Freight Handling and Storage Services

The U.S. Department of State, through the U.S. Embassy in Algiers, is seeking to procure Swissport Freight Handling and Storage Services through a Request for Quotation (RFQ) on a brand name/sole source basis. The services include handling of incoming diplomatic pouch shipments (both classified and unclassified), secure storage of diplomatic pouches and mail, and related cargo management at Airport Houari Boumediene in Algiers, Algeria. The procurement is being conducted under a Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (JOFOC), which identifies that Lufthansa airline independently selects the cargo handling company for aircraft unloading, limiting the Embassy's ability to competitively select alternatives. The formal solicitation will be posted on SAM.gov on or around April 8, 2026, and this pre-solicitation notice serves planning purposes only with no formal submission deadline for this notice. The point of contact for inquiries is Algiers_Procurement@state.gov.

This procurement carries no set-aside designation and targets the current incumbent contractor, SPA Swissport Algerie-AHB, which has been providing these services to the Embassy. The estimated contract value is approximately $72,382.88 USD (DZD 9,396,388.49) for the entire performance period including options, based on the prior performance cost of DZD 8,542,171.35 with a 10% increase applied to account for rising operational costs. The contract encompasses monthly invoicing arrangements with the Financial Management Center, storage of perishable medical shipments, and notification protocols for shipment arrivals and suspected transit damage. The justification was signed by the Contracting Officer on March 12, 2026, establishing fair and reasonable pricing based on historical performance data and cost escalation factors appropriate to the Algiers market.