W912CH25R0176 QA Log (06102026).pdf

Last Updated: 10 June 2026 3:25 pm EST

W912CH-25-R-0176 - Q & A Log

Question: Is there an incumbent contractor? If so, can you please share the contact information?

Answer: Yes, there are multiple incumbent contractors. The incumbents and their respective contract numbers are:

North American Fuel Tanks, Inc. (SPRDL118D0045)

GTA Containers, Inc. (SPRDL118D0047 and SPRDL119D0042)

Avon Engineered Fabrications, Inc. (SPRDL119D0041)

MPC Containment Systems LLC (SPRDL119D0069)

The Government will not provide specific contact information or personnel details for the incumbent contractor.

Question: As per Para 5.4.3 - Table VI in MIL PRF 32233D, please confirm Seam Dead Load Shear Resistance conformance test (para 4.5.2.9) is required per fabric material lot, not bladder production Inspection Lot (para 4.3.1).

Answer: Correct, that test is for the tank base fabrics.

Question: Historically, the Government has relied on Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) for bladder test data. Due to fuel storage capacity, SWRI is unable to perform a First Article Test on Size V – 210K Bladders. Testing outside of SWRI may require awardee to test sequentially, where the typical timeline is greater than 90 days due to fuel delivery and cycling. If a bladder supplier utilizes the same materials and construction techniques for all bladder sizes, would the Government consider a single bladder size that is most representative of all bladders for the First Article Test? It is recognized that a typical Size III – 20K Bladder experiences all representative stresses while providing the most efficient and cost-effective option for the Government.

Answer: No, the government cannot consider one size to represent all sizes. However, consideration can be made if the awardee can produce a previous FAT report on a 210k bag and prove they are utilizing the same manufacturing processes.

Question: Are thermoset polymer bladders acceptable under this solicitation effort?

Answer: Any bladder material will be considered so long as documentation is provided showing that it meets all the requirements listed in MIL-PRF-32233D.

Question: To be prepared for a robust supply chain, is it necessary for a First Article bladder to be constructed to qualify multiple equipment sources and qualify various material vendors to avoid iterative First Article testing beyond Table I and Table II qualification?

Answer: First Article Testing will be required for each of the tank base fabrics. If the awardee plans to use more than one fabric, each material must be validated. However, FAT is not required for simple equipment such as fittings.

Question: Per Paragraph 4.5.1.6, will road diesel #2 be appropriate/acceptable for First Article Testing? If not, please advise on Government approval method to acquire bulk JP-8.

Answer: No, the bag must be tested using the fuel it intends to hold. Fuel must be JP8.

Question: In the solicitation, the Government states that it intends to issue an award as a single FFP Long Term Contract. Regarding M.3.5, if the Government chooses to enter into a negotiation round and it changes its intention to a multi-source supply award, how will this be communicated to the participants?

Answer: This Solicitation, W912CH-25-R-0176, is intended to result in the award of a single firm-fixed-price, 5-year, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity Long Term Contract for the procurement of all four tank sizes, 3K, 20K, 50K, and 210K. This RFP includes Section M.3.5 and FAR 52.215-1 Instructions to Offerors Competitive Acquisition in Section L, which advises offerors that the Government intends to make award without conducting negotiations/discussions. However, under FAR 52.215-1(f)(4), the Government reserves the right to hold negotiations/discussions, if necessary.

Question: If there is a multiple award contract issued, will FAR 16.505(b)(1)(iii) - Simplified Acquisition Threshold apply?

Answer: This Solicitation, W912CH-25-R-0176, is intended to result in the award of a single firm-fixed-price, 5-year, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity Long Term Contract for the procurement of all four tank sizes, 3K, 20K, 50K, and 210K.

Question: Will the Government reconsider delivered pricing vs First Destination Transport? As we are in a period of high fuel price volatility, which is a major driver of delivery costs, it would be prudent for vendors to estimate delivery costs based on current fuel pricing. The Government has a better view of fuel futures and buying power to ensure the most efficient delivery costs regardless of the economic situation at the time of shipment over the course of a 5-year contract.

Answer: Per W912CH-25-R-0176, for each production CLIN inspection and acceptance are Origin and FOB is destination.

Question: Section A and Section M state that the Government intends to award a single firm-fixed-price, 5-year IDIQ contract. Please confirm whether the Government intends to award one contract covering all four tank sizes, 3K, 20K, 50K, and 210K, or whether the Government may consider separate awards by tank size or another split-award structure among small businesses.

Answer: This Solicitation, W912CH-25-R-0176, is intended to result in the award of a single firm-fixed-price, 5-year, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity Long Term Contract for the procurement of all four tank sizes, 3K, 20K, 50K, and 210K.

Question: Section M identifies Past Performance and Price as the evaluation factors, with Past Performance significantly more important than Price. Please confirm whether documented reliability, manufacturing controls, material performance, quality history, and relevant prior performance will be considered as part of the Past Performance confidence assessment when comparing proposals.

Answer: Please reference section M.4.1 Factor 1: Past Performance Factor for information on how Factor 1 will be evaluated and reference section L.4.1 Volume 1 Past Performance Factor for guidance on what should be submitted for Factor 1 evaluations.

