> \[METRIC\]\
> A-A-3186A
>
> [August 2, 2007\
> ]{.underline}SUPERSEDING\
> A-A-3186\
> March 21, 2002

COMMERCIAL ITEM DESCRIPTION

FILE CABINETS, VERTICAL, STEEL

##### The General Services Administration has authorized the use of this Commercial Item Description.

1.  SCOPE. This commercial item description covers minimum requirements
    for medium and heavy duty, vertical file cabinets.

2.  SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS.

    1.  [Design]{.underline}. The filing cabinets covered by this
        commercial item description are compatible with other
        contemporary style, steel office furniture, with satin finish,
        flush mounted, drawer face hardware.

    2.  [Case]{.underline}. The case (including top and bottom) shall be
        completely set‑up welded construction or otherwise mechanically
        joined with a closed bottom (drainage, fabrication, and lock bar
        openings permitted). Welding and brazing shall be neat, uniform
        and adequate to insure rigidity and strength. The sides, top,
        and back of the cabinet case shall have smooth even surfaces and
        shall be without holes or indentations except for scored
        knockouts. Knock‑out outlines will be permitted in locking area
        in cabinet's top.

    3.  [Material]{.underline}. All materials shall be unused and free
        from defects that affect serviceability or appearance of the
        finished product.

    4.  [Face hardware for cabinets finished in any solid
        color]{.underline}. The exposed surface of all face hardware
        used on a single unit shall be finished to match each other
        within the limits of the base material and protective plating
        used.

    5.  [Locks]{.underline}. The locking mechanism shall be activated by
        one key‑operated lock. The lock shall be a disk or pin tumbler
        type, having not less than four disk or pin tumblers and shall
        be securely installed. The lock shall not be removable without
        the use of tools or manipulation of the lock bar. The lock shall
        have not less than 125 key changes. When in the locked position,
        the face of the installed lock shall project beyond the face of
        the cabinet case not less than 1.6 mm nor more than 5.6 mm. The
        lock shall be lubricated with a lubricant recommended by the
        lock manufacturer. The lock shall be operated by a grooved key.
        Two identical keys shall be supplied with each lock. The keys
        shall operate easily and smoothly in performing their intended
        function.

    6.  [Drawers]{.underline}. Drawer sides, back and front shall be
        welded or otherwise mechanically joined. They shall have full
        inner heads. The drawers shall have follower blocks, which is
        located in the middle or upper portion of the drawer sides. The
        follower block shall be adjustable throughout the full depth of
        the drawer and shall engage solidly. Drawers shall be removable
        but designed to prevent unintentional removal. Clear inside
        drawer height dimension shall be 254 mm, minimum.

    7.  [Drawer stops]{.underline}. Each drawer shall be provided with a
        stop that will prevent the drawer from falling out when fully
        extended.

    8.  [Drawer suspensions precision ball telescoping,
        steel]{.underline}. Suspensions shall be in accordance with the
        best commercial practice which operate quietly and smoothly.
        Movement shall be a smooth, even, telescoping action.
        Suspensions shall be lubricated with a lubricant recommended by
        the suspension manufacturer. All drawer suspensions shall
        withstand the suspension service tests.

        1.  [Drawer face hardware (pulls, latch releases. and label
            holders]{.underline}. The face hardware may be single,
            recessed, integrated unit and label holder or may be
            separate units consisting of a drawer pull, latch release
            and label holder. The exposed surfaces of all face hardware
            used on a single unit shall be finished to match each other
            within the limits of the base material and protective
            plating used. The hardware unit shall be securely attached
            to the outer drawer front. All surfaces of the hardware unit
            shall be finished and smooth to eliminate roughness and
            sharp edges.

        2.  [Drawer latch and label pull]{.underline}. The drawer latch
            and label holder shall be integral with the pull when
            recessed pulls are used. The finger grip shall be located
            below the label holder. It shall provide a comfortable
            handgrip, rounded and smooth.

            1.  [Drawer latch release mechanism]{.underline}. The latch
                release shall operate without jamming or binding.

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            2.  [Label holder]{.underline}. A label holder shall be
                provided on each drawer.

