QSDLAA-D4-11-1449 Insulated Jug.docx

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION

(THIS IS NOT AN ORDER)

1 | 39

UNDER BDSA REG. 2

RATING

GSA, FAS, Southwest Operations Supply Center, Acquisition Division (QSDLAA-D4) 819 Taylor Street, Room 6A00 Fort Worth, TX 76102-6105

30 Days ARO Best Delivery Time_____________

(See Schedule)

NUMBER

978-3199

574-2615 (FAX)

9. DESTINATION

To be shown on each order issued.

(See Schedule)

c. STREET ADDRESS

c. CITY

10. PLEASE FURNISH QUOTATIONS TO THE

ISSUING OFFICE IN BLOCK 5A ON OR

BEFORE CLOSE OF BUSINESS (Date) Wednesday, November 23, 2011 (2:00 PM Central Time) IMPORTANT: This is a request for information, and quotations furnished are not offers. If you are unable to quote, please so indicate on this form and return it to the address in Block 5A. This request does not commit the Government to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of the submission of this quotation or to contract for supplies or service. Supplies are of domestic origin unless otherwise indicated by quoter. Any representations and/or certifications attached to this Request for Quotations must be completed by the quoter.

11. SCHEDULE (Include applicable Federal, State, and local taxes)

ITEM NO.

(a)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(b)

QUANTITY

( c)

UNIT

(d)

UNIT PRICE

(e)

AMOUNT

(f)

A. This is a Request for Quote for (RFQ) for a Standing Quote Agreement (SQA) for a two-year period from DATE OF AWARD, not to exceed five years or $150,000, with annual reviews. Any requests for a price increase will be a matter of negotiation at the time of the annual review. If the SQA reaches $150,000.00 before the end of the five year period, the agreement will be cancelled in its entirety at no cost to either party.

B. The requirements listed are estimates only and no guarantee is given as to the dollar amount to be purchased.

C. Award will be made in the aggregate to the offeror who represents the best value to the Government utilizing the following evaluation factors: technical acceptability, and price.

D. Inspection will be at Destination. FOB is destination.

E. The Item Purchase Description and Schedule of Items are shown on pages 5 through 10.

F. Required Clauses, applicable to all items in this Request for Quotation, are shown on pages 11 through 39.

G. This is only a request for pricing. Delivery orders will be issued pursuant to the evaluation of the quotations received. DO NOT SHIP.

H. When responding to this Request for Quotation, complete and return the entire package. If you “No Quote,” please indicate and return page 1 only.

12. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

NOTE: Additional provisions and representations |X| are |_| are not attached.

c. COUNTY

PHONE

QSDLAA-D4-11-1449-SQ

Schedule of Items

Use the Schedule of Items on page 4 to submit your quoted prices. Provide the unit prices per the unit of issue shown.

A. FOB is DESTINATION.

B. The Item Purchase Description(s) (IPDs) for National Stock Numbers (NSNs) 7330-00-532-5867, Insulated Jug, can be found on pages5 through 10.

C. When responding to this RFQ, you may submit the entire document via email at david.brooks@gsa.gov. The full document must be received by the closing date and time. The following address can be used to submit your offer by mail:

Attn: David Brooks (QSDLAA-D4) 819 Taylor St. Rm6A00 Fort Worth, TX 76102-6105

D. FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items (JUN 2008)(FAR12.301(b)(1), is incorporated by reference. Tailor the clause in paragraph (b), Submission of Offers, to specify the requested information needed pertaining to the commitment letter and product literature. See item F. (3) Commitment Letters below.

Paragraph (h), “Multiple awards.” is replaced with a “Single award agreement.” to be issued as a result of this RFQ. Replace the entries showing “SF 1449” references with “SF 18” references for this RFQ.

E. . Evaluation Factors: Award will be made in the aggregate to the offeror who represents the best value to the Government utilizing the following evaluation factors: technical acceptability, and price. Only those quotes that are determined technically acceptable will be evaluated for the past performance and price factors. Past performance and price are approximately equal in importance. As offers become more equal in non-price factors, the total price becomes more important.

(2) Lowest Evaluated Price: Pricing will be evaluated based on the item’s total price submitted in the block titled “Total Standing Quote Price” in the schedule of items on page 4.

F. SUPPLEMENTAL DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED (FAR 52.212-1(b) Clause as follows.)

(1) Sample. A sample of the product you are offering may be requested, if necessary. Please have a sample available for overnight delivery if needed for evaluation purposes.

(2) List of Exceptions. If exceptions are being taken to any characteristic listed in the attached IPD(s) or requirements listed in this solicitation, a full explanation of the exception must accompany the response of this request for quotation.

(3) Commitment Letters. If the offeror is not the manufacturing production and/or inspection point, please provide a letter of commitment from each manufacturing production and inspection point. The commitment letter will be used to determine the availability of supplies. The commitment letter(s) must be a typed original on the supplier’s letterhead, dated, and have as a minimum, the following:

6. A statement that the supplier will provide you the entire 1-year quantity and can meet the estimated peak monthly requirement within the delivery time required of 30 days ARO or better;

7. A statement as to the country of origin of the item;

8. The commitment letter will be mailed/faxed/emailed directly to GSA’s Contracting Officer, and not through the offeror.

9. The commitment letter must include an original signature on the supplier’s letterhead, title of the signee, a direct telephone number and e-mail address.

Failure to provide any of the requested information or documents may cause your offer to not be considered for award.

G. The following is how you can obtain specifications:

FED Specs – GSA Federal Supply Service Specifications Section, Ste. 8100, 470 E. L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Washington, DC 20407 [Telephone 202-619-8925, Fax 202-619-8978] http://assist.daps.dla.mil/online/start/ Click on “Quick Search” (left side of screen). Type the document in the “Document ID” field and hit submit. You do not need a password.

MIL Specs – Department of Defense Single Stock Point (DoDSSP), Bldg. 4, Section D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094 [Telephone 215-697-2667/2179, Fax 215-697-1462] Web Site www.dsp.dla.mil Click on “Online Specs” or http://assist.daps.dla.mil.online/start/ Click on “Quick Search” (left side of screen). Type the document in the “Document ID” field and hit submit. You do not need a password.

ANSI Standards – American National Standards Institute, Inc., 11 West 42nd Street, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10036 [Telephone 212-642-4900]

ASTM – American Society for Testing and Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959 [Telephone 610-832-9585, Fax 610-832-9555] Web Site: www.astm.org, email: service@astm.org. (ASTM does charge for their services.)

Recycled Material – Two sites for information related to the Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines and Recovered Materials Advisory Notices: www.epa.gov/cpg.

Commercial Item Descriptions – http://assist.daps.dla.mil/online/start/ Click on “Quick Search” (left side of screen). You do not need a password.

H. METHOD OF AWARD – Award will be made in aggrigate. The low offeror will be determined by multiplying the unit price submitted on each item by the quantity specified, and adding the resultant extensions. In order to qualify for an award, prices must be submitted for each delivery point. To be technically acceptable, the item must meet or exceed the Item Purchase Description(s).

NOTE****FAILURE TO PROVIDE ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION AT TIME OF OFFER MAY RESULT IN YOUR OFFER NO LONGER BEING EVALUATED OR CONSIDERED FOR AWARD. PRODUCT SPECIFICATION SHEETS AND COMMITMENT LETTERS ARE REQUIRED WITH YOUR OFFER.

____________________________________Schedule of Items ___________________________________

1a/1b NSN7330-00-532-5867, Insulated Jug

(NAICS 332214) (500 Employees) PROVIDE SPECIFICATION SHEET(S) WITH OFFER.

Item No.