Question: MIL-PRF-32233D is a performance specification. Please confirm whether an offeror may propose materials, manufacturing methods, and quality-control improvements that meet or exceed MIL-PRF-32233D and all solicitation requirements, without taking exception to the solicitation.

Answer: The materials and manufacturing methods are entirely up to the offeror. Offerors may construct the bladders with any material or methods they choose so long as they meet the requirements of the performance spec (MIL-PRF-32233D) and provide data to validate.

Question: For the 210K requirement, please confirm whether the Government requires the 210K- IPDS exactly as identified under NSN 5430-01-546-3725 / P/N 210K-IPDS, or whether an alternate integrated configuration that provides equivalent or improved performance and total system capacity would be acceptable.

Answer: These bladders will be used with existing Army equipment. The users of that equipment are expecting bladders to be configured in specific ways. Offerors must produce the NSNs called out specifically in the solicitation.

Question: If an offeror has relevant recent Government performance and test evidence for similar collapsible fuel tank systems, may that evidence be submitted as part of the Past Performance volume and/or a First Article Waiver request package for Government consideration?

Answer: For First Article Waiver specifically, all previous data will be considered, however, the recency and quality of the data will determine if a waiver will be accepted. For information regarding past performance, please reference section L.4.1.

Question: Section L.2.3.1 (page 93) references the proposal subject header as “Proposal Submission W912CH-25-R-0175 (company name).” Since this solicitation is W912CH-25-R- 0176, please confirm the correct solicitation number to use in the email subject line.

Answer: The correct solicitation number is W912CH-25-R-0176. Please reference Amendment 0002 issued on 20 May 2026 for this correction.

Question: Please clarify total number of Past Performance references. It is unclear if offeror may provide two or four.

Answer: Please reference the language under L.4.1, stating: “For the Past Performance Factor, provide information for a total of up to two submissions, one submission for each criteria consideration (See L.4.1.2)…” This language was incorporated via Amendment 0003 issued on 21 May 2026.

Question: Will the Government accept past performance references for collapsible fuel tanks fabricated to MIL-PRF-32233B, provided they meet the size, complexity, and production capacity requirements of the current solicitation? Because MIL-PRF-32233C/D is a relatively recent revision (2021/2022), allowing Revision B past performance ensures a robust pool of qualified, competent, and competitive fabricators while maintaining the identical core manufacturing relevancy required.

Answer: As mentioned in M.4.1.1, the Government will conduct a Performance Confidence Assessment to establish a Confidence Assessment Rating for each offeror. The Confidence Assessment Rating assigned will be based on the offeror's Recent and Relevant performance record and the expectation that the offeror will successfully perform the required effort based on the criteria consideration described in L.4.1.2. The past performance relevancy rating and performance confidence assessment methods are found in the DoD Source Selection Procedures date August 20, 2022. It is recommended that each offeror review these procedures/ratings when determining what to submit for the past performance factor as it relates to the criteria considerations in L.4.1.2.

Question: Completion of the FATR for each tank size represents a significant cost for the Offeror and potentially an unfair advantage to a very limited number of offerors. To allow for more competition and fairness will the Government exclude the FATR cost entered by each Offeror from the total evaluated price?

Answer: No, the Total Evaluated Price equals the sum of the following: the total proposed price as calculated in the "Summary" Worksheet of Attachment 0001 - Pricing Workbook and if applicable, any other price adjustments, for evaluation purposes only, that are required in accordance with the FAR, DFARS, or RFP (to include RFP Attachments). This includes, but is not limited to, the pricing for all CLINs, including the FATR CLINs.

Question: How does the government view uncertain raw material cost escalation due to factors out of Offerors’ control such as USG tariffs and increased costs of aluminum, polyurethane coated fabrics, and nylon. Would the Government allow awardee to renegotiate CLIN pricing in the event of such unforeseen increases?

Answer: No, this solicitation is intended to result in a 5-Year, Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP), Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract. As stated in RFO FAR 16.202-1, A firm-fixed-price contract provides for a price that is not subject to any adjustment on the basis of the contractor’s experience in performing the contract.

Question: The contract number referenced appears to be an error. Should the proposal submission instructions indicate the solicitation number: W912CH-25-R-0176 instead?

Answer: Yes, the correct solicitation number is W912CH-25-R-0176. Please reference Amendment 0002 issued on 20 May 2026 for this correction.

Question: The attachment SPI_AK15463725_Revision_E.pdf was provided in the original solicitation documents. This SPI is for the 210k IPDS tank. Will the government provide the SPI for the other tanks in this solicitation?

Answer: There are no Special Packaging Instructions for the 3K, 20K, or 50K tank sizes.

Packaging requirements are in accordance with Section D - PACKAGING AND MARKING.

Additionally, please reference the Packaging and Marking Section under each CLIN in Section B.

Narrative D.1. PACKAGING REQUIREMENTS (SPECIFICATIONS/STANDARDS)- APPLICABLE TO PART NUMBER: 3KFUELASSY applies to CLINS 0010-0015.

