81--SHIPPING AND STORAG
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation at Philadelphia, PA has issued a Solicitation for the manufacturing of Specialized Shipping and Storage Containers (PSC 8145). This opportunity is a Total Small Business Set-Aside and requires engineering source approval for new manufacturers. A significant component of this solicitation involves First Article Testing (FAT) to ensure quality and compliance. Proposals are due March 9, 2026.
Scope of Work
The contractor will be responsible for manufacturing specialized aluminum containers according to CONTAINER RESEARCH CORPORATION drawing number (05259) 583E001, Revision LATEST, and all referenced specifications. Key requirements include:
- Materials: Container shell material is aluminum.
- Welding: Adherence to AWS D1.1, D1.2, D1.3, and D1.6 standards for various metals, including specific filler materials for aluminum alloys. Detailed instructions for welding, cleaning, and deoxidizing are provided.
- Surface Finishing: Exterior surfaces must be glass bead blasted to a uniform matte finish using #8 glass beads per MIL-G-9954.
- Unique Identification (UID): Each container requires a nameplate with a UID marking per drawing (80132) 15930 and IAW Mil-STD-130 latest revision, with serial numbers assigned by NAVICP.
- Desiccant: One-third unit of desiccant (MIL-D-3464, Type II) per cubic foot of interior volume.
- Shock Mounts: Only approved shock mounts from the drawing package may be used; no substitutions without written permission.
Quality Assurance & Testing
A First Article Test (FAT) is mandatory, with costs and responsibilities borne by the contractor. The estimated government cost for FAT is $15,000.00. FAT procedures include:
- 100% Production Leak Test: Containers must withstand a 1.0 + 0.1 - 0 PSIG pressure test with minimal loss over 30 minutes.
- 18-inch Free Fall Drop Test: Unloaded containers must survive an 18-inch drop onto a hard surface without damage.
- Dimensional, Form, Fit, and Function Tests: Compliance with drawing (05259) 583E001 and sub-drawings.
- Waiver Option: Offerors may request a waiver of FAT requirements if they have previously furnished identical production articles within three years, using the same production location, facilities, and processes. Two prices (with and without FAT) should be submitted if requesting a waiver.
- FAT Submission: One unit of CAGE (05259) Part Number 583E001, Revision Latest, is required within 120 calendar days of contract award to designated test facilities in Lakehurst, NJ, or Picatinny Arsenal, NJ.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Solicitation
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business
- Response Due: March 9, 2026, 6:00 PM EST
- Published: February 9, 2026
Additional Notes
New manufacturers require engineering source approval by the design activity. Interested parties should contact the buyer for Source Approval Request procedures and drawing access. Packaging will adhere to MIL-STD 2073. Contact: CASEY.STOCK@DLA.MIL, 215-737-0543.