Destination

1-YEAR STANDING QUOTE

Orders (1-Year) Est’d Peak Monthly Req’t Est’d 1-Year QTY

1a

BURLINGTON, NJ (N3)

NSN: 7330-00-532-5867

Insulated Jug IPD Attached

Request for Quotation # QSDLAA-D4-11-1449-SQ Dated 11/16/11 Best delivery time: ____DARO

· Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN): _____________________

· Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS): ______________________

· Name of Contact: ______________________ E-Mail Address: _______________________

· Phone Number: _______________________ Fax: __________________________

· Supplier Name*: ___________________________

· Name of Contact*: __________________________ (*Note: “Supplier” refers to the company providing you the product, if you are not the manufacturer.)

ITEM PURCHASE DESCRIPTION

NSN: 7330-00-532-5867 (Reviewed 9/26/2011)

JUG, INSULATED: Shall be BE Aerospace P/N 180-146G or equal and shall have the following characteristics:

Electrically heated container, designated CNU-2/C, for storing and serving beverages aboard long range aircraft. Two-gallon capacity; corrosion-resistant steel outer shell and inner vessel; cover provided with dry-ice well and snap-locking device closure.

Any and all “or equal” insulated jugs shall be identical to BE Aerospace P/N 180-146G and shall be compatible with BE Aerospace Heater Insert Assembly P/N 3020-0059-01.

Unit of Issue – EA (each)

Design. The jug shall be designed to conform to figure below. It shall consist of an inner and outer case to form the body. The space between the cases shall be filled with insulation to provide the proper heat retention characteristics. The entire assembly shall provide for maximum sanitation and ease of cleaning. The total number and length of joints and radii shall be held to a minimum. Where necessary and where normally in contact with liquids, internal radii shall be a minimum of 3/16 inch. The top of the jug shall have a removable cover or lid that has a carrying handle. A spigot shall be provided for draining the contents. Contamination of the contents by foreign materials collecting on top of the container body shall be minimized by either sloping the top of the jug from the inner periphery to the outer periphery or by a cover and gasket which are both sufficiently large enough to cover the entire top of the container body. The jug shall be equipped with thermostatically controlled, electrical heating elements. The design shall permit, where possible, disassembly, reassembly, and service maintenance by tools and maintenance equipment normally available as commercial standards.

Capacity. The jug shall have a minimum internal capacity of two gallons.

Weight. The weight of the complete jug, including the heating element, shall not exceed 16 pounds.

Interchangeability. All parts having the same manufacturer’s part number shall be functionally and dimensionally interchangeable. All parts shall be manufactured to such standards as will permit replacement without modification of parts or equipment.

Material. Recycled and recovered raw materials should be used to the maximum extent possible in lieu of virgin raw materials as long as these materials do not jeopardize the intended use and fully comply with all contract requirements. Materials used shall be free from defects which would affect the performance or maintainability of individual components of the overall assembly.

Threads. All threaded parts shall be in the inch system and shall conform to FED-STD-H28, Screw-Thread Standard for Federal Services.

Construction. The jug shall be complete and ready to use when connected to a suitable source of power. The jug shall be fabricated of parts which are sound and free from repair. Defective parts shall not be reclaimed for use. Joints, where necessary, shall be smooth, even, and made by inert gas shielded arc welding in accordance with AWS-D17.1:2001.

Fastening devices. All screws, pins, and similar parts shall be installed with means to prevent loss of tightness. Those subject to removal or adjustment shall not be swaged, penned, or otherwise permanently deformed.

Dissimilar metals. Dissimilar metals shall not be used in intimate contact with each other unless suitably protected against electrolytic corrosion. Dissimilar metals are defined in MIL-STD-889.

Surfaces. The inner case of the jug shall have an electro-polish finish or be passivated in accordance with ASTM A967. The outer case and cover shall have an electro-polish or standard finish No. 2B or better.

Components. The insulated jug shall consist essentially of a container body, cover, spigot, insulation and electrical equipment to meet the requirements specified herein.