    9.  [Finish]{.underline}. All surfaces shall be pretreated. File
        drawer inner fronts follower blocks may be a different color
        than specified for the units if color harmony is maintained. The
        finish on all exterior surfaces shall level out to produce
        smooth, uniform surfaces without runs, wrinkles, grits, areas of
        thin film or no film, or separation of color.

Unless otherwise specified, the filing cabinets shall be finished in one
of the following colors from Federal Standard No. 595:

> Gray ‑ No. 26134\
> Black ‑ No. 27040\
> Parchment ‑ No. 27769

Alternatively, the manufacturer may provide in addition, their
commercial color, subject to approval of the contracting officer.

10. [Labels]{.underline}.

    1.  [Caution label]{.underline}. A caution label shall be affixed to
        the top left corner face of the top drawer as shown:

[Caution]{.underline}:

> 1\. Load the bottom drawers first.\
> 2. Open only one drawer at a time.

The label shall not be removable by hand without defacement after being
affixed for 4 hours.

2.  [Identification label]{.underline}. There shall be an identification
    label affixed to the inside wall of the top drawer in the cabinet so
    as to be readily visible and readable when the drawer is open. It
    shall bear the contractor\'s name or trademark, contract or order
    number, National Stock Number, and year of manufacture.

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11. [Workmanship]{.underline}. A high degree of craftsmanship shall be
    exercised while performing the various operations of manufacture to
    eliminate the possibility of personal injury due to burrs and sharp
    edges; to assure that the occurrence of defects will not exceed the
    acceptable quality level specified herein; and to produce a finished
    commodity that is satisfactory in function, serviceability and
    appearance.

12. [Performance]{.underline}. Each filing cabinet shall comply with the
    following.

13. [Shipping shock test]{.underline}. The test equipment shall comply
    with ASTM D‑880. A complete, fully assembled, cartoned unit shall be
    submitted for test. Prior to cartoning, the unit shall be inspected
    for visual or functional damage and documented. The cartoned unit
    shall be placed onto the impact machine dolly, flush against the
    backstop and parallel to the leading edge of the dolly. The catch
    mechanism located on the side of the dolly shall be tripped to allow
    the dolly to move up the incline at a 10° angle. Once the dolly hits
    the automatic trip mechanism, the dolly will freely roll down the
    incline a distance of four feet and impact the back stop. This
    procedure shall be performed on all sides (excluding top) of the
    cabinet. The carton shall have failed the test if there is visual,
    structural or functional damage to the unit.

14. S[hipping vibration test]{.underline}. The test equipment shall
    comply with ASTM D‑999. A complete fully assembled unit shall be
    submitted for test. Prior to cartoning, the unit shall be inspected
    for visual and functional damage.

The packaged product shall be placed on the vibration platform in its
normal shipping position. Set the vibration frequency at a minimum speed
sufficient to cause the packaged product to leave the platform
momentarily so that a 2 mm shim may be inserted at least 100 mm between
the packaged product and the surface of the platform. Vibrate the
packaged product for a total of one hour. A single 90° horizontal
rotation should be accomplished after the first one-half hour of
vibration. If the size of the product makes a 90° rotation impractical,
a 180° horizontal rotation is permissible.

Place the packaged product on the platform in its normal shipping
position. Using the same vibration frequency, vibrate the packaged
product for one half hour on all of its sides (excluding the top) 2 1/2
hours total. Inspect the carton for visual, structural or functional
damage. Remove the product from the carton and inspect it for visual,
structural or functional damage to the unit.

The file cabinet shall not sustain visible structural or functional
damage when tested to the Shipping shock or shipping vibration test.

Alternatively: In lieu of the shipping shock test and the shipping
vibration test the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA)
preshipment test procedures may be used. If the ISTA test procedures are
used, documentation showing ISTA certification shall be provided at the
time of testing.

