Ecorrcrate - Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source Contract

The Department of the Air Force Air Education and Training Command has issued a Special Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source Contract for the procurement of a modular, reusable shipping crate system. This Notice was posted on February 2, 2026, and represents a total small business set-aside opportunity. The requirement is based on proprietary technology covered under U.S. Patent US8662380B1, "Modular corrugated reusable crate system," which contains unique features essential to meeting the agency's operational requirements. The contracting opportunity falls under NAICS Category 322211 (Corrugated and Solid Fiber Box Manufacturing) and PSC Category 8115 (Boxes, Cartons, and Crates). This sole source award notice indicates that the Air Force has determined that only one manufacturer possesses the specific capabilities needed to fulfill this requirement.

The primary objective of this procurement is to acquire a shipping crate system with critical proprietary features, including interlocking and interchangeable panels for variable sizing, lightweight yet high-strength corrugated construction, and a nestable design that enables efficient storage and return shipment of components within the crate's own base and lid. Contractors must note that responses are due by February 10, 2026, and this opportunity is restricted to small businesses under the total small business set-aside designation. The sole source justification is based on the unique patent-protected characteristics of the required system, meaning that only the patent holder or authorized manufacturer is eligible to compete for this contract. Interested small business contractors who manufacture or hold rights to this proprietary crate system should prepare their responses to meet the February 10 deadline.