Container body. The inner and outer cases shall be fabricated of not less than 0.025 inch thick corrosion-resistant steel conforming to class 201, 202, 301, 302, or 304, condition A of ASTM A240, ASTM A666, and ASTM A693, as applicable. The sides of the outer case shall be reinforced by stiffening ribs or any other suitable means to prevent buckling. A spigot tube shall connect with the inner case, shall extend through the outer case, shall be straight and smooth, and have provisions for attaching the spigot to a spigot tube. Spigot tube shall be either 3/8 inch straight pipe male RH threads extending out from container body 0.750 + 0.015 inch or 1-1/2 inch size with 1-1/2 x 20, class 3, RH male threads extending out from container body a distance of 0.312 + 0.015 inch. Corrosion-resistant steel surfaces shall be finished in accordance with Surfaces paragraph.

Insulation. The space between the inner and outer cases of the container body and cover shall be lined with sufficient insulation to enable the container to satisfy the requirements of this specification. The insulation shall be polyurethane foam, glass wool, or equal and arranged so that it will remain in place throughout the life of the jug.

Spigot. The spigot shall have either 3/8 inch straight pipe RH female threads or 1-1/2 x 20, Class 2, RH female threads. The configuration of the spigot shown in figure is only for reference and is not restrictive. The spigot shall be easily attached, detached, assembled, and disassembled for cleaning and sterilization. The spigot shall be of simple construction and shall contain a minimum number of parts and a minimum number and length of joints. The metal parts of the spigot shall be made of corrosion-resistant steel, conforming to class 202, 302, or 304 condition A of SAE-AMS-QQ-S-763 or of nickel-chromium plated brass. The parts of the spigot that must be handled to operate the flow control mechanism shall be made of a suitable non-metallic material of low thermal conductivity, having a minimum impact strength of 0.6 foot-pound per square inch of notch (Izod). If a lock-ring, push-button arrangement is used, the lock ring shall be threaded to the spigot barrel with a standard acme thread conforming to FED-STD-H28, Screw-Thread Standard for Federal Services. To facilitate cleaning and sanitation, the configuration shall provide maximum ease of disassembly and reassembly and minimum accumulation of food deposit.

Cover. The cover shall be fabricated of the same material as the container body. The cover shall have suitable quick connect and disconnect latches or clamps for attaching the cover to the body. The cover shall have an indentation to accommodate the handle when it is not in the carrying position. A suitable diameter metal tube, fabricated of the same material as the container, shall be inserted through the cover to equalize the pressure inside the container with the atmosphere.

Handle. A handle as shown in figure shall be provided on the cover and shall be fabricated of either round or flat stock steel. If round stock is used, it shall conform to class 202, 302, 304, 304L or 305, condition A of SAE-AMS-QQ-S-763 with cold rolled surfaces. The handle shall have a minimum diameter of 3/16 inch except for the hand grip which shall have a minimum diameter of 3/8 inch. The hand grip shall have a minimum length of 3-1/2 inches. If flat stock is used, it shall conform to class 201, 202, 301, 304, 304L or 305, condition A of SAE-AMS-QQ-S-763 with standard polish on both sides. The handle shall have a minimum thickness of 0.055 inch and a minimum width of ½ inch.

Dry-ice well. A dry-ice well shall be provided in the container cover or lid. The well shall be fabricated of the same material as the cover and shall have sufficient capacity to hold at least 1-1/2 pounds of dry ice. A screw-cap shall be provided on the lid for adding the dry ice.

Washers, gaskets and seals. The materials used for the lid gasket, spigot washer, and spigot shaft seal shall not become sticky in normal service, shall not swell to limit the functionability of the spigot, and shall not be attacked by or impart toxic properties, tastes, or odors to liquid foods during the service life of the container.

Thermostat. The jug shall have a thermostat of suitable power rating to maintain the temperature of the contents within the range specified when the container is operating at any point within the ambient temperature range of plus 10o to plus 180o F. The thermostat shall be either a snap-action type or shall be equipped with a condenser of 0.5 MFD, 100-volt, direct current capacitance to insure proper operation of the thermostat and to prevent burning and fusion of the thermostat contacts.

Electrical. All wiring and electrical connections shall be made in accordance with the applicable portions of SAE-AS50881. The jug shall conform to the electrical interference requirements of MIL-STD-461.