15. [Medium duty performance]{.underline}. Each medium duty filing
    cabinet shall comply with the American National Standard Test for
    Vertical Files X5.3‑1997 with the following exceptions: Page 21,
    paragraph 8.3a, add to second sentence: \"Suspension may be cleaned
    and lubricated at the start of the test only.\"

2.15.1. [Racking]{.underline}. The cabinet shall have failed the test if
the deflection is 25.4 mm or more for the five-drawer file and 9.5 mm or
more for the two-drawer while the force is being applied. The cabinet
shall be placed on a hard level surface and the base shall be restricted
from vertical and lateral movement. All drawers shall be loaded as
specified 8.2 of the ANSI/BIFMA Standard and opened 203 mm ‑ 254 mm. A
155N force shall be applied perpendicular to the side of the cabinet
within one inch of the top front corner. The deflection measurement
shall be taken along the top front edge of the cabinet.

2.  [Shock]{.underline}. All drawers shall meet the Pull Test
    requirements in 13.4 of the ANSI/BIFMA Standard and there shall be
    no failure of rivets, welds, pins or catches. The cabinet shall be
    placed on a hard level surface and all drawers loaded and locked as
    Specified in 8.2 of the ANSI/BIFMA Standard. Drawers of cabinets
    without locks shall be taped securely closed. The cabinet shall be
    tilted straight backward (front to back) until the front edge of the
    bottom is 203 mm above the floor and then allowed to free‑fall
    forward. The cabinet shall then be tilted straight forward (back to
    front) until the back edge of the bottom is 203 mm above the floor
    and then allowed to free‑fall backward. These free‑falls shall be
    repeated three times in each direction. All locked drawers shall
    remain locked.

3.  [Lock]{.underline}. The lock shall operate smoothly without catching
    and shall meet the requirements in 7.3 of the ANSI/BIFMA Standard.
    The cabinet shall be placed on a hard level surface and restrained
    from movement. The cabinet shall be locked and then unlocked with
    the key continuously for 5000 cycles. One cycle consists of locking
    and unlocking the cabinet.

2.16 H[eavy duty performance]{.underline}. Each heavy duty filing
cabinet shall comply with the following requirements: Failure of any
cabinet to comply with these requirements shall be cause for rejection.
Testing shall be repeated whenever a change is made in material,
construction, or method of production during the course of a contract.
The Government reserves the right to subject any cabinet from any
production lot to the specified tests.

The complete sample cabinet shall be placed in its normal upright
position on a hard level surface. Except as otherwise specified herein,
each drawer of the cabinet shall be loaded with the applicable weight
specified below, which shall be equally distributed from front to back
and side to side of the drawers in the following amounts. Hanging
folders loaded with steel shot weight or other typical filing material
to the specified weight. Loaded weight does not include the weight of
the drawer.

> Legal Size ‑ 23 kg per drawer.\
> Letter Size ‑ 16 kg per drawer.

Examination shall then be made of the operation of the drawers, the
locking mechanism (if applicable), latching mechanism, follower blocks
(with drawers loaded as specified above), and other moveable components.
The drawer pull test shall then be performed. Failure to withstand
drawer pull test or any other defect found by the Government inspector
may provide reason to reject the sample. If the sample complies with
requirements of the preliminary examination, it shall then be subjected
to the operational tests specified.

2.16.1 [Drawer pull and push test]{.underline}. The operating force to
open and close the drawer for the full distance of its travels shall not
exceed 26.7 N for letter size drawer and shall not exceed 35.6 N for
legal size drawers. These figures include overcoming the load imposed by
an anti‑rebound feature. The drawer under test shall be loaded as
specified and positioned as specified therein. The force to open and
close the drawer shall be measured by an appropriate measuring gage.

2.16.2 [Suspension service test]{.underline}. The drawer suspension
shall have failed the suspension test if the force to operate the drawer
at any time exceeds the forces specified in the drawer push pull test.
The drawer selected for test shall be loaded with the applicable weight
specified. The cabinet shall be securely anchored in its normal upright
position on a solid, level floor surface. The suspension of the drawer
to be tested shall be cleaned and lubricated or otherwise serviced by
the manufacturer prior to the test and shall have no further service
during the test period. The drawer shall be connected at the drawer pull
location to a test machine which will operate the drawer out and in on
the drawer suspension. The machine shall have a positive means (no
springs) for adjusting the length of its stroke so that the drawer will
travel its full distance (not more than 13 mm clearance at the end of
each stroke).

