6FLS-A5-080384-N Pre-solic notice survey.doc

May 15, 2008

PRE-SOLICITATION NOTICE

NOTICE TO PROSPECTIVE OFFERORS

The General Services Administration (GSA), Heartland Global Supply Center, FAS, intends to issue a solicitation on or about August 18, 2008 for:

SOLICITATION NO: 6FLS-A5-080384-N

FSC: 8010

COMMODITY: Miscellaneous 8010 items

CONTRACT TYPE: Stock Requirements

CONTRACT PERIOD: 1/1/2009 through 12/31/2010 with 3 one-year options

NUMBER OF NSN’S: 6

Offers will be solicited for 6 stock items, FOB Destination delivery to the GSA Distribution Centers and/or military depots specified in the solicitation.

The Item Purchase Descriptions (IPD’s) for this solicitation are attached for your review. These items are in accordance with Military and Federal Specifications, U.S. Army TACOM Drawing, or require QPL Qualification. If you are interested in submitting an offer for this solicitation, we request that you please take a few moments to complete the questionnaire concerning this procurement which will help us in developing a solicitation that will improve and expand the competitive procurement process. Pricing is not required at this time. You do not need to submit all of the IPD pages, please just submit the response to the survey.

Thank you for your assistance and, again, please fill out and return the enclosed questionnaire. I look forward to your participation in this solicitation. Please send in your completed questionnaire by June 20, 2008 to:

General Services Administration, FAS

GSA Heartland Global Supply Center

Attn: Amy Lara (QSDAAA-K1)

1500 East Bannister Road, Atrium

Kansas City, MO 64l3l or email: amy.lara@gsa.gov

If you have any questions, I can be reached at (816) 926-2783.

Amy Lara Contract Specialist Attachments

VENDOR SURVEY

SOLICITATION NO: 6FLS-A5-080384-N

COMMODITY: Miscellaneous 8010 items Please submit by June 20, 2008 by email or fax to:

GSA/FAS/Heartland Global Supply Center

Attn: Amy Lara (QSDAAA-K1)

Email: amy.lara@gsa.gov

Fax:

816-926-3678

You do not need to submit all of the IPD pages, please just submit the response to the survey.

We request that your engineering and quality assurance personnel in your firm be involved in responding to the technical questions in this survey. Please provide your company’s contact information:

Company Name:_______________________________________________________ Company DUNS Number: ______________________________________________ Contact Name:________________________________________________________ Address:_____________________________________________________________

City:_________________________________ State:___________________

Telephone: _______________________

FAX: ________________________

Email:_______________________________________________________________

1. Are you a _____ large or ______small business _____ manufacturer or _____ dealer?

If you are a dealer, do you furnish a small or large business-manufactured item?

________Yes ________No

If yes, please list the item numbers furnished by a small business manufacturer: __________________________

2. If a manufacturer, do you have a production capacity to manufacture in volume?

_____ Yes

_____No If a dealer, do you have storage space to accommodate large volumes of stock?

_____ Yes

_____ No

3. Does your company have a GSA Multiple Award Schedule?

_____ Yes (if yes, please list schedule number) ___________________________

If yes, are any of these items listed on this survey available on your MAS schedule?

_____ Yes (if yes, please list item numbers) ___________________________

4. Is your company interested in submitting an offer for these items?

_____ Yes (if yes, please list item numbers) ___________________________________

_____ No, (If no, please explain) _____________________________________________

Please address any issues or concerns that would preclude your company from submitting an offer when the solicitation is issued. (I.e. problems with item purchase descriptions, use of brand name items, GSA Stock program requirements, solicitation clauses, or any other issues)

5. Is this commodity commercially manufactured and distributed? ____ Yes _______ No

If "Yes" - List commercial sources for these products

If No - Explain

6. Where is your production point for this commodity?

Name:

Address:

County:

Phone Number:

7.

Does a requirements document covering these types of items currently exist?