Heating elements. Each jug shall be equipped with standard 130-watt, maximum, output heating elements for use with 28-volt (within limits of 25 to 29 volts) direct current and also for use with a 115-volt (within limits of 102 to 124 volts) alternating-current power supply.

Plug and receptacle. The plug shall conform to part number 016706-0001 manufactured by the ITT Cannon Electric Company, Santa Ana, California, or equal. The plug shall mate with receptacle part number 016707-0000 manufacturer by the ITT Cannon Electric Company, or equal.

Performance. Each jug shall meet the following performance criteria.

Temperature control and operation. The thermostat and heater shall maintain the water temperature within the range of 170o to 190o F when tested in accordance with Testing requirements.

Heat retention. With the jug filled with water preheated to a temperature of not more than 200o F, the temperature of the contents shall not decrease more than 65° when tested in accordance with Heat Retention Test requirements.

Thermal shock. The jug shall show no signs of damage when subjected to thermal shock and tested in accordance with Thermal Shock Test requirements.

Overload. The jug shall function satisfactorily after 32 volts are applied to the 28-volt terminal and 125 volts are applied to the 115-volt terminal in accordance with Overload Test requirements.

Leakage. There shall be no leakage between the inner and outer cases of the jugs when tested in accordance with Leakage Test requirements.

Dielectric. The jug shall withstand the application of 900-volts between the live parts and dead metal parts when tested in accordance with the Dielectric Test requirements.

Handle and cover. There shall be no distortion, bending, cracking, or fastener failure of the handle or the cover when the jug is loaded and tested in accordance with the Handle and Cover Test requirements.

Drainage. The jug shall drain all but a maximum of six fluid ounces of liquid when tested in accordance with the Drainage Test requirements.

Identification. Equipment, assemblies, and parts shall be marked for identification in accordance with MIL-STD-130. Identification shall include the following information:

Workmanship. The container shall be uniform in quality and all components shall be assembled in a neat workmanlike manner. Parts shall be free from fractures, splits, punctures, dents, deterioration and shall not be bowed or malformed. Each unit shall be free of corrosion and all welds shall be smooth and complete.

Component and material examination. Components and materials shall be examined and tested in accordance with all the requirements specified in this item purchase description, reference specifications, drawings, and standards unless otherwise excluded, amended, modified, or qualified in this item purchase description or applicable purchase document.

End product examination. The end product examination shall consist of a visual examination and a weight and dimension examination.

Visual examination. Defects found during the examination of the end item shall be classified in accordance with Classification of Defects. The sampling level shall be II of ANSI/ASQ Z1.4-2003 and the acceptable quality level shall be 2.5 defects per 100 units for major defects and 4.0 defects per 100 units for total defects.

Weight and dimension examination. The jug shall be examined for compliance with the specified weight and dimensions. Any deviation from specifications shall constitute a defect. The sampling level shall be S-3 of ANSI/ASQ Z1.4-2003 and the acceptable quality level shall be 4.0 defects per 100 units for total defects.

CLASSIFICATION OF DEFECTS

Handle Handle grip not as specified or not attached to cover X

Washer, Missing, not colorless, or sticky X gasket and seal

Assembly Component not properly secured or assembled as specified X

Testing. Unless otherwise specified, all tests required by this specification shall be made at an atmospheric pressure of approximately 29.92 inches of mercury and at a temperature of approximately 77o F. Where tests are made with atmospheric pressure or temperature substantially different from these values, proper allowance shall be made for the change in instrument readings. A random sample of insulated jugs shall be selected from each lot in accordance with inspection level S-3 of ANSI/ASQ Z1.4-2003. The acceptable sampling level and acceptable quality level shall be as specified for each examination.

Temperature control and operation test. The jug shall be filled with at least 2 quarts of water preheated to a temperature within the range of 170o to 190o F. The jug shall be connected to a 28-volt, direct-current power source and the thermostat set at 180o F. At no time during a 12-hour period shall the water temperature mid-distant from the bottom of the jug to the water level fall outside the range of 170o to 190o F. Temperatures should be taken at maximum intervals of 1 hour. The test shall be repeated using a 115-volt, alternating-current power source.

