state agencies, counties, tribes and other partners and organizations through the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to be available to support organizations in extraordinary circumstances when PPE cannot be obtained through other means.

Who

State, local, and tribal agencies are able to make requests for PPE. Local emergency management agencies need to use their best judgement around how to prioritize organizations and determine if an extraordinary or urgent need exists in order to best serve their communities.

How

If an urgent need exists, contact your local county emergency management agency to determine how orders should be placed with them. They are able to answer questions about the forms and ordering process.
Complete the forms/process provided from the local emergency management.
If local emergency management is able to fill this request from a locally existing supply, they will let you know how that process will be completed.
If local emergency management is not able to fill the request, and has determined the need is urgent, they will send the request to the state for processing.

For questions or more information on PPE, email logistics@doh.wa.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

What agencies are eligible to order PPE directly from the state?: State agencies and federally recognized tribes are eligible to order PPE directly from the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC).
Are there standard processes for disposing of expired PPE that was received from the state backstop?: Once PPE is expired and no longer able to be used in a healthcare setting, it can be disposed through regular disposal means. DOH does not take returns of expired items for disposing or of any consumable resources.
Is the state still purchasing PPE?: The state is only purchasing PPE to meet the minimum stockpile levels identified to have on hand in the event of an urgent need within the healthcare system.
Is the state still accepting bulk donations of PPE?: The state has ceased seeking bulk donations and is instead encouraging organizations that have PPE to donate directly to local communities and nonprofit organizations.
What are the criteria considered to determine if a request for PPE will be filled?: As of November 1, 2021, the state PPE supply will only continue to be available to support organizations in extraordinary circumstances such as when supplies are unavailable through regular supply chains, when shipping delays cause an insufficient level of PPE, and when urgent needs arise that cannot be addressed through other means. Local emergency management agencies and jurisdictions will determine if local resources have been utilized and if an urgent need exists.
Who sets the specifications for PPE items the state is seeking?: The Department of Health identifies the specifications PPE must meet to keep our front-line responders and health care workers safe.
Is the state experiencing price gouging or scams?: Information on vendors who attempt to misrepresent products or mark them up excessively is referred to the Attorney General's Office. The state also has strong fraud protection measures in place through financial institutions.
How is the state prioritizing response to vendors who have PPE to sell?: Vendors who have PPE to sell register in the state's online vendor system, called Washington's Electronic Business Solution (WEBS) and enter commodity codes for the types of equipment they have to sell. The state Department of Enterprise Services and other state agencies notify vendors of competitive opportunities through the WEBS system. Learn more in this Personal Protective Equipment Purchasing fact sheet (PDF).
I have a large supply of PPE on the state's most-needed list that I'd be willing to sell the state? Who can I contact?: Visit the state's how you can help page for more details.
Where do I find respirator manufacturer information?: More information is available on the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's website.