_______ Yes. Go to question 8.

_______ No. Go to question 9.

8.

Indicate the type of requirements document (i.e. voluntary standard, CID, federal or Military Specification, purchase description, etc.) including document number and title, and explain your choice in accordance with Part 11 of the FAR.

9.

Is a requirements document being developed, or will on be developed in the future?

_____ Yes _____ No

10.

Are there any environmental or energy considerations for these items?

_____ Yes. Go to question 11.

_______ No

11.

Indicate applicable environmental requirements to be included in solicitations and contracts.

12.

Are you familiar with and are you able to comply with the California Statutes, Assembly Bill Number 2942 (Chapter 43 of the California Statutes of 1992), special marking requirements regarding Child Drowning Warning Labels?

_____ Yes _____ No

13.

Did you find any information relative to the topics below pertaining to these products?

If so, elaborate.

a.

Warranties? _______ Yes

_______ No b.

Buyer financing? _______ Yes _______ No c.

Acceptance? _______ Yes

_______ No d.

Inspection? _______ Yes

_______ No e.

Maintenance support? _______ Yes

_______ No f.

Packing and Marking? _______ Yes _______ No g.

Customizing, modifying or tailoring to meet customer needs? ______ Yes _______ No h.

Distribution and logistic support capabilities? _______ Yes

_______ No i.

Payment? _______ Yes

_______ No j.

Freight? _______ Yes

_______ No

K.

Performance? _______ Yes

_______ No

14.

TIME FOR DELIVERY:

Current delivery times range from 30 to 60 calendar days after receipt of order. Our goal is to obtain delivery times to be well in line with standard commercial delivery. What is your best commercial delivery time? ________ Days ARO

15.

Is this commodity manufactured in the USA? _____ Yes _____ No.

If "No", list country of origin. ________________________________________ 16.

What is your Economic Order Quantity Level per item:

Item #

Qty

17.

For items included in this survey please identify at what quantity the Government would receive a better price.

18. What is your minimum order quantity _______ or dollar value $_______?

19. What is your maximum order quantity _______ or dollar value $_______?

20. Please provide any other comments/concerns regarding this upcoming solicitation.

ITEM PURCHASE DESCRIPTION 6FLS-A5-080384-N

EST.

ITEM

NSN

U/I

2 YR. QTY

EPMR

1.

8010-00-082-2420 UI: CN

S3 – 1200

S3 - 104

BEADS, RETRO-DIRECTIVE

DESCRIPTION

Use: Glass, colorless, drop-on type, for marking airfield runways.

Type 3: High Index of Refraction

Size: 22.68 Kgs (50 lbs) in a plastic container.

See Technical Specifications paragraph(s): T1.4, T3.1, T4.1, T5.1 and T6.1.

NSN

U/I

2.

8010-00-680-1996

UI: CN

N3 – 1280

N3 - 99

BEADS, RETRO-DIRECTIVE

S3 – 80

S3 - 41

DESCRIPTION

Use: Glass, colorless, drop-on type, for marking airfield runways.

Type 1: Low Index of Refraction

Gradation A: Coarse, Drop-on

Size: 22.68 Kgs (50 lbs) in a plastic container.

See Technical Specifications paragraph(s): T1.4, T3.1, T4.1, T5.1 and T6.1.

NSN

U/I

3.

8010-00-935-7062

UI: GL

N4 – 144

N4 - 26

LACQUER

DESCRIPTION

Use: General touch-up coatings for use on aircraft and support equipment. Max VOC 340 g/L

Type 1: Acrylic Base

Color: Red in accordance with FED-STD-595B, dated December 15, 1989, and Change Notice 1, dated January 11,1994, color number 11136.

Size: 3.79 liter (1 gallon) can.

Shelf Life Code 6: Age on delivery shall not exceed 4 months.

Date of reinspection shall be 24 months from date of manufacture.

See Technical Specifications paragraph(s): T1.2, T3.2, T4.2, T5.3 and T6.1.

NSN

U/I

4.

8010-00-935-7075

UI: PT

S4 – 864

S4 - 161

LACQUER

DESCRIPTION

Use: General touch-up coatings for use on aircraft and support equipment. Max VOC 340 g/L

Type 1: Acrylic base

Color: Gray in accordance with FED-STD-595B, dated December 15, 1989, and Change Notice 1, dated January 11,1994, color number 16081.

Size: Aerosol can, minimum net wt. of contents, 12.25 oz. (347 g)

Shelf Life Code 6: Age on delivery shall not exceed 4 months.

Date of reinspection shall be 24 months from date of manufacture.

See Technical Specifications paragraph(s): T1.2, T3.2, T4.4, T5.4 and T6.1.

NSN

U/I

5.

8010-01-060-7176

UI: KT

N4 – 455

N4 - 96

REPAIR KIT, EPOXY

DESCRIPTION

Used to repair M149 Trailer Tanks. In accordance with U.S. Army TACOM Drawing 1259529, dated 2/8/1977, revised 12/7/1978.

See Technical Specifications paragraph(s): T1.1 and T6.1.

NSN

U/I

6.

8010-01-265-9149

UI: KT

S4 – 145

S4 - 18

POLYURETHANE COATING

DESCRIPTION

Use: Coating for aerospace operations, lead-free.

Type 1: Aircraft application, Max VOC 420 gram/Liter

Class H: High-solids formulation

Color: Gray in accordance with FED-STD-595B, dated December 15, 1989, and Change Notice 1, dated January 11,1994, color number 36495.

Size: Kit consisting of parts A and B to produce 7.57 liters (2 gallons).

Shelf Life Code 4: Age on delivery shall not exceed 2 months.

Date of reinspection shall be 12 months from date of manufacture.

See Technical Specifications paragraph(s): T1.3, T3.3, T4.3, T5.2 and T6.1.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

TECHNICAL DOCUMENT

T1.1 Use: To repair M149 trailer tanks

Size: Kit contains steel wire and fiberglass reinforcing material, 250 ml polyester body filler, 750 ml epoxy resin, polyurethane foam, silica, white pigment and accessories.

In accordance with U.S. Army Tank and Automotive Command Specification Control Drawing Part Number 12259529, dated August 2, 1977, letter A revision December 7, 1978, and the Exceptions listed below.

COMPONENT 2: Delete "P970-75 or equal. MIL-C-9084 Class II, Type 12 or 12A."

NOTE: MIL-C-9084 cancelled 10 Sep 99, S/S by SAE-AMS9084

COMPONENT 3: Delete "0.030" and replace with "0.080." Delete "MIL-W-360"

NOTE: MIL-W-360 changed to WW-R-360, cancelled 10 Sep 99, S/S by A-A-1037, canceled 10 Jan 94, S/S by ANSI/AWCI-01-1992.

COMPONENT 4: Delete "MIL-47129" or MIL-47129. Add "or Cab-O-Sil M5."

NOTE: MIL-S-14760 cancelled 4 Feb 03, no S/S document. MIL-47129 may be MIL-S-47129, cancelled 25 Apr 96, SS by SAE-AMS 3755

COMPONENT 5: Before "1/2 in." add "approximately". After "commercial" add "flux and adhesive brush."

COMPONENT 6: Before "1-1/2" in." add "approximately." After "commercial" add "chip brush, such as EZ Paint product number 70042-50010, Adams Brush MFG. Co., Inc. product number US42315, American Brush product number 000502 or equal."

COMPONENT 7: Delete "Fed Spec GG-D-226" and replace with "Made of close grained hard wood, approximately 5-3/4 inches long, 11/16 inch wide, and 1/16 inch thick."

NOTE: GG-D-226 cancelled 15 Oct 90, S/S by A-A-30041, cancelled 22 Nov 00, no S/S document.

COMPONENT 8: Delete MIL-P-22035 and replace with L-P-512. L-P-512 cancelled and superseded by either ASTM D 2103, Standard Specification for Polyethylene Film and Sheeting for polyethylene film and sheeting up to 0.3mm (0.012 inch) in thickness inclusive, or ASTM D 4801, Standard Specification for Polyethylene Sheeting in Thickness of 0.25 mm (0.010 inch) and greater for sheeting equal to or greater than 0.25 mm (0.010 inch) are suitable replacements for the polyethylene plastic sheet (sheeting). Users are cautioned to evaluate these documents for their particular application before citing them as replacement documents.

COMPONENT 9: Delete "Grade A, Category A" and replace with "Grade C."

COMPONENT 10: Delete "Ferro VZ 33-30."

COMPONENT 12: Delete "UU-T-591, Type III" and replace with "Approximately 10 X 13 inches, C-fold."

NOTE: UU-T-591 cancelled 23 aug 90, S/S by A-A-696, cancelled 18 Oct 99, no S/S document.

COMPONENT 14: Delete "Long, heavy, weight" and replace with: The gloves shall be 11 to 20 inches long and 0.9 to 1.8 mils thick." After "commercial" add:

"Impermeability shall be determined by the following procedure. The fingers of the glove shall be filled with either isopropyl alcohol or acetone. After the glove is held for two minutes, the outside of the fingers shall be wiped with a clean dry cloth or paper towel. Immediately after the glove is wiped, the cloth or towel shall be visually examined for any wetness due to the solvent. None shall be detected."

COMPONENT 15: Delete "Fed. Spec. GGG-M-125/8, Type II"

NOTE: GGG-M-125/8 cancelled 5 Apr 95, no S/S document.

COMPONENT 16: Delete "TT-F-322". Add "Component 16 shall be accepted based on a certificate of compliance in place of testing."

NOTE: TT-F-322 cancelled 28 Nov 97, S/S by A-A-3133.

COMPONENT 17: In place of MIL-R-37252, use Shell Epon 828 or Dow DER 331.

NOTE 2: Delete "Epon U, per publication No, SC: 71-5" and replace with "Epi-Cure 3282." After last line, add the following:

"Ancamine 1483, Pacific Anchor Chemical, Performance Chemical Division, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., or equal."

One (1) kit.

COMPONENT PACKAGING: Individual components of this kit shall be packaged in accordance with Part Number 12259529 and U.S. Army Packaging Data Sheet for Part Number 12259529, Revision B, dated October 1, 1980. Cans shall conform to normal commercial practice and be closed in such a manner as not to spill or leak during transportation, storage, and redistribution. Components 1 and 3 shall be packaged as specified in the Packaging Data Sheet.

KIT PACKAGING: The individual components of this kit, packaged as specified above shall be further packaged as specified in U.S. Army Packaging Data Sheet for Part Number 12259529.

PACKING: The kits, packaged as specified above, shall be further packed in a close-fitting corrugated fiberboard box conforming to Section 6(a), Rule 41 of the Uniform Freight Classification and Item 222 of the National Motor Freight Classification. Closure of the boxes shall be in accordance with Section 7 of Rule 41 of the Uniform Freight Classification. The complete package offered for shipment shall meet all requirements of the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG). Gross weight shall not exceed 65 pounds.

MARKING Shall include:

(1) Lot or Batch number

(2) Dates of manufacture and reinspection (36 months)

(3) Marking required by Notes A, B, C of Packaging Data Sheet for Part number 12259529 Revision B, dated October 1, 1980.

Applies to item(s) : 5.

T1.2 In accordance with Military Specification MIL-PRF-81352C dated 16 JUNE 2005.

Applies to item(s) : 3 and 4.

T1.3 In accordance with Military Specification MIL-PRF-85285D, with Amendment 2, dated 21 November 2007.

QPL QUALIFICATION REQUIRED: QPL-85285-7, dated December 12, 2002, and Amendment 1, dated July 7, 2003.

Applies to item(s) : 6.

