66--FREEZE THAW MACHINE

Determination to Solicit from a Single Source

This document outlines the determination to solicit for a freeze-thaw chamber from a single source, Scientemp Corporation, pursuant to FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) and (ii). The U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, UCB Office, requires a Scientemp FT20-40 freeze-thaw chamber for testing concrete specimens.

• A Scientemp FT20-40 freeze-thaw chamber capable of testing at least 40 standard specimens (3"x4"x16") simultaneously.

• The chamber must perform tests per ASTM C666 Procedure A and Procedure B.

• Delivery is required within 1 Year of Award.

• Estimated Cost: $98,000.00

• Alternative manufacturers offer units with insufficient capacity (approx. 18 specimens).

• No other vendor combines the required 40-specimen capacity, ASTM C666 compliance, precise temperature cycling, and lifecycle support services.

• Scientemp is an industry leader in concrete freeze/thaw testing equipment.

• This is a re-solicitation due to a prior contract termination for non-performance, causing a two-year schedule delay. Procuring from Scientemp is critical to meet urgent testing deadlines.

• The vendor's estimated price ($95,465) is lower than the IGCE ($98,000).

• Market research, GSA schedule pricing, and historical pricing were used to determine reasonableness.

• The price includes commissioning, training, and warranty, essential for ASTM C666 compliance.

• Scientemp Corporation is the sole manufacturer of the FT20-40 concrete freeze-thaw cabinet.

• No distributors or resellers for this specific model were found.

• Scientemp provided a sole source letter on February 16th, 2026.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Special Notice regarding an intent to award a sole source procurement for a Freeze-Thaw Machine. The Bureau of Reclamation intends to award a purchase order to Scientemp Corp. for a Freeze-Thaw Chamber that complies with ASTM C666, has a minimum of 40 standard-sized sample capacity, and requires 208V, 60Hz, three-phase, 45 amps electrical service. The chamber must include a digital controller for programming freeze-thaw cycles and recording temperature data.

The statutory authority cited for this sole source procurement is 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1). Interested firms that believe they possess the technical capability to meet this requirement are invited to submit a technical capability statement along with their business profile to ConnieAnn Tudela-Kately at ctudelakately@usbr.gov within fifteen (15) days of this notice. Information received will be used for market research. Quotations or proposals submitted in response to this notice will not be accepted as it is not a request for proposal.

Specifications

This document outlines the specifications for one (1) Scientemp FT20-40 freeze-thaw chamber required by the Concrete and Structural Laboratory (CSL). The chamber will be used to evaluate concrete resistance to freezing and thawing according to ASTM C666 Procedures A and B, replacing an outdated unit.

• Apparatus: New, off-the-shelf Scientemp FT20-40 freeze-thaw chamber.

• Capacity: Must accommodate at least 40 standard concrete specimens (3"x4"x16") simultaneously.

• Footprint: Maximum 70 inches wide by 95 inches long (including controller).

• Testing Procedures: Capable of running tests per ASTM C666 Procedure A (Freezing in Water) and Procedure B (Freezing in Air).

• Temperature Control: Must produce reproducible cycles within specified temperature requirements, with precise measurement capabilities.

• Chamber Configuration: Stainless steel interior, uniform air temperature, specimens surrounded by water (Procedure A) or air (Procedure B) as required.

• Freezing/Thawing Cycle: Pre-programmable cycle with specific temperature ranges and transition times.

• Controller: Touchscreen interface, capable of recording temperature history, with USB data export. Must operate in an air-gapped environment.

• Electrical: 208V, 60Hz, Three Phase, 45 amps.

• Warranty: Minimum 1-year manufacturer warranty.

• CLIN 010: One (1) Scientemp Model FT20-40 Freeze Thaw Cabinet.

• CLIN 020: 40 Freeze-Thaw Plastic Sample Containers (Procedure A).

• CLIN 030: Freight & Delivery.

• Not applicable to this document (Specifications).

• Not specified in this document.

• Delivery is free-on-board to Denver, Colorado.

• Delivery must be coordinated with the COR.

• Delivery is required within 365 days from award.