The machine shall in no way contribute to the support of the drawer. The
machine shall operate the drawer (out and in) at a rate of 15 cycles per
minute (plus or minus 2 cycles) for 100,000 cycles. The drawer shall be
subjected to the drawer pull‑push test at each increment of 5,000
cycles.

5.  .16.3 [Rack test]{.underline}. Preliminary examination and test of
    the cabinet shall be made as specified. The fully loaded cabinet
    shall then be raised not less than 25 mm from the floor surface and
    supported on square blocks at two diagonally opposite corners. The
    area of support shall be not more than 152 mm from each corner. The
    loaded cabinet shall remain in this position for 24 hours. After the
    24 hour period, the distances from the floor surface to the bottom
    of the unsupported corners shall be measured. The cabinet shall be
    returned to the level floor surfaces, examined, and tested to
    determine compliance with all applicable requirements of this
    specification. The unsupported corners shall not have dropped more
    than 5 mm. Any resulting structural damage to the cabinet, or
    impairment of removable components, or failure to withstand the
    drawer pull‑push test shall provide cause to reject the cabinet.

2.16.4 [Static load test]{.underline}. The cabinet, loaded as specified,
shall have the follower block in each drawer drawn up tight against the
loaded material and then tipped backwards to an approximate 30º angle.
The cabinet shall remain in this position and examined. Any resulting
structural damage, impairment of moveable components, or failure to
withstand the pull‑push test shall provide reason to reject the cabinet.
This test is to be performed before the drawer pull and push test.

2.16.5 [Follower block test]{.underline}. A cabinet drawer with the
follower block to be tested shall be loaded with the applicable weight
specified:

There shall be no loosening or damage to the follower block or its
support and no displacement of the load. The loaded weight shall be held
against the inside front of the drawer by the follower block and shall
be drawn tight against the drawer front and then released approximately
one inch. The location of the follower block shall then be marked on the
bottom of the drawer. The test machine specified in the suspension
service test shall be connected to the drawer as specified therein. The
test machine shall operate the drawer (out and in) for 500 cycles at the
rate specified in the Suspension service test.

6.  [Forward and backward impact test for latch‑closed
    devices]{.underline}. Upon conclusion of the 5 cycles, all cabinet
    drawers shall have remained closed throughout the tests, and there
    shall have been no failed rivets, welds, pins, or catches; and all
    drawers shall withstand the drawer pull‑push in test. All drawers of
    the cabinet shall be loaded with the applicable load specified. All
    drawers shall be closed and locked. They shall be retained on a
    level concrete, tile, or equivalent solid floor surface. The cabinet
    shall then be tilted backwards along the back bottom edge of the
    cabinet. The tilt angle shall be to just before the balance point of
    the tilt so that, when released, it will fall forward,
    back‑to‑front. The cabinet shall then be allowed to free‑fall
    forward under its own weight to impact. To complete the test cycle,
    the cabinet shall be tilted forward at the angle specified above so
    as to rest evenly along the front bottom edge of the cabinet. The
    cabinet shall then be allowed to free‑fall backward to impact. The
    above back‑to‑front and front‑to‑back impact cycle shall be repeated
    5 times.

7.  [Cabinet frame side racking test]{.underline}. Failure of any of the
    drawers to close when the cabinet is in the tipped position (after
    the 30 minute load period) and failure of any of the drawers to
    comply with the drawer operating test specified in the drawer pull
    and push test after the cabinet has been returned to the upright
    position and leveled, shall be cause to reject the cabinet. Failure
    of the cabinet to withstand the 16 kg test load without tipping over
    is also cause for rejection. All cabinet drawers shall be loaded
    with the applicable load specified. The cabinet shall be placed on a
    level floor surface and restrained from side skid movement by a 100
    mm high stop or barrier placed flush against the side of the cabinet
    secured to the floor surface. All drawers shall be opened 200 mm to
    250 mm from their closed position. A static load of 16 kg shall then
    be applied to the‑cabinet, outward normal to the plane of the file
    side. The cabinet shall be subjected to the static load for 30
    minutes. The cabinet shall not tip over with the 16 kg load applied.
    At the conclusion of the 30-minute test period, with the 16 kg load
    still applied, there shall be no deflection in the cabinet or drawer
    sufficient to prevent any of the drawers from being fully closed by
    hand. The cabinet frame shall not be manipulated to assist closing
    the drawers. The drawers shall be examined and closed from top
    drawer down to the bottom drawer. The static load shall then be
    removed, the cabinet leveled, and all drawers subjected to the
    drawer operating test in the drawer pull and push test.