T1.4 In Accordance with Federal Specification TT-B-1325D, August 6, 2007.

Applies to item(s) : 1 and 2.

ITEM MARKING

T3.1 Marking shall be in accordance with standard commercial practice.

If applicable, supplier will follow pre-arranged California South Coast labeling requirements.

Applies to item(s) : 1 and 2.

T3.2

(1) National Stock Number (NSN).

(2) Specification number (Including type, class, and color number) as applicable.

(3) Manufacturer's name and part number.

(4) Lot and Batch Number.

(5) Date of Manufacture and date of expiration or reinspection (month and year).

(6) Instructions for use.

(7) Storage Instructions.

(8) Maximum Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Content (less water and exempt solvents) in grams per liter and pounds per gallon.

If applicable, supplier will follow pre-arranged California South Coast labeling requirements.

Applies to item(s) : 3 and 4.

T3.3

(1) National Stock Number (NSN).

(2) Specification number (Including type, class, and color number) as applicable.

(3) Manufacturer's name and part number.

(4) Kit Name and Component Part.

(5) Lot and Batch Number.

(6) Date of Manufacture and date of expiration or reinspection (month and year).

(7) Instructions for use.

(8) Storage Instructions.

Applies to item(s) : 6.

PACKAGING

T4.1 Shall be in accordance with ASTM D 3951-98 (*R2004), "Practice for Commercial Packaging"

Applies to item(s) : 1 and 2.

T4.2 The product shall be furnished in the units indicated and Performance Oriented Packaged (POP) as follows:

In accordance with IMO regulations for transport of dangerous goods by surface or ICAO and IATA by aircraft.

The IMDG code permits substances of UN number 1263 (paint and paint related materials) in class 3 with certain viscosities to be carried in light metal packages of 5 liter capacity and below to be shipped without testing and certification provided the packages are in unit load meeting all the requirements of the code. Reclassification of product to class 3, Unit load and Limited Quantity exemptions are NOT permitted.

GALLONS AND QUARTS: Material shall be furnished in round, compound lined double-seamed end metal cans with multiple friction closure of the type normally used for the product. Filled containers shall be closed in a manner that will insure that the contents will not spill or leak from the container during shipment, handling, storage and redistribution.

All containers shall be constructed so that there will be no interaction chemically or physically with the contents that damages the container or alters the strength, quality or purity of the contents.

One gallon containers shall be provided with a bail type handle in accordance with current Good Manufacturing Practices.

Material packaged as specified above shall be packed in a close-fitting, corrugated, fiberboard box conforming to Section 6(a), Rule 41 of the Uniform Freight Classification, Item 222 of the National Motor Freight Classification (200 minimum burst). Closure of the boxes shall be in accordance with Section 7 of Rule 41 of the Uniform Freight Classification. Gross weight of the box and contents shall not exceed 65 pounds.

Applies to item(s) : 3.

T4.3 The product shall be furnished in the units indicated and Performance Oriented Packaged (POP) as follows:

In accordance with IMO regulations for transport of dangerous goods by surface or ICAO and IATA by aircraft.

The IMDG code permits substances of UN number 1263 (paint and paint related materials) in class 3 with certain viscosities to be carried in light metal packages of 5 liter capacity and below to be shipped without testing and certification provided the packages are in unit load meeting all the requirements of the code. Reclassification of product to class 3, Unit load and Limited Quantity exemptions are NOT permitted.

The components of each kit shall be packaged in multiple friction closure metal cans in accordance with the supplier's normal commercial practice, provided that there will be no interaction chemically or physically with the contents so as to damage the container or alter the strength, quality, or purity of the contents. The containers shall be closed in a manner that will insure that the contents will not spill or leak from the containers during shipment, handling, storage and redistribution.

Components of each individual kit shall be further packed together in kit form that will prevent accidental separation of the components during shipment, handling, storage and redistribution.

Applies to item(s) : 6.

