Notice of Intent to Sole Source – Sonoco Thermo Safe Endurotherm Temperature Controlled Shipping Containers
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 Health and Human Services (HHS), specifically the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), Strategic National Stockpile (SNS), has issued a Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source Contract to Sonoco Protective Solutions. This notice is for the acquisition of Sonoco Thermo-Safe Endurotherm and Refrigerants Insulated Temperature Shipping Containers. The intent is based on the current qualification and approval of Sonoco's systems by SNS, with alternative solutions requiring extensive and time-consuming qualification. Interested parties who believe they can meet the requirements must submit capabilities statements by June 12, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET.
Purpose & Scope
ASPR/SNS requires these specialized temperature-controlled shipping containers for emergency responses and daily shipments of temperature-sensitive products, including vaccines and ancillary configurations. Key requirements include:
- Maintaining temperatures between 2°C and 8°C for at least 92 hours with preconditioning.
- Ensuring temperature stability regardless of external transit conditions.
- Prohibiting the use of Dry Ice.
- Adherence to ISTA-3A Drop Test and ISTA 7D Winter and Summer Protocol.
- Refrigerants and boxes must have a minimum shelf life of 2-4 years.
- Passive (non-electrical) temperature maintenance capability.
- Provision of end-user operation instructions, technical assistance contacts, and safe disposal information.
Contract Details
- Type: Notice of Intent to Sole Source (as prescribed in FAR/RFO 6.301-1, based on 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1)).
- Intended Awardee: Sonoco Protective Solutions.
- NAICS Code: 561910 (Packaging and Labeling Services).
- Period of Performance: 12 months.
- Set-Aside: None (sole source intent).
Submission Requirements
This is not a solicitation for competitive quotations. However, firms that believe they can provide the required temperature-controlled shipping containers and meet the specified requirements may submit a capabilities/qualifications statement.
- Deadline for Submissions: June 12, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET.
- Submission Method: Email to Akela.Long@hhs.gov and Carolyn.Knight@hhs.gov.
- Reference: Solicitation number #75A50326Q00016.
- Note: Telephone calls will not be accepted.
Justification
The government intends to negotiate with Sonoco Protective Solutions as the sole manufacturer of the currently qualified and approved Endurotherm shipping systems. Transitioning to an alternate system would necessitate extensive qualification testing and approval processes, potentially delaying critical mission readiness for the Strategic National Stockpile. The decision to not compete this action will be based on the responses received.