The U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD) is requesting this information, is requesting this information, in future requirements for the purchase semi-automatic- twist locks, which locks containers into place on barges, container ships, semi- trailers, railway container trains, and for lifting containers by cranes and side lifters.  The twist lock is fitted to cranes and transport bases.  It can be inserted through the hole (it is roughly 4.1 in or 104.1 mm long and 2.2 in or 55.9 mm wide), and then the top portion (normally pointed to make insertion easier) is rotated 90° so that it cannot be withdrawn.  The maximum size and position of the holes in the connector is defined in international standard ISO 1161:1984.  The normal tensile strength of a twist lock is rated at either 20 or 25 tons.  A requirement to comply with the Buy American Act, codified at 41 U.S.C. §§ 8301 is required.

Please see the attached Request for Information (RFI) document for details and response requirements.