81--SHIPPING AND STORAG
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 Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation at Philadelphia, PA has issued a Solicitation for Specialized Shipping and Storage Containers (PSC 8145). This opportunity is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. A key requirement is that offers must come from government-approved sources of supply, and distributors must provide authorized letters. The closing date has been extended to May 22, 2026.
Scope of Work
This solicitation is for the manufacture and testing of steel shipping containers. Requirements include adherence to Sikorsky drawing number 78286 SPD65E39-75-001 and referenced specifications. Specific technical details cover:
- Materials & Finishes: Steel container shell, cleaning and treatment per MIL-DTL-53072C and MIL-DTL-5541, painting with MIL-PRF-23377/MIL-DTL-53022 primer and MIL-DTL-64159/MIL-DTL-53039 polyurethane topcoat (FED-STD-595 color #34094). Cadmium plating is replaced by electrodeposited alkaline Zinc-Nickel Alloy (ASTM B 841 Class 1, Type B, Grade 3).
- Assembly: Desiccant placement, sealing of crevices (MIL-S-81733), and Unique Identification (UID) marking per MIL-STD-130.
- Welding: Qualifications per AWS D1.1, D1.2, D1.3, D1.6, with specific filler materials for aluminum alloys and detailed work instructions for process control, material control, cleaning, and deoxidizing.
- Contractor Responsibility: Offerors are responsible for all manufacturing aids (fixtures, jigs, tooling).
First Article Testing (FAT)
FAT may be required for new manufacturers, with a post-award conference for previous sources. Tests include a 100% production leak test, 18-inch free fall drop test, and dimensional/form/fit/function compliance with drawing 78286 SPD65E39-75-001. The estimated cost for government testing is $12,000, which will be added to the offeror's price. Contractors must deliver one unit for FAT within 120 calendar days. A waiver for FAT may be granted for offerors with recent, identical production from the same facility, provided specific certifications are submitted.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Solicitation
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business
- NAICS Code: 332439 (SBA Size Standard: 500 employees)
- Response Due: May 22, 2026, 6:00 PM Z (extended by amendment)
- Published Date: May 11, 2026 (latest amendment)
Important Notes
Offers from sources not approved by the government will be deemed technically unacceptable. Distributors must submit authorized distributor letters. The description notes that this container is for "sole source procurement only" and the government does not own data rights. For inquiries, contact CASEY.STOCK@DLA.MIL or 215-737-0543.