Narrative D.2. PACKAGING REQUIREMENTS (SPECIFICATIONS/STANDARDS)- APPLICABLE TO PART NUMBERS: 20KFUELASSY AND 50KFUELASSY applies to CLINS 0020-0025 and CLINS 0030-0035.

Narrative D.3. PACKAGING REQUIREMENTS (SPECIAL PACKAGING INSTRUCTIONS)- APPLICABLE TO PART NUMBER: 210K-IPDS applies to CLINS 0040-0045.

Question: Government provides percentages of tanks to be shipped to two locations while also providing three ship to locations and implying additional ship to locations. The Government states in each CLIN that an offeror is to price FOB Origin. Does the Government want us to price with shipping? How will it be evaluated?

Answer: FOB is Destination. For the purpose of offerors compiling FOB Destination offers, the final destination for the supplies will be one or more of the following destinations; in the following estimated percentages as listed in F.2. (for Part Number: 3KFUELASSY (CLINS 0011-0015)), F.3. (for Part Number: 20KFUELASSY (CLINS 0021-0025)), F.4. (Part Number:

50KFUELASSY (CLINS 0031-0035)), and F.5. (for Part Number: 210K-IPDS (CLINS 0041-

0045)). Exact ship to locations will be listed on any delivery order placed off of a contract awarded as a result of this solicitation.

Please reference L.4.2 Volume 2: Price Factor for information on the price factor and reference M.4.2 Factor 2: Price Factor for how the price factor will be evaluated.

Question: Based on 13 CFR § 125.2(g), please confirm that a prime small business is allowed to submit the past performance of a first tier subcontractor that is part of the team as the capabilities, past performance, and experience of the small business prime contractor if the capabilities, past performance, and experience of the small business prime does not independently demonstrate capabilities and past performance necessary for award.

Answer: Section L.4.1 Past performance of the solicitation states: “For the Past Performance Factor, provide information for a total of up to two submissions, one submission for each criteria consideration (See L.4.1.2) that was performed by the offeror as the prime contractor (unless otherwise allowed by L.4.1.4), that are Recent and the offeror considers to have Relevance. The prime contractor is the party that executes an agreement with another party to perform work and does not have to be a U.S. Government contract holder. These may include foreign, federal, state, local and private industry contracts. The Government will not consider the past performance of proposed subcontractors.”

Reference the solicitation requirements in L.4.1.4 if proposing as an Associated Entity, Predecessor Company, or Joint Venture.

“L.4.1.4 Associated Entity, Predecessor Company, and Joint Venture. As stated above (L.4.1), only contracts performed by the named offeror will be considered, however the Government may consider the past performance of an associated entity, a predecessor company, or joint venture as explained below.” Reference L.4.1.4.1-L.4.1.4.3 for details on the solicitation requirements.

Also reference FAR clause 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting.

Question: The Q&A posted on 20 May 2026 had several answers listed as TBD. Is there an anticipated timeframe in which the answers may be provide?

Answer: We are working to provide the remaining answers as quickly as possible. Because we have a large, multi-disciplinary team reviewing and finalizing these responses to ensure accuracy, the answers will be published incrementally on an "as-received" basis. Your patience is appreciated as we work through this process to get you the most accurate information.

Question: Request for clarification regarding the 50,000-gallon tank under P/N 50KFUELASSY.

MIL-PRF-32233D identifies the 50,000-gallon tank as Size IV and Size IV-A. Size IV uses 4-inch filler/discharge fittings and accessories, while Size IV-A uses 6-inch filler/discharge fittings and accessories. For this solicitation, should offerors price the 50,000-gallon tank as Size IV with

4-inch fittings, Size IV-A with 6-inch fittings, or should both configurations be priced or considered?

Answer: The NSN called out specifically is the Size IV fuel bag containing 4-in fittings. The offeror only needs to price that size fuel bag.

Question: To maximize competition and comply with the Competition in Contracting Act (CICA), will the Government amend the solicitations’ past performance criteria to accept units manufactured at MIL PRF 32233 B, C, or D and at smaller non-concurrent volumes?

Answer: As mentioned in M.4.1.1, the Government will conduct a Performance Confidence Assessment to establish a Confidence Assessment Rating for each offeror. The Confidence Assessment Rating assigned will be based on the offeror's Recent and Relevant performance record and the expectation that the offeror will successfully perform the required effort based on the criteria consideration described in L.4.1.2. The past performance relevancy rating and performance confidence assessment methods are found in the DoD Source Selection Procedures date August 20, 2022. It is recommended that each offeror review these procedures/ratings when determining what to submit for the past performance factor as it relates to the criteria considerations in L.4.1.2.

Question: The supply chain constraints, fluctuating fuel prices, and only one fabric supplier places too much risk on any one small business awardee to accurately quote under a FFP contract out for five years. Would the government amend the solicitation to multiple award with competitive task orders?

Answer: This Solicitation, W912CH-25-R-0176, is intended to result in the award of a single firm-fixed-price, 5-year, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity Long Term Contract for the procurement of all four tank sizes, 3K, 20K, 50K, and 210K.