8.  [Drawer lock test]{.underline}. If any drawer opens during the
    performance of this pull test, it shall be cause for rejection. The
    cabinets with lock shall be tested as follows. All drawers of the
    cabinet shall be loaded as specified. The drawer latch mechanism
    shall be deactivated and the file shall be locked. The file shall be
    tipped forward at an angle of not less than 30 degrees. It shall
    then be returned to the upright position. Any drawers opening while
    the file is being tipped, while it is in the tipped position, or
    while it is being returned to the upright position shall be cause
    for rejection. If the file complies with the above first part of the
    test, an attempt shall be made to open each drawer by hand. There
    shall be three attempts to open each drawer. The pull shall be (1)
    straight outward, (2) upward at an angle of approximately 45
    degrees, and (3) outward type motion, and shall equal to a force of
    not less than 14 kg.

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3.  REGULATORY REQUIREMENT. The offeror/contractor is encouraged to use
    recovered materials in accordance with Public Law 94-580 to the
    maximum extent practicable.

4\. PRODUCT CONFORMANCE PROVISIONS. The products provided shall meet the
salient characteristics of this Commercial Item Description, conform to
the producer's own drawings, specifications, standards, and quality
assurance practices, and be the same product offered for sale in the
commercial market. The government reserves the right to require proof of
such conformance. The Government reserves the right to subject any
cabinet from any production lot to the specified test. Testing shall be
repeated whenever a change is made in material, construction, or method
of production during the course of a contract.

4.1 [Quality assurance provisions]{.underline}.

2.  An examination shall be made to determine compliance with the
    requirements. The sample unit shall be one shipping container fully
    prepared for delivery. Sampling shall be in accordance with
    ANSI/ASQC Z1.4

4.3 [Tests and test methods]{.underline}. Cabinet testing shall be
performed in accordance with test methods specified. This does not
preclude the use of other test fixtures if the mechanics of the system
are duplicated for similar tests. Points or reference lines shall be
provided as applicable so that accurate measurement may be taken to
determine if any permanent distortion has taken place in any cabinet
component under test. Failure of a cabinet to pass a test shall be
considered as failing to comply with specification requirements.

5\. PACKAGING.

1.  [Preservation and packaging]{.underline}. Unless otherwise
    specified, preservation and packaging shall be in accordance with
    the manufacturer's standard practice. File accessories shall be
    secured to prevent movement within the pack and to prevent the
    accessories from damaging the files or the pack.

5.2 [Packing.]{.underline} Unless otherwise specified, all packaged
files shall be packed in a manner to insure carrier acceptance and safe
delivery at destination. Containers shall be in accordance with Uniform
Freight Classification and rules and regulations of other carriers
applicable to the mode of transportation. An impact detection device
with companion label shall be affixed to each carton in a location that
is clearly visible. Known sources for these devices are Media Recovery,
1195 Empire Central, Dallas TX 752\~7, 1‑800­527‑9497, Impact‑O‑Graph,
20710 Lassen Street, Chatsworth, CA 91311‑4598, (818) 341‑3000 and
Uline, Inc., 950 Albrecht Drive, Lake Bluff, IL 60044, (708) 295‑5510.

Alternatively, the use of stretch wrap without the use of the impact
detection device is acceptable.

5.3 [Marking]{.underline}.

5.3.1 [Civil agencies]{.underline}. Each shipping container shall be
marked in accordance with Federal Std. No. 123.

