Solicitation W912CH-25-R-0176 - Collapsible Fabric Tanks (3k, 20k, 50k, 210k US gallon) - AMENDED

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document is a Questions & Answers (Q&A) Log providing clarifications and responses to vendor inquiries regarding Solicitation W912CH-25-R-0176.

• Incumbent Contractor: Information regarding an incumbent contractor is marked as 'TBD'.
• Testing Requirements: Clarification sought on whether Seam Dead Load Shear Resistance conformance testing is per fabric material lot or bladder production inspection lot. The government has historically relied on Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) for bladder test data, but SwRI cannot perform First Article Tests on Size V – 210K Bladders due to capacity. The government is considering accepting a single, representative bladder size (e.g., Size III – 20K Bladder) for the First Article Test if the supplier uses the same materials and construction for all sizes.
• Material Acceptability: The acceptability of thermoset polymer bladders is marked as 'TBD'.
• Supply Chain Preparation: It is unclear if constructing a First Article bladder to qualify multiple equipment sources and material vendors is necessary to avoid iterative First Article testing.
• Fuel Type for Testing: Clarification requested on whether road diesel #2 is acceptable for First Article Testing, or if government approval is needed to acquire bulk JP-8.
• Contract Award Structure: The solicitation intends a single firm-fixed-price, 5-year Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Long Term Contract for all four tank sizes (3K, 20K, 50K, and 210K). The government reserves the right to hold negotiations/discussions if necessary.
• Delivery Pricing: The government will reconsider delivered pricing versus First Destination Transport due to fuel price volatility, but vendors should estimate delivery costs based on current fuel pricing.
• Past Performance: Section M identifies Past Performance as significantly more important than Price. Documented reliability, manufacturing controls, material performance, quality history, and relevant prior performance will be considered as part of the Past Performance confidence assessment. Offerors are directed to reference specific sections (M.4.1 and L.4.1) for evaluation details and submission guidance.
• Specification Compliance: Offerors may propose materials, manufacturing methods, and quality-control improvements that meet or exceed MIL-PRF-32233D and solicitation requirements without exception.
• 210K-IPDS Configuration: The government requires the 210K-IPDS as identified under NSN 5430-01-546-3725 / P/N 210K-IPDS, or an alternate configuration providing equivalent or improved performance and total system capacity is acceptable.
• Solicitation Number Correction: The correct solicitation number is W912CH-25-R-0176. Amendment 0002 (issued 20 May 2026) corrects this.
• Past Performance References: Clarification on the total number of Past Performance references (two or four) is marked as 'TBD'.
• MIL-PRF-32233B References: Past performance references for tanks fabricated to MIL-PRF-32233B may be accepted if they meet size, complexity, and production capacity requirements.
• FATR Cost: The First Article Test Report (FATR) cost will be included in the total evaluated price.
• Material Cost Escalation: This is a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) IDIQ contract, and pricing is not subject to adjustment based on the contractor's experience or unforeseen cost increases.
• SPI for Tanks: Special Packaging Instructions (SPI) are provided for the 210K-IPDS tank. No specific SPIs are provided for the 3K, 20K, or 50K tank sizes; packaging requirements are in Section D and under each CLIN in Section B.
• Shipping and Pricing: FOB is Destination. Offerors must compile FOB Destination offers, with final destinations and estimated percentages listed in F.2 through F.5. Exact ship-to locations will be provided on delivery orders. Pricing factors are detailed in L.4.2 and M.4.2.

This Q&A log provides critical clarifications on testing, materials, contract structure, evaluation criteria (especially Past Performance), and specific requirements for various tank sizes. Bidders should review these responses carefully to ensure accurate proposal preparation and submission. The correction of the solicitation number is also a key administrative update.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding Solicitation W912CH-25-R-0176 for the procurement of collapsible fuel tank systems.

