MIL-Spec Wood Crates IAW ASTM D6880/PPP-B-621
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.NAVSEA.NAVSEA WARFARE CENTER.NSWC INDIAN HEAD DIVISION · Response deadline: Thu, 12 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division intends to acquire military-specification wood crates manufactured in accordance with ASTM D6880 and PPP-B-621 standards. These are rigid wooden shipping containers designed to protect goods during transport and storage, commonly used for military and defense logistics. ASTM D6880 establishes performance standards for wood crates, while PPP-B-621 is the federal specification for boxes, wood, cleated-plywood and cleated-veneered. See the solicitation for specific quantity, dimensions, and performance requirements.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | N0017427Q0001 |
| NAICS | 321920 — Wood Container and Pallet Manufacturing |
| Set-aside | None (full and open competition) |
| Response deadline | November 12, 2026, 8:00 AM ET |
| Place of performance | Indian Head, MD |
Who can bid
This solicitation is open to all responsible sources—there is no set-aside restricting competition to small businesses or socioeconomic categories. Any qualified manufacturer capable of producing wood crates to MIL-Spec standards may submit an offer.
Under NAICS 321920 (Wood Container and Pallet Manufacturing), the Small Business Administration size standard is typically 500 employees; see the solicitation to confirm applicability. Small businesses are eligible and encouraged to compete, though they receive no preference in award selection. If you are a small business, verify your size status is current in SAM.gov.
How to put together a competitive bid
Understand the specifications thoroughly. ASTM D6880 and PPP-B-621 dictate specific material grades, construction methods, and performance testing for wood crates. Obtain copies of these standards if you do not already reference them. Non-compliant crates risk rejection.
Demonstrate proven capability. Include evidence of past performance on MIL-Spec or comparable commercial crate contracts. Provide sample technical data, quality certifications, or letters of commendation from defense or commercial customers requiring similar durability standards.
Address quality assurance explicitly. NAVSEA commands require rigorous quality control. Detail your inspection processes, moisture content testing, lumber grading procedures, and any third-party certifications (ISPM-15 for heat treatment if international shipping is anticipated). See the solicitation for specific QA requirements.
Price strategically. With no set-aside, anticipate competition from larger manufacturers. Calculate costs precisely: lumber grade, hardware, labor, overhead, and delivery to Indian Head, MD. Consider whether you can achieve efficiency through standardized cutting patterns or volume material purchasing.
Clarify delivery and logistics. The place of performance is Indian Head, MD. Specify your production lead times, transportation arrangements, and ability to meet potential surge or scheduled delivery requirements. See the solicitation for precise delivery terms.
Complete SAM.gov registration. Ensure your entity registration is active and your representations and certifications are current.
Next steps
Download and read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number N0017427Q0001. The document will contain complete specifications, quantities, delivery schedules, evaluation criteria, and clause requirements. Note that responses are due November 12, 2026, at 8:00 AM Eastern Time—plan submission well before the deadline to address any technical issues.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →