GSA Issues RFI For Shipping Container SIN
GSA recently posted a Request for Information (RFI) regarding the possible addition of a new Special Item Number (SIN) for shipping containers. The proposed SIN would be added to the GSA Shipping, Packaging, and Packing Supplies Schedule 81 I B Contract. Companies interested in responding to the RFI are not required to hold a GSA Schedule 81 I B Contract. GSA tentatively plans to hold a Vendor Roundtable Discussion regarding the proposed SIN at their New York City location on October 24, 2018.
SIN 617-14, Shipping Containers, would include a wide array of container types and sizes. This includes intermodal containers, cargo/ freight containers, dry freight, ISO containers, general purpose containers, high cube or hi-cube containers, and collapsible/inflatable flat pack shipping containers. The draft SIN does not propose limitations on the circumstances in which the shipping containers can be sold. Meaning companies could sell shipping containers through the SIN for routine or intermittent use, or in the case of emergency situations that require disaster shipments. The new SIN would also allow for the installation, operation, and/or maintenance of the shipping containers.
The new Shipping Container SIN would include NAICS Code 322211, Corrugated and Solid Fiber Box Manufacturing, and NAICS Code 332439, Other Metal Container Manufacturing. While NAICS Code 332439 would be a new addition to GSA Schedule 81 I B, NAICS Code 322211 accounted for approximately $13 million in sales in fiscal year 2017.
In addition to the new SIN, GSA is proposing an update to an existing SIN under Schedule 81 I B. GSA would like to change the description of SIN 617-11 from “Maintenance, Repair and Modification of Containers” to “Modification/Repair/Customization of Containers.” This change would account for specialty characteristics for shipping containers necessary for specific functionality (for example: electricity, security systems, HVAC and refrigeration).
Responses from interested vendors and agencies are due by Friday, October 12, 2018. The full RFI and Questionnaire is available on FBO.gov.