• Incumbent Contractor: Information regarding the incumbent contractor is TBD.
• Testing Requirements: The Seam Dead Load Shear Resistance conformance test is required per fabric material lot, not bladder production inspection lot.
• First Article Test (FAT) Location: Due to fuel storage capacity limitations at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), the government is considering if a single representative bladder size can be used for the FAT if testing must be performed outside of SwRI.
• Thermoset Polymer Bladders: Acceptability of thermoset polymer bladders is TBD.
• Supply Chain Robustness: It is unclear if constructing a First Article bladder to qualify multiple equipment sources and material vendors is necessary beyond Table I and Table II qualification.
• Road Diesel #2 for FAT: Acceptability of road diesel #2 for First Article Testing is TBD. Guidance on acquiring bulk JP-8 will be provided if needed.
• Contract Award Structure: The solicitation intends to award a single firm-fixed-price, 5-year Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Long Term Contract for all four tank sizes (3K, 20K, 50K, and 210K). The government reserves the right to hold negotiations if necessary.
• Delivery Pricing: The government will reconsider delivered pricing versus First Destination Transport due to fuel price volatility. Vendors are encouraged to estimate delivery costs based on current fuel pricing.
• Past Performance Evaluation: Past Performance will be evaluated based on documented reliability, manufacturing controls, material performance, quality history, and relevant prior performance, as detailed in Section M.4.1 and Section L.4.1.
• Material and Method Proposals: Offerors may propose materials, manufacturing methods, and quality-control improvements that meet or exceed MIL-PRF-32233D.
• 210K-IPDS Configuration: Acceptability of an alternate integrated configuration for the 210K-IPDS that provides equivalent or improved performance is TBD.
• Past Performance Evidence: Recent Government performance and test evidence for similar collapsible fuel tank systems may be submitted as part of the Past Performance volume and/or a First Article Waiver request.
• Solicitation Number Correction: The correct solicitation number for email subject lines is W912CH-25-R-0176. Amendment 0002 addresses this correction.

Several answers are marked as TBD, indicating that further clarification or decisions are pending from the government. The document also corrects the solicitation number to be used in proposal submissions and references specific sections for detailed guidance on evaluation factors and submission requirements.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0002) to Solicitation W912CH-25-R-0176 makes the following changes:

• Updated Solicitation Number in Submission Instructions: Narrative L.2.3.1 has been updated to correct the solicitation number referenced in the email submission instructions. The original instruction referred to W912CH-25-R-0175, and it has been corrected to W912CH-25-R-0176.

• Section L.2.3.1 (UNCLASSIFIED Proposal Submission Instructions)

• The amendment clarifies the correct solicitation number to be used in the subject header for electronic proposal submissions via email. All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 0001 to Solicitation W912CH-25-R-0176. The primary purpose of this amendment is to update a specific clause within the solicitation.

• Clause 52.244-6, "Subcontracts for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (APR 2026)" (Class Deviation 2026-00015) has been updated.

• The amendment does not extend the hour and date specified for receipt of offers.

• Offerors must acknowledge receipt of this amendment. Failure to do so may result in rejection of the offer.

• If an offeror wishes to change an offer already submitted, the change must be made by telegram or letter, referencing the solicitation and amendment number, and received prior to the opening hour and date.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "First Article - Waiver Worksheet" which serves as a sample request for information and supporting documentation for a First Article Waiver. If waivers are considered by the Government, this form or a similar memorandum should be an attachment in Section J of the solicitation. It is intended to be submitted on company letterhead, signed by an agent of the company, and should be directed to the Contracting Officer.

• Current Acquisition Information: Fields for Contracting Officer's Name, Solicitation/Contract #, Contractor Name, Contractor Cage, NSN, Part #, Noun, Top Drawing #, and Revision Level.
• Type of Request: Options for "Partial Waiver" (specific test waiver) or "Full Waiver" (all First Article Testing waiver), with a field to reference specific TDP tests to be waived.
• Justification to Support Waiver Request: Multiple sections (A, B, C, D, E) to provide reasons for the waiver, including:
  • Successful completion of a First Article Test on a recent contract for the same or similar item.
  • Material in continuous production.
  • Successful performance of a first article test on the next higher assembly.
  • Other reasons, requiring specific explanation.
  • Each section requires details such as contract numbers, dates, nomenclature, and descriptions of differences in facilities, equipment, processes, or subcontractors.
• Other Pertinent Information: Sections to discuss quality issues (PQDRs, CARs), changes to manufacturing data, or Material Review Board (MRB) actions.
• Attach Supporting Documentation: Functionality to add, open, or remove supporting files.
• Submission: Fields for Printed Name, Title, Company Name, Company Address, Phone Number, and Signature of the company agent.

