Sale of Empty Used Condition Code (S) Ammunition Containers
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE ARMY.W6CD USAG FT KNOX · Response deadline: Tue, 03 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The U.S. Army is soliciting offers for the sale of empty used Condition Code (S) ammunition containers at Fort Knox, Kentucky. This is a unique procurement mechanism: the government is selling surplus property to contractors rather than buying goods or services. Ammunition containers in Condition Code (S) typically indicate unserviceable items that may contain residual hazardous materials or require special handling—common for demilitarization or scrap recovery contracts in the defense logistics space.
NAICS 423930 applies to recyclable material merchant wholesalers, a classification covering businesses that buy and resell scrap metal, used containers, and other secondary materials. Buyers of these containers generally will clean, recondition, scrap, or resell them in the secondary market. The actual scope of work, container quantities, and specific Condition Code (S) requirements—see the solicitation.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of the Army, W6CD USAG Fort Knox |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | QRP27-0003 |
| NAICS | 423930 |
| Set-aside | None (full and open competition) |
| Response deadline | November 3, 2026 at 2:00 PM ET |
| Place of performance | Fort Knox, KY |
Who can bid
This is a full and open competition with no set-aside program, meaning any responsible business entity registered in SAM.gov may submit an offer. The NAICS code points toward firms with experience in scrap metal, container recycling, military surplus acquisition, or hazardous materials handling.
Eligible bidders should confirm:
- Active SAM.gov registration with valid CAGE code
- NAICS 423930 in SAM profile (or demonstrate relevant capability)
- Any EPA, DOT, or state environmental permits for transporting and processing used ammunition containers—see the solicitation for specific certification requirements
- Demonstrated financial responsibility (surplus sales often require payment bonds or upfront payment)
Given the Condition Code (S) designation, expect requirements around personnel security, explosives safety, and environmental compliance. Past performance with DOD demilitarization or DRMO (Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office) sales is advantageous but not required for open competition.
How to put together a competitive bid
For surplus property sales, pricing strategy differs fundamentally from service contracts:
Understand cost recovery value. Research scrap steel prices, reconditioning costs for resale to the civilian market, and disposal costs for non-recoverable containers. Condition Code (S) typically reduces recoverable value—factor decontamination and demilitarization cutting requirements into your offer.
Visit the site if permitted. Physical inspection of used ammunition containers is standard practice; dimensional constraints, corrosion levels, and residue types dramatically affect transportation and processing costs—see the solicitation for inspection dates.
Price as offer to government. Unlike service contracts where you propose costs, here you likely propose what you'll pay the government per container, per ton, or as lump sum. Higher offers win; underbidding risks financial loss from unexpected handling costs.
Logistics planning. Fort Knox is an active military installation. Coordinate:
- Commercial vehicle access and escort requirements
- Weight limits and loading dock specifications
- Removal timelines and daily quantity limits
Bonding and payment terms. Surplus sales frequently require performance bonds or certified checks with bid, plus immediate payment upon award. Verify cash flow requirements—see the solicitation.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number QRP27-0003 for:
- Exact container quantities, types, and dimensions
- Inspection schedule and site visit procedures
- Payment terms, bonding requirements, and removal deadlines
- Specific environmental and safety certifications required
Register or verify SAM.gov status immediately if not current—processing can take weeks.
Calendar the deadline: November 3, 2026 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time. Surplus sales typically do not allow late submissions.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →