Animal Shipping Boxes
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 National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Logistics and Acquisition Operations (OLAO) has issued Request for Quote (RFQ-26-04855) for Animal Shipping Boxes. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity to procure specialized shipping containers for live animals, with specific technical requirements. The resultant award will be a firm-fixed price purchase order. Quotes are due by May 4, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST.
Scope of Work
The requirement is to procure Animal Shipping Boxes for live animals with salient characteristics including durable material, suitability for live animals, safety features, and various sizes. Detailed specifications include:
- Dimensions: 6-5/16” x 6-5/16” x 6-3/4”
- Filters: Four screen filters attached, with specific material (Abs-styrene frame, BMR filter paper, 5MIL, 99.99% efficiency) and wire mesh (.025 diameter, 80-85% openness). Filters must be inspected and tested.
- Construction: Filters laminated by hand with non-toxic glue to die-cut cartons (200# PSI RSC).
- Packaging: Bundles of 15 count. An image of the required box is provided in Attachment 3.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm-Fixed Price Purchase Order (RFQ)
- Acquisition Authority: FAR Part 13 – Simplified Acquisition Procedures
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business
- NAICS: 322211 (Small business size standard: 1,250 employees)
- Period of Performance: One year from award date (base + option quantities)
- Base Quantities: CLIN #1: 800 bundles (delivery at award); CLIN #2: 900 bundles (delivery upon request). Option quantities will be requested as needed.
- Delivery: Within 30 days from receipt of award to NIH Supply Center, 16071 Industrial Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20877. Attachment 2 provides detailed vendor shipping instructions, which must be strictly followed.
- Payment Terms: Net 30
- Response Due: May 4, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST
- Proposed Award Date: May 8, 2026
- Published: April 24, 2026
Evaluation & Submission
Award will be based on technical capability to meet salient characteristics, price, and delivery. Responses must include unit price, list price, shipping/handling costs, delivery days, payment terms, F.O.B. Point, product/catalog number(s), and product description. Offerors must be registered in SAM.gov and complete annual representations and certifications. The solicitation incorporates various FAR provisions and clauses, including FAR 52.212-5 (detailed in Attachment 1), which outlines mandatory terms and conditions. Submit quotes electronically to tonia.alexander@nih.gov, referencing RFQ-26-04855.