Insulated Shipping Containers

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 0001 to solicitation 123A9426Q0001 for Insulated Shipping Containers. It constitutes the only solicitation, and offers are being requested.

This amendment does not appear to modify specific sections of a prior solicitation but rather serves as the initial combined synopsis/solicitation.

• The solicitation is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for insulated shipping containers.
• It is set-aside for small business concerns.
• The North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) Code is 322211 with a small business size standard of 1,250.
• The document details the Statement of Requirements, including technical specifications for temperature control, durability, reusability, and dimensions for small, medium, and large containers.
• It also outlines specific requirements for exterior surfaces, weight, and includes an Appendix A detailing supplies for various project types (e.g., raw beef, poultry, egg projects).
• Delivery is F.O.B. destination, required within 30 days of receipt of order.
• Award will be a firm fixed price purchase order.
• Evaluation will be based on Price and Technical Acceptability, with the lowest priced offer evaluated first for Technical Capability.
• Questions are due by January 20, 2026, and quotations are due by January 26, 2026.
• Offerors must hold prices for 90 calendar days.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides clarifications and responses to vendor questions regarding the Insulated Shipping Containers opportunity.

• Container Size: The RFQ does not require a 40-foot or 20-foot container; bidders should refer to page 3 of the RFQ for dimensions.
• Quantity Adjustments for California:
  • M20USDA: 120 EA (60 per pallet)
  • M16USDA: 672 EA or 784 EA (112 per pallet)
• Updated Quantities: The quantities have been updated as follows:
  • M20USDA: 120 EA (60 per pallet)
  • M16USDA: 672 EA

Bidders are instructed to update their quantities based on the provided information to ensure an accurate proposal submission. The clarification regarding container size directs bidders to specific dimensions on page 3 of the RFQ.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Excel spreadsheet containing pricing and quantity information for insulated shipping containers. It appears to be a pricing sheet or a detailed list of required items for an opportunity.

• Product Information: Includes Product #, Product Description, and Stock Number for various containers, gel packs, overwraps, liners, pads, and plugs.
• Quantity and Pricing: Details quantities required for Eastern Lab (EL), Midwestern Lab (ML), and Western Lab (WL), along with unit prices and total costs for each.
• Delivery Dates: Specifies a delivery date of 2026-04-01 for all listed items.
• Shipping Locations: Lists shipping addresses for the Eastern Lab (Athens, GA), Midwestern Lab (St. Louis, MO), and Western Lab (Albany, CA).

Bidders should use this document to understand the specific products, quantities, and associated costs required for the opportunity. It is crucial for preparing accurate pricing proposals and ensuring all specified items are accounted for. The document outlines the delivery schedule and destination points for the required materials.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, constituting the only solicitation for insulated shipping containers. The acquisition is set-aside for small business concerns.

• Insulated shipping containers and peripheral supplies for the Western Lab.

• Containers must maintain frozen samples at less than 32°F and refrigerated samples between 35-47°F for a minimum of 72 hours.

• Must be leak-resistant, durable, reusable, and self-sealing.

• Must incorporate replaceable component parts and be recyclable.

• Must have a tamper-proof sealed bottom (for complete units).

• Must be able to stack multiple containers without collapsing.

• Must meet EPA RCRA, DOT, and IATA shipping requirements.

• Specific interior dimensions required for small (8"x8"x6.75"), medium (8.25"x8.25"x8.75"), and large (13"x9.25"x10.75") containers.

• Exterior must accommodate self-adhesive shipping labels and security seals, with a preference for USDA/FSIS marking and unique identification.

• Weight limits for small (5 lbs), medium (10 lbs), and large (15 lbs) containers.

• Must incorporate specific supplies for various project types (e.g., raw beef, poultry, egg projects) as detailed in Appendix A.

• Anticipated award of a firm fixed price purchase order.

• Delivery required within 30 days after receipt of order; early deliveries accepted.

• F.O.B. Destination.

• Quotations must include pricing for all line items to be considered responsive.

• Evaluation will be based on "best value" to the Government.

• Evaluation Criteria: Technical Acceptability and Past Performance.

• Technical Acceptability: Must be the exact brand name, make, and model specified, with supporting documentation, and be new (not refurbished).

• Past Performance: Will be evaluated based on contractor's ability to meet contract requirements.

• The lowest priced offer will be evaluated for Technical Capability first.

• Questions due: January 20th, 2026, 12:00 PM ET.

• Answers posted: January 22nd, 2026, 12:00 PM ET.

• Quotation Submission Deadline: January 26th, 2026, 12:00 PM ET.

• Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• All responsible sources may submit a quotation.

• North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) Code: 322211.

• Small business size standard: 1,250 employees.

• This solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses by reference. Full text available at www.acquisition.gov.

• Brand-name justification must be posted with solicitation.

• Offerors must hold prices for 90 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a "Decision to Restrict Competition under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold" for the USDA, Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). It outlines the justification for restricting competition for the acquisition of specialized shipping containers.

This document is relevant to potential bidders as it explains why the government is restricting competition for this specific requirement. It details the unique needs of FSIS for shipping containers that maintain frozen or refrigerated samples between 0-15°C for at least 72 hours. The justification highlights that only Sonoco Thermosafe containers meet these specific needs due to features like USDA labeling, unique ID numbers, and self-sealing capabilities, which contribute to cost savings and waste reduction. Market research indicated no other available insulated shipping containers met these customizations. This information helps bidders understand the specialized nature of the requirement and why it is being restricted.