Heat retention test. With no current applied, the jug shall be preheated with water at a temperature of 5o to 9o F below the boiling point for 5 minutes. The jug shall be drained and refilled with water at a temperature of 5o to 9o F below the boiling point, and the top of the jug shall be put in place. At the end of 6 hours the temperature of the water shall not have decreased more than 65o F. Jugs not maintaining the specified temperature shall be rejected.

Thermal shock test. The jug shall show no signs of damage when subjected to the following:

1. Expose the empty jug to an ambient temperature of minus 65o F for a minimum period of 24 hours.

2. Immediately place the jug in an ambient temperature of plus 160o F; apply power, fill with water preheated to a temperature of plus 160o F, and operate for 24 hours.

3. Decrease the ambient temperature to plus 80o F, and operate for 24 hours.

4. Decrease the ambient temperature to plus 10o F, and operate for a period of 24 hours.

Overload test. The 28-volt element shall be connected to a 32-volt, direct-current power source and the 115-volt element to a 125-volt, alternating-current power source for a period of 30 minutes respectively. Any evidence of failure of either circuit shall be cause for rejection of the jug.

Leakage test. The completely assembled jug shall be submerged in water for 5 minutes. Four pounds per square inch of air pressure shall be applied between the inner and outer cases of the jug while it is submerged. Bubbles from any part of the jug indicating leakage shall be cause for rejection.

OR

The assembled jug shall be weighed and its weight recorded. With its cover propped in a partially open attitude, the jug assembly shall be submerged in not less than ten (10) feet of water for not less than five (5) minutes. After the jug assembly has been removed from the water and interior and exterior surfaces dried off, its weight will again be checked. Any increase in weight will indicate leakage between inner and outer shells and shall be cause for rejection.

Dielectric test. The dielectric test shall be performed with a suitable transformer, the output of which can be regulated. One terminal shall be connected to the jug case and the other shall be connected to a jumper which connects all terminals of the plug. The potential shall be increased until a 900-volt, 60 cycle test voltage has been reached and maintained for 1 minute. Any breakdown of insulation shall be cause for rejection.

Handle and cover test. The jug shall be loaded with at least 60 pounds of dead weight, and the cover fastened in place. The loaded jug shall be lifted by the handle for 2 minutes using a force that is equally distributed on the hand grip. Any distortion, bending, cracking, or fastener failure of the handle and cover shall be cause for rejection.

Drainage test. The jug, sitting level and with the spigot attached, shall drain, without being tilted, all but a maximum of 6 fluid ounces of liquid.

PRODUCT CONFORMANCE. The products provided shall meet the salient characteristics of this description, conform to the producer's own drawings, specifications, standards, and quality assurance practices, and be the same product offered for sale in the commercial market. The Government reserves the right to require proof of such conformance.

MARKING. Shipments to GSA and other civilian agencies shall be marked in accordance with FED-STD-123. Shipments to the Department of Defense (DoD) shall be marked in accordance with MIL-STD-129.

PREPARATION FOR DELIVERY. The item(s) shall be packaged and packed in accordance with the latest revision of ASTM D 3951, Standard Practice for Commercial Packaging. Copies of ASTM standards are available from the American Society for Testing and Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. Phone: 610-832-9585, Fax: 610-832-9555, Web site: www.astm.org, e-mail: service@astm.org.

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 and Stockton locations). 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 all countries that have endorsed the IPPC Guidelines for treatment of non-manufactured wood packaging: The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) has approved and published on March 15, 2002, “Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade”. Countries endorsing the IPPC Guidelines are found at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/swp/. Additionally, shipments delivered to DOD distribution facilities or freight consolidation points for eventual delivery to or through EU/IPPC countries shall comply with applicable DLA Regulations and Procurement Letter PROCLTR 02-17.

END OF ITEM PURCHASE DESCRIPTION

Section CI Commercial Item Section