This worksheet outlines the information and documentation required if a bidder intends to request a waiver for First Article Testing. It details the specific justifications the government will consider and the format for submitting such a request. Bidders should review this document to understand the process and requirements for seeking a First Article Waiver, which may impact their proposal preparation and the overall contract requirements.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This document, MIL-PRF-32233D, establishes the performance specification for collapsible fuel storage tank assemblies. These tanks are designed for military use in extreme operating conditions and are intended to interface with existing fuel distribution systems.

• The specification covers collapsible fuel storage tank assemblies in the following sizes: 3,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, and 210,000 U.S. gallons.

• Tank assemblies include the collapsible tank, attached handles, fittings, accessories, berm liner, emergency and long-term repair kits, and hose support pads.

• Tanks are intended for storage of military specification fuels including JP-8, JP-5, Jet A/A-1, F-24, Diesel Fuel, and JPTS.

• Tanks must meet a minimum safety factor of 4.0.

• Must be suitable for service in ambient temperatures from -25 to 140°F, including exposure to direct sunlight, rain, hail, sleet, snow, wind, and blowing sand.

• Materials must be resistant to microbiological growth and not be damaged by humidity up to 100%.

• Minimum service life of 3 continuous years, with the capability to be drained, folded, and relocated a minimum of 3 times.

• Minimum storage life of 12 years at ambient temperatures from -50 to 160°F.

• Must withstand a 10% overfill condition and an internal air pressure of 0.5 psig without leakage.

• Fungus resistant materials are required.

• Service life: Minimum 3 continuous years.

• Storage life: Minimum 12 years.

• Environmental conditions: -25°F to 140°F, with exposure to various weather elements.

• Materials must be compatible with specified fuels and meet stringent physical and chemical property requirements detailed in Tables I and II.

• Recycled, recovered, or environmentally preferable materials should be used where possible, but used, rebuilt, or remanufactured components are not permitted.

• Specific requirements for fittings, drain fittings, vent fittings, and accessories are detailed, including pressure ratings and compatibility.

• Tanks must be yellow (SAE AMS-STD-595, color chip 33446).

• Rework and repair procedures are defined with specific limits.

• Deployability requirements are specified for different tank sizes, including personnel and time limits.

• Verification and testing procedures are outlined, including first article inspection and conformance inspection.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Additional Guidelines for Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)," provides essential guidance for contractors handling CUI related to this opportunity. It outlines definitions, marking requirements, and protective measures for CUI.

• Definitions: Clarifies "Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)," "Technical Information," and "CUI Information."
• Marking: Mandates adherence to DoDI 5200.48 for CUI markings and discontinuation of legacy markings.
• Protection: Details requirements for CUI training (initial and annual refreshers), access controls, and secure handling/storage procedures (both physical and electronic).
• Dissemination: Specifies approved methods for transmitting CUI, including secure communications and approved collaborative suites, and outlines procedures for dissemination outside DoD personnel.
• Disposal: Requires adherence to NIST SP 800-88, Revision 1, for media sanitization and destruction of CUI.
• Reporting: Mandates prompt reporting of any loss of CUI to the Government Security Manager within 72 hours of discovery.

Bidders must understand and comply with these CUI guidelines if they are to receive, store, or generate CUI as part of this contract. This includes mandatory training, secure handling, and reporting procedures. Failure to comply may impact contract performance and security. This document is critical for assessing the security and compliance requirements of the opportunity.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides "Special Packaging Instructions" for a "Tank, Fabric, 5000 Barrel, Fuel, W/Berm" (Part No. 210K-IPDS, NSN 5430-01-546-3725). It details the specific methods and materials required for preserving, packing, and marking the item for shipment.

• Preservation: MIL-STD-2073-1, Method 41, including cleaning and drying procedures.
• Packing: Specifies cushioning materials (A-A-1898, Type I, Class B), bag materials (MIL-PRF-131, Class 3), and container types (ASTM D7478, Type II, Class 2, Style A).
• Crate Construction: Details requirements for a bolted, plywood-sheathed crate with a skid base, including lumber sizes, Masonite lining, and support skids. Ventilation requirements are waived.
• Tank & Berm Liner: Instructions for rolling, bagging (MIL-PRF-131, Class 3), and securing the tank and berm liner. Overall crated height must not exceed seven feet.
• Accessories: Specific instructions for packing "Tank Accessories" and "Berm Liner Accessories" in separate weather-resistant corrugated boxes, also bagged in MIL-PRF-131, Class 3 material.
• Marking: Requires marking per MIL-STD-129, including Shelf Life data.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the exact packaging and shipping requirements for the item. Compliance with these instructions is essential for successful contract fulfillment and may impact production planning, material sourcing, and overall cost. Bidders must ensure their proposed solution or manufacturing process can meet these detailed packaging specifications.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Past Performance Questionnaire for the "W912CH-25-R-0176 - Collapsible Fabric Tanks (3k, 20k, 50k, 210k US gallon)" opportunity. It is designed to gather candid and factual information from respondents regarding a contractor's performance on a relevant contract. This information will be used in the awarding of Federal contracts.

Part I - Identification (To be completed by the Offeror):

• Relevant Contract: Details about the contract being referenced, including Contractor Name, Program Identification, Contract Number, Period of Performance, Place of Performance, and a Brief Description of the Scope.
• Offeror's Representative: Contact information for the individual completing the questionnaire on behalf of the offeror.

Part II - Evaluation (To be completed by Respondent’s Point of Contact):

• Quality: Assessment of the contractor's quality and workmanship, quality assurance throughout production, and ability to achieve Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) approval.
• Project Schedule: Assessment of the contractor's timeliness for product deliverables and adherence to delivery schedules.
• Management / Business Relations: Evaluation of program management (timeliness, problem identification, corrective actions, business relations, customer satisfaction) and subcontract management.
• General Comments: Space for any additional relevant performance information.

Part III - Respondent Identification:

• Contact information for the individual who compiled the questionnaire.

Potential offerors should ensure this questionnaire is completed accurately and submitted by the specified deadline to the points of contact: Lyndsey Pena (lyndsey.m.pena.civ@army.mil) and Katherine MacFarland (katherine.e.macfarland.civ@army.mil). The responses will directly impact the evaluation of past performance for this opportunity. Bidders should forward this document to the appropriate personnel who can provide informed responses.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This attachment provides instructions for offerors regarding the use of Government-Furnished Property (GFP) and the calculation of a GFP Price Adjustment for evaluation purposes. Offerors are not required to provide inputs within this attachment itself, but must provide supporting calculations with their proposal if they intend to utilize GFP on a rent-free basis.

• Government-Furnished Property (GFP) List: Offerors must provide a list of GFP they propose to use, including acquisition cost, age, and type.
• GFP Price Adjustment Calculation: A formula is provided for calculating an evaluation-only price adjustment based on the acquisition cost, monthly rental rates, and proposed months of use. A minimum of one month of use is required for evaluation.
• Monthly Rental Rates: Specific monthly rental rates are defined for different categories of property, including:
  • Land, buildings, and installations (prevailing commercial rate).
  • Industrial plant equipment (tiered rates based on age).
  • Personal property, electronic test equipment, automotive equipment, special tooling, and other equipment (specific percentage rates per month).
• Proration for Shared Use: If GFP is used for other work concurrently, the price adjustment must be prorated based on usage.
• Definitions: Clarifies 'acquisition cost' and 'age of property' for calculation purposes.
• As-Is Property: If property is offered "as-is," additional evaluation adjustments for making the property available will be added.

This document is critical for bidders who plan to use government-owned property rent-free. It outlines the specific data required in their proposal (list of GFP, costs, age, type) and the methodology the government will use to calculate a price adjustment for evaluation. Understanding these calculations is essential for accurately pricing proposals and understanding the evaluation process.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a pricing workbook (Attachment 0001) for Solicitation W912CH-25-R-0176. It provides a template for bidders to enter their proposed pricing for various contract line item numbers (CLINs) across five ordering years. The workbook includes instructions on how to complete the pricing information.

• Instructions Sheet: Details how to complete the workbook. Bidders must only fill in cells highlighted in yellow. Formulas and other cells should not be altered. Failure to complete all yellow-highlighted cells may result in proposal rejection.
• Summary Sheet: Provides an overview of CLINs, including Production and First Article Test (FAT) for different tank sizes (3K, 20K, 50K, 210K Fuel Assemblies), and the five ordering years. It includes fields for Offeror, Item, CLIN, and Proposed Price, with a calculated Total Proposed Price.
• Ordering Year Sheets (1st-5th YR Prod. CLINs): Each sheet details specific CLINs for a given ordering year. It includes columns for CLIN, NSN, Part #, Description, Quantity, Quantity Ranges, Weightings, Proposed Unit Price, and Proposed Extended Price. Bidders are expected to input proposed unit prices based on quantity ranges, which will then be used to calculate weighted average unit prices and extended prices.

This workbook is critical for bidders to accurately calculate and submit their proposed pricing for the solicitation. Bidders must carefully follow the instructions to ensure their proposal is compliant and complete. The structure of the workbook outlines the specific items and quantities for which pricing is required across the contract period.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Past Performance Matrix template provided as an attachment to the solicitation (RFP W912CH-25-R-0176). It is designed for offerors to provide details about their past contract performance as part of their proposal submission.

• Instructions: Offerors are instructed not to manipulate the spreadsheet beyond filling in yellow-highlighted cells and not to embed other requested attachments within this workbook.
• Submission Requirements: The matrix requires specific information for each proposed contract submission, including:
  • Contract Number (including Task/Delivery Order)
  • Prime Contractor Name and Address
  • CAGE Code
  • Contract Type
  • Period of Performance (Beginning and Ending)
  • Delivery Schedule / Rate
  • Contract Value (Beginning and Ending)
  • Contracting Activity and POC (Government or Private Industry)
  • Contract Administration POC (Government or Private Industry)
  • Details on the Questionnaire sent to POCs and dates sent.
• Definitions: Clarifies that broad ordering instruments (like IDIQs, BOAs, BPAs, FSS) typically do not demonstrate actual performance and thus may not meet the definition of a 'Contract' submission requirement unless a specific order under them is proposed.
• Prime Contractor Performance: Emphasizes that contracts must have been performed by the offeror as the prime contractor, with specific exceptions noted for Associated Corporate Entities, Predecessor Companies, or Individual Partners of a Joint Venture.
• Recency: Refers to Section L.4.1.1, stating that contracts must have been performed within five years of the RFP issuance date.
• Affirmation: Includes a statement for offerors to sign if they are NOT proposing any submissions as part of their Past Performance Factor Volume.

This matrix is crucial for bidders to accurately document their relevant past performance. It dictates the format and specific data points required, ensuring consistency in submissions. Bidders must carefully review the definitions and instructions to ensure their proposed contracts meet the criteria for recency, prime performance, and are not broad ordering instruments. Failure to complete this matrix correctly may impact the evaluation of the Past Performance factor.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation (W912CH-25-R-0176) is a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a 5-year, Firm Fixed Price, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Long Term Contract (LTC). The procurement is a total small business set-aside.

The government is procuring the following items:

• TANK, FABRIC, COLLAPS (3k gallon)
• TANK, FABRIC, COLLAPS (20k gallon)
• TANK, FABRIC, COLLAPS (50k gallon)
• TANK ASSEMBLY, FABRI (210k gallon)

All items are to be manufactured according to MIL-PRF-32233D specification. Packaging and marking requirements are detailed in Section D.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ)

• Period of Performance: 5 years

• Guaranteed Minimum Quantity: 1 EA for 3k gallon tanks, 15 EA for 20k gallon tanks, 24 EA for 50k gallon tanks, and 15 EA for 210k gallon tanks.

• Proposal Submission Deadline: Wednesday, 20 May 2026, by 11:00 AM EST.

• Proposals must be submitted via email to the contacts listed in L.2.3.1.

• Evaluation Factors: Past Performance (significantly more important than Price) and Price.

• Award will be made to the offeror whose proposal represents the best value to the Government.

• Total small business set-aside.

• Technical Data Package (TDP) and Military Performance Specification (MIL-PRF-32233D) are available via SAM.gov.

• Questions pertaining to the solicitation are due no later than 11:00 AM EST on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.