CONTRACTOR FIRST ARTICLE TEST

The Defense Logistics Agency awarded a firm fixed-price contract to WALLINGFORD INDUSTRIES, INC (CAGE 25722), a small disadvantaged women-owned small business, for the manufacture and delivery of 194 metal tube assemblies (NSN 4710-01-081-2126) and a single first article test unit, with a total contract value of $5,256.70. The award, issued under solicitation SPE7M4-26-T-0039 on July 16, 2026, requires strict adherence to military packaging, preservation, and marking standards including MIL-STD-2073-1E, MIL-H-775, and MIL-STD-129, with barcoding and special labeling such as “First Article Exhibits - Do Not Post to Stock.” Production must conform to engineering drawing 19207-12287865 Rev D and sampling standards MIL-STD-1916 and ASQ H1331 with zero acceptance criteria. The first article test report must be submitted within 45 days, followed by a 30-day government evaluation period, with final delivery of the 194 units due no later than August 31, 2026, under FOB destination terms to DLA Maritime at P.O. Box 3990, Columbus, OH. The contractor is responsible for conducting all testing and inspections at origin, with final acceptance by the Government at destination. Payment must be submitted electronically via WAWF, and compliance with DFARS 252.225-7048 and other export control requirements is mandatory. Special requirements include adherence to the Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) and the prohibition of ozone-depleting chemicals. The contract incorporates numerous FAR clauses covering ethics, whistleblower protections, cybersecurity, labor rights, trafficking prevention, small business utilization, and mandatory quality systems including ISO 9001:2015. The award was based on best value, not LPTA, with price as the primary evaluation factor given the absence of detailed technical evaluation criteria. The contractor affirmed no access to DLA-controlled technical data and is subject to ongoing SAM and SBA reporting obligations due to its socioeconomic status.