5.3.2 [Military activities]{.underline}. Each shipping container shall
be marked in accordance with MIL‑STD‑129.

5.3.3 [Special Marking]{.underline}. In addition to the marking
specified herein, arrows or prominent marks shall be placed on all 4
sides of each shipping container to indicate the position in which the
container shall be handled during shipment. The word \"UP\" shall be
placed at the point of the arrows in letters at least 50 mm in height on
all four sides. The side panels of each shipping container shall be
plainly marked as follows:

> \(a\) On a side panel:

UP\
FURNITURE\
FRAGILE, HANDLE WITH CARE

TOP\
THIS SIDE UP

> \(b\) One side panel shall be marked with the appropriate package
> certificate, e.g., \"60‑F\".

6\. NOTES.

6.1 [Intended use]{.underline}. The filing cabinets are intended for
medium and heavy duty use in storing correspondence type, filing
material. The 2‑drawer files are intended for desk‑side use when
frequent reference is necessary. The 3‑drawer files are intended
primarily for built‑in counter use or where space height will not
accommodate 5‑drawer files. The 4‑drawer files are intended for use only
when it has been determined that 5‑drawer files cannot be used. The
5‑drawer files provide the most advantageous filing equipment from the
standpoint of economy, space utilization and efficient records
management.

6.2 [Ordering data]{.underline}. Purchasers should select the preferred
options permitted herein and include the following information in
procurement documents.

(a) Title, number, and date of this specification.

(b) Color of the cabinet.

(c) Selection of applicable levels of packaging and packing.

(d) Selection of applicable levels of marking.

> \(e\) Legal or letter size
>
> \(f\) Number of Drawers

(g) Medium or heavy duty

6.3 [Sample color panel]{.underline}. A sample of the baked enamel
finish referenced in Federal Std. No. 595 is available from the General
Services Administration, Specification Section, Suite 8100, 470 East
L'Enfant Plaza, S.W., Washington, DC 20407.

6.4 [Applicable Documents]{.underline}

6.4.1 [Government publications]{.underline}. The following documents, of
the issue in effect on date of invitation for bids or request for
proposal, form a part of the specification to the extent specified
herein:

[Federal Standards]{.underline}:

> Fed. Std. No. 123 ‑ Marking for Domestic Shipment (Civil Agencies)\
> Fed. Std. No. 595 ‑ Colors

(Single copies of this specification and other Federal Specifications
required by activities outside the Federal Government for bidding
purposes are available without charge from Business Service Centers at
the General Services Administration Regional Offices in Boston, New
York, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Chicago, Kansas City, MO., Forth Worth,
Denver, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle, Washington.)

[Military Standards:]{.underline}

> MIL‑STD‑129 ‑ Marking for Shipment and Storage.

(Copies of Military Specifications and Standards required by contractors
in connection with specification procurement functions should be
obtained from the procuring activity or as directed by the contracting
officer.)

6.4.2 [Other publications]{.underline}. The following documents form a
part of this document to the extent specified herein. Unless a specific
issue is identified, the issue in effect on the date of invitation for
bids or request for proposal shall apply.

[American Iron and Steel Institute Publication]{.underline}:

> Steel Products Manual, Carbon Steel Sheets

(Application for copies should be addressed to the American Iron and
Steel Institute, 150 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017.)

[American Society for Testing and Materials, Publications]{.underline}:

# ASTM D‑999 ‑ Method for Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers ASTM D‑880 ‑ Method for Incline Impact Test for Shipping Containers

(Application for copies should be addressed to the American Society for
Testing and Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA
19428-2959.)

[American National Standards Institute/American Society for Quality
Control]{.underline}:

> ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 -- Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by
> Attributes

(Application for copies should be addressed to the American Society for
Quality Control, 611 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee WI 53201-4606.)

[ANSI/BIFMA Standard]{.underline}:

> X5.3-1997 -- American National Standard for Office Furnishing --
> Vertical Files

(Application for copies should be addressed to the American National
Standards Institute, Inc., 11 West 42^nd^ Street, New York, NY 10036.)

> Preparing Activity
>
> GSA-FAS