T4.4 The product shall be furnished in the specified quantity in round, compound lined, double seamed end cans with pressure activated spray orifice type dispensers of the type normally used for this product, providing that there will be no interaction chemically or physically with the contents so as to damage the container or alter the strength, quality or purity of the contents. Each can shall be provided with a removable/replaceable metal or full sized, double shell, plastic cap adequate to protect the dispenser in accordance with normal commercial practice. The filled cans shall be closed in a manner that will insure that the contents will not spill or leak from the container during shipment, handling, storage and redistribution.

Applies to item(s) : 4.

PACKING

T5.1 Shall be packaged in accordance with the supplier's normal commercial practice, provided that there will be no interaction chemically or physically with the contents so as to damage the containers or alter the strength, quality, or purity of the contents. The containers shall be closed in a manner that will insure that the contents will not spill or leak from the containers during shipment, handling, storage and redistribution.

South Coast Air Quality Management District Provision: If the item is on an existing contract, the supplier shall follow the pre-arranged California South Coast Air Quality Management District labeling requirements.

Applies to item(s) : 1 and 2.

T5.2 In accordance with IMO regulations for transport of dangerous goods by surface or ICAO and IATA by aircraft.

The IMDG code permits substances of UN number 1263 (paint and paint related materials) in class 3, with certain viscosities, carried in light metal packages of 5 liter capacity and below to be shipped without testing and certification provided the packages are in a unit load meeting all the requirements of the code. Reclassification of product to class 3, Unit load and Limited Quantity exemptions are NOT permitted.

Kits smaller than 2 gallons packaged and assembled as specified above shall be packed in a close-fitting corrugated fiberboard box conforming to Section 6(c), Rule 41 of the Uniform Freight Classification and Item 22 of the National Motor Freight Classification. Closure of the boxes shall be in accordance with Section 7 of Rule 41 of the Uniform Freight Classification. The filled boxes shall not weigh more than 65 pounds. Pails and drums shall meet the applicable requirements of the National Motor Freight Classification, Uniform Freight Classification, and Department of Transportation regulations.

South Coast Air Quality Management District Provision: If the item is on an existing contract, the supplier shall follow the pre-arranged California South Coast Air Quality Management District labeling requirements.

Applies to item(s) : 6.

T5.3 In accordance with IMO regulations for transport of dangerous goods by surface or ICAO and IATA by aircraft.

The IMDG code permits substances of UN number 1263 (paint and paint related materials) in class 3, with certain viscosities, carried in light metal packages of 5 liter capacity and below to be shipped without testing and certification provided the packages are in a unit load meeting all the requirements of the code. Reclassification of product to class 3, Unit load and Limited Quantity exemptions are NOT permitted.

GALLONS AND QUARTS: Not more than four one-gallon-size units or 12 one-quart-size units packaged as specified above shall be further packaged in a close fitting corrugated fiberboard box conforming to Section 6(a), Rule 41 of the Uniform Freight Classification and Item 222 of the National Motor Freight Classification. Closure of the boxes shall be in accordance with Section 7 of Rule 41 of the Uniform Freight Classification. The units shall be protected within the box by individually packaging in paperboard boxes or with full height partitions or other suitable means to ensure that the containers are not damaged during shipment, handling, storage, and redistribution.

South Coast Air Quality Management District Provision: If the item is on an existing contract, the supplier shall follow the pre-arranged California South Coast Air Quality Management District labeling requirements.

Applies to item(s) : 3.

T5.4 Up to twelve cans of material packaged as specified above shall be packed in a close-fitting corrugated fiberboard box conforming to Section 6(a), Rule 41 of the Uniform Freight Classification and Item 222 of the National Motor Freight Classification. Closure of the boxes shall be in accordance with Section 7 of Rule 41 of the Uniform Freight Classification.

South Coast Air Quality Management District Provision: If the item is on an existing contract, the supplier shall follow the pre-arranged California South Coast Air Quality Management District labeling requirements.

Applies to item(s) : 4.

MARKING

T6.1 All unit, intermediate, transport packages and unit loads shall be marked and bar coded for delivery in accordance with the latest version of MIL-STD-129, "Military Marking For Shipment and Storage". "Latest version" is defined as the version in effect on the date of bid submittal. Federal Standards and Military Standards can be accessed on-line via the Defense Logistics Agency's "Assist" Quicksearch web site:

http://assist.daps.dla.mil/quicksearch/

South Coast Air Quality Management District Provision: If the item is on an existing contract, the supplier shall follow the pre-arranged California South Coast Air Quality Management District labeling requirements.

Palletization: The shipping (transport) containers shall be palletized. The pallets shall be 48-inch length x 40-inch width, general purpose, four-way entry, flush stringer, and double-face non-reversible pallets. The palletized load shall not exceed 2500 pounds in weight for shipments to the Eastern Distribution Center (Burlington). The palletized load shall not exceed 2000 pounds in weight for shipments to the Western Distribution Center (French Camp Location). The palletized load shall not overhang the pallet deck board edge by more than 1 inch and shall not exceed 53 inches in overall height (including pallet). Less than half pallet loads or loads shipped by small package carrier in acceptable transport packing need not be palletized. When less than full but more than a half pallet is used, the palletized load shall utilize proper bracing and/or reinforcement to ensure that the load can withstand two additional loads placed on it.

Stacking: A load-stacking test shall be performed once, at the beginning of the contract, for each different unitized or palletized load configuration. A fully palletized load shall be tested utilizing a total stack of three palletized loads, with all the proper bracing and/or reinforcement necessary to perform the test. There shall be no evidence of damage to the pallets, shipping containers or products when stack is tested on the rigid surface for a minimum of 24 hours, in compliance with all the National and Local Safety Regulations. The pre-tested palletized load configuration shall be duplicated using the same packaging materials, pattern, number of shipping (transport) containers, and procedures consistent throughout the duration of the contract. Palletized loads shall be stable and safe when handled with mechanical equipment by qualified personnel.

Materials: All lumber used inside or outside a shipment shall be bark free. No used wood pallets with repaired components or stringers will be acceptable. All wood pallet stringers shall be manufactured from hardwoods. Pallets manufactured of materials other than wood, shall conform to all the requirements specified herein.

Unitization: For the purpose of this requirement, the assembled group of containers or items in a single load that can be handled as a unit throughout the distribution system. Unitization encompasses, but is not limited to, consolidation in a container, placement on a pallet or load base having forklift capability, or securely binding together. Shipments should be considered for unitization where appropriate or specified.

Unitization of pallet load: The palletized load shall be unitized and secured to the pallet to insure that the load arrives intact without product damage. The containers or items shall be placed in a suitable pattern to form a stable and balanced load. Vertical, horizontal or filler reinforcement shall be added as necessary to meet the stacking strength requirements. A palletized load shall be secured to the pallet by shrink or stretch wrapping, and/or, by steel or nonmetallic strapping. When steel or nonmetallic strapping is used, edge protectors shall be provided to prevent damage to the cartons when tensioning the strapping. As a minimum, two straps shall run lengthwise, two straps shall run widthwise, and two straps shall run around the girth of the palletized load. A palletized load shall be capable of protecting the products against damage in a multiple handling, transportation, and storage environment having distribution warehouses with rack systems that support the load/s overhead of warehouse personnel.

Notice of special requirements for shipment to European Union countries: Per Clause D-FSS-468, non-manufactured wood pallets and other non-manufactured wood package material used in shipments destined for ultimate delivery to or through a European Union (EU) country shall comply with the Emergency Measures (2001/219/EC) adopted by the Commission of the European Communities (CEC). Additionally, shipments delivered to DoD distribution facilities or freight consolidation points for eventual delivery to or through EU countries shall comply with applicable DLA Regulations and Procurement Letter PROCLTR 02-17.

Applies to item(s) : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.