Ecorrcrate - Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source Contract
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 Department of the Air Force, Air Education and Training Command has issued a Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source Contract for a proprietary Ecorrcrate modular, reusable shipping crate system. This notice indicates the agency's intent to award to a single manufacturer due to the unique and patented features of the required system for Alamogordo, NM. Responses challenging this sole source intent are due February 10, 2026.
Scope of Requirement
The agency requires a modular, reusable shipping crate system with specific functional characteristics proprietary to a single manufacturer. The solution is detailed in U.S. Patent US8662380B1, "Modular corrugated reusable crate system." Key features include:
- Interlocking and interchangeable panels for variable sizing.
- Lightweight yet high-strength corrugated construction.
- Nestable design allowing disassembled components to be stored within the crate's own base and lid for efficient storage and return shipment. These features are essential for meeting the agency's operational needs.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source Contract (Special Notice)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- Response Due: February 10, 2026, 7:00 PM ET
- Published: January 30, 2026
Evaluation
This is not a request for competitive proposals. This notice is published to determine if other sources can meet the agency's requirements. Interested parties who believe they can provide the required proprietary Ecorrcrate system, or an equivalent that meets all specified unique features, must submit a capability statement by the response date.
Additional Notes
The agency's determination is that only one source can provide the required system due to its patented and unique design.