MEV-MHE battery replacement

The Military Sealift Command (MSC), a component of the Department of the Navy, is soliciting quotes for the procurement of East Penn Manufacturing Company DEKA 36V and 72V Sealed Valve Regulated Lead-Acid (SVRLA)/GEL maintenance-free batteries to replace end-of-life batteries on forklifts supporting the USNS MEDGAR EVERS (T-AKE 13). The solicitation, issued as a Request for Quote (RFQ), requires three line items consisting of 6 units of 18-G75-21EE 750 AH batteries, 2 units of 36-G105-9 EE 420 AH batteries, and 3 units of 18-G75-27EE 975 AH batteries. Interested vendors must submit quotes identifying unit prices inclusive of shipping, total firm fixed price, discount terms, and estimated delivery time. The evaluation will be based on pricing and delivery capability, with all items offered on a firm fixed-price basis. The submission deadline is April 17, 2026 at 12:00 PM via email, and delivery is required by November 26, 2026.

This solicitation is designated as a women-owned small business (WOSB) set-aside with unrestricted competition within that designation. The justification documents indicate this is a single-source procurement from East Penn Manufacturing Company/DEKA Corporation based on the specialized nature of shipboard-approved batteries meeting critical NAVSEA/NAVSUP specifications and U.L. 583 construction standards, making these batteries the only approved assets for compatibility with existing HYSTER and HUBTEX forklift models aboard MSC T-AKE Class vessels. The estimated production lead time is 42 weeks after contract award. Performance will take place at MSC Warehouse, Naval Base, Norfolk, Virginia (Building W143 DW 10), with inspection and acceptance occurring at both the destination and the MSC Program Management office in Norfolk. The contract incorporates standard FAR and DFARS clauses, including buy American provisions and critical safety item designations reflecting the mission-critical nature of these batteries for ammunition handling and transport operations.