Insulated Food Container – Improved and Insulated Beverage Container - Improved

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Commercial Item Description (CID) for insulated food containers with removable insert pans. It outlines the specifications and requirements for these containers, which are intended for transporting hot or cold foods and liquids without spillage.

• Scope: Covers plastic insulated food containers with removable insert pans, designed for spill-free transport of hot or cold foods/liquids.
• Classification: Details three sizes (10 ½", 12 ½", 9 ½" height) and two classes (Brown/Desert Sand, Green/Olive).
• Types of Insert Pans: Specifies Type I (stainless steel) and Types II/III (plastic) insert pans, including material, dimensions, and sealing mechanisms.
• Salient Characteristics: Includes design requirements for the container body and lid, stackability/nestability, material specifications (NSF/ANSI Standard 2, FDA food grade), thermal performance (hot and cold), and workmanship standards.
• Regulatory Compliance: Mentions NSF/ANSI Standard 2 compliance and potential use of recovered materials.
• Market Acceptability: Requires the producing company to have at least 2 years of experience and have sold at least 1000 units in the last 2 years.
• Intended Use: For transporting hot (160°F-180°F) or cold (35°F-40°F) foods in ambient temperatures ranging from -20°F to 120°F.

This CID serves as the technical specification for potential bidders to understand the exact requirements for insulated food containers. Bidders must ensure their proposed products meet all listed salient characteristics, classifications, types, and performance standards to be considered compliant. It also outlines market acceptability criteria and potential inspection requirements.

Sources Sought / RFI

This Sources Sought Announcement (SSA) seeks information from potential sources for the next generation of Insulated Food Containers (IFC-i) and Insulated Beverage Containers (IBC-i). The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command - Soldier Center (DEVCOM-SC) is looking for solutions with improved thermal performance, a collapsible design for reduced logistics footprint, and optional active thermal management. These new containers are intended to replace existing models (CID A-A-52193G and CID A-A-52190C) for military expeditionary feeding operations.

• Passive Thermal Performance: Maintain hot food ≥140°F and cold food ≤41°F for extended periods, with specific thresholds for temperature loss/rise in various ambient conditions (-20°F to +120°F).

• Insulation: High R-value (≥7.0 per inch threshold, ≥9.0 objective) with thin wall thickness (≤1.5" threshold, ≤1.25" objective).

• Serving-Line Performance: Maintain ≥140°F for ≥90 minutes after a simulated serving period (25 open/close cycles).

• Collapsibility: Achieve ≥25% volume reduction when collapsed, with a target of ≥30%. Must withstand ≥200 collapse/deploy cycles.

• Phase Change Material (PCM) Integration: Ability to integrate removable PCM modules for extended thermal hold.

• Physical & Weight: Empty weight ≤25 lbs (threshold), ≤20 lbs (objective). Loaded weight ≤75 lbs. Designed for two-person carry.

• Insert Pan Configuration: Accommodate specific UGR-H&S tray pack requirements (e.g., three ⅓-size pans).

• Cleanability: NSF/ANSI Standard 2 compliant materials and design for easy cleaning and drainage.

• Technical Data Package (TDP): Contractor shall deliver a TDP in accordance with MIL-STD-31000C.

• Active Thermal Management (Optional): Explore heating (200W threshold) and cooling (75W threshold) capabilities with integrated battery runtime (≥2 hours threshold).

• Durability: Withstand drop tests, vibration (MIL-STD-810H), latch endurance, and abrasion.

• Regulatory Compliance: NSF/ANSI Standard 2, FDA 21 CFR, HACCP/ServSafe guidelines.

• Response Date: 27 March 2026, 5 pm EST.

• Submission Method: Electronic submission via email to jean.m.trumpis.civ@army.mil and james.d.nelson196.civ@army.mil.

• Format: White Paper (max 12 pages) covering company info, relevant products/services, proposed hardware, implementation examples, and cost. Additional documentation (presentations, test data, certifications) is accepted.

• Questions Deadline: 24 March 2026, 5 pm EST via email.

• N/A (Sources Sought only).

• This is a Sources Sought Announcement ONLY for information and planning purposes; it is NOT a solicitation or a promise to issue an RFP.

• No contract will be awarded from this announcement.

• All costs associated with responding are at the responder's expense.

• Interested parties should provide business size, NAICS code, and CAGE code.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Commercial Item Description (CID) for insulated liquid dispensers. It supersedes A-A-52190B and provides the specifications for these items.

• Scope: Covers plastic insulated liquid dispensers for transporting hot or cold beverages.
• Sizes: Available in 2-1/2 gallon (Size 1) and 5 gallon (Size 2) capacities.
• Classes: Available in Desert Sand (Class 1) and Green (Class 2) colors.
• Design: Features a sealed insulated body, two carrying handles, four snap-action latches, recessed latch plates, and a gasketed cover. Dimensions are provided in Table I.
• Materials: Body and cover made of FDA food grade approved high-density plastic with urethane foam insulation.
• Faucet: Self-closing and continuous flow type, removable without tools, made of black nylon or black high-density plastic.
• Thermal Performance: Specific requirements for hot (180°F to 200°F) and cold (33°F to 40°F) liquid temperature retention are detailed.
• Standards: Must comply with NSF International Standard No. 18.
• Marking: Includes "Government unique" requirements for molded identification and a "DO NOT USE FOR MILK OR MILK PRODUCTS" caution.
• Workmanship: Must be clean, free of defects, and have no sharp edges.
• Recycled Materials: Encouraged to use recycled/recovered materials per FAR.
• Product Conformance: Contractors must certify that products meet salient characteristics and are commercially available.
• Packaging: To be specified in the contract or purchase order.

This document defines the technical specifications and requirements for insulated liquid dispensers. Bidders must ensure their proposed products meet all listed salient characteristics, standards, and performance criteria to be considered compliant. It details the physical attributes, material requirements, thermal performance, and compliance standards for the dispensers.