Environmental Chamber for Large Component Reliability Testing Level 1

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the "Environmental Chamber for Large Component Reliability Testing Level 1" and is being conducted by the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) under competitive subcontract procedures. NLR is a national laboratory owned by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), focused on renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.

• The core requirement is the "Environmental Chamber for Large Component Reliability Testing Level 1".

• Offerors must meet baseline requirements outlined in Attachment 1 (Technical Specifications) and Attachment 3 (Vendor Performance Requirements).

• Attachment 2 (Equipment Specifications Spreadsheet) must be completed.

• The anticipated award is a Purchase Order.

• The anticipated lead time for award is nine months, with an expected delivery date by 12/4/2026.

• Contract type: Firm Fixed Price, Purchase Order.

• Submission Deadline: March 4, 2026, 5:00 PM Mountain Time.

• Technical Questions Deadline: February 11, 2026.

• Selection Method: Lowest Price (Cost), Technically Acceptable Selection. Offers will be evaluated first for technical acceptability against baseline requirements, then for lowest evaluated price.

• Evaluation Process: Three steps: Initial Evaluation (completeness and technical acceptability), Price (Cost) Evaluation (reasonableness and lowest price among technically acceptable offers), and Selection.

• Quote Submission: Must include an official quote, cover letter, completed Attachment 2, and signed Representations and Certifications. Submitting a quote constitutes acceptance of NLR's standard terms and conditions.

• North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code: 334519 (Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing), Size Standard: 600 employees.

• Buy American Act preference will be given to domestic offers.

• Offerors must certify their SAM.gov registration status or provide a Small Business Certification Form.

• This is Revision No. 1 to RFQ No. 2025025450.

• Electronic copies of forms and appendices are available at: http://www.NLR.gov/workingwithus/standard-terms.html

• Offerors must identify country of origin for shipped items and itemize tariff costs.

• Failure to identify tariff costs may result in offer rejection.

• NLR is not responsible for costs incurred in preparing or submitting a proposal.

• Prohibition on use of certain telecommunications and video surveillance services/equipment applies (Section 889(a)(1)(B) of NDAA).

• Compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act applies to EIT procurement.

Amendment / Modification

• This amendment (No. 3) updates the NLR RFP Contact information to Maurice Nelson and provides his email address: Maurice.Nelson@nlr.gov.

• The due date for proposals remains March 4, 2026, at 5:00 PM Mountain Time.

• Technical questions must be received in writing no later than February 11, 2026.

• NLR RFP Contact information.

• Proposals must be submitted electronically to Maurice.Nelson@nlr.gov by the deadline of 3/4/2026.

• Bidders should include confirmation of receipt and acceptance of amendments in their cover letter.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment, dated 2/4/2026, is issued to include Attachment No. 3 – Vendor Performance Requirements. The following documents now serve as NLR's baseline requirements:

• Attachment No. 1 – Technical Specifications titled “Level 1 – Large Components Reliability Testing Environmental Chambers, dated 6/24/2025
• Attachment No. 2 – Equipment Specifications Spreadsheet
• Attachment No. 3 – Vendor Performance Requirements, dated 1/20/2026

Attachment No. 3 has been added.

• The Due Date for Proposals remains 3/4/2026 at 5:00pm Mountain Time.
• Technical questions must be received in writing no later than 2/11/2026.
• Proposals must be submitted electronically to Nicole.Edun@nlr.gov by the deadline date of 3/4/2026.
• Offerors must include confirmation of receipt and acceptance of the Amendments in their cover letter.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the "Environmental Chamber for Large Component Reliability Testing Level 1" and is being conducted by the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory. NLR intends to award one Purchase Order for this requirement.

• The core requirement is for an "Environmental Chamber for Large Component Reliability Testing Level 1".

• Offerors must meet baseline requirements outlined in Attachment 1 (Technical Specifications) and Attachment 3 (Vendor Performance Requirements).

• Attachment 2 (Equipment Specifications Spreadsheet) must be completed, and estimates are acceptable.

• Solicitation Type: Lowest Price (Cost), Technically Acceptable Selection.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price, Purchase Order.

• Anticipated lead time for award: Nine months.

• Expected delivery date: By 12/4/2026.

• Issue Date: 2/4/2026

• Due Date: 3/4/2026, 5:00 PM Mountain Time

• Technical Questions Due: 2/11/2026 (must be in writing).

• Evaluation Process:

  1. Initial Evaluation: Determine if all required information is provided and if the offer is technically acceptable.
  2. Price (Cost) Evaluation: Evaluate the price of technically acceptable offers.
  3. Selection: Award to the lowest price (cost), technically acceptable offer, potentially after discussions.

• Submission Requirements:

  • Official Quote (based on Attachments 1 & 3).
  • Cover Letter (indicating acceptance of Attachments 1 & 3, and Attachment 2).
  • Statement regarding domestic end product status.
  • Completed Attachment 2 (Equipment Specifications Spreadsheet).
  • Completed and signed Representations and Certifications.
  • SAM.gov registration certification or Small Business Certification Form.
  • Price justification (e.g., published price list, customer invoices).

• Evaluation Criteria: Lowest evaluated price (cost) among technically acceptable offers.

• North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code: 334519 (Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing), Size Standard: 600 employees.

• Buy American Act preference will be given to domestic offers.

• Offerors must certify their SAM.gov size and socioeconomic status representations are current and accurate.

• NLR standard terms and conditions (Appendix B-8) are applicable. Submitting a quote constitutes acceptance.

• International shipments may be subject to additional charges related to tariffs; these must be clearly itemized.

• Failure to identify tariff costs may result in offer rejection.

• Electronic quotes are required.

• NLR is not responsible for costs incurred in proposal preparation.

• Prohibition on use of certain telecommunications and video surveillance services/equipment (Section 889(a)(1)(B)) applies.

• Compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act applies to EIT.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines specific vendor performance requirements, installation location and utility constraints, and remote demonstration capabilities that potential offerors must meet for this opportunity. It serves as a critical attachment to the solicitation, detailing non-negotiable criteria for equipment and installation.

Vendor Experience & Proven Installations:

• Offerors must have manufactured, delivered, and installed a minimum of five (5) units of comparable equipment within the past five (5) years for research laboratories, universities, or equivalent institutions.
• Evidence required includes customer organization details, contact person information, and installation dates. Maintenance Support:
• A written warranty with specified coverage terms, duration, and guaranteed response times is required.
• Evidence of available service maintenance agreements for at least 7 years (covering parts and trained personnel) must be provided. Remote Demonstration Capability:
• Offerors must be able to provide a remote demonstration of comparable equipment in operation. Installation Location & Utility Requirements:
• Physical Space & Location Constraints: Specific restrictions on pathing (e.g., 8' wide roll-up door, 9' overhead clearance in hallways) and the final installed footprint (cross-hatched area in drawing) are detailed.
• Egress Requirements: A minimum 36" wide egress path must be maintained, and equipment access/maintenance panels must not obstruct this path.
• Clearance: A minimum of 28" clearance is required around equipment for maintenance.
• Height Restrictions: Final tool height is restricted to 12' within 3' of facility walls, but can be up to 18'11" in the interior.
• Utility Constraints:
  • Electrical power: < 160 kW
  • Chamber cooling water: < 239,000 btu/h (70 KW) with a 16°F (8.9°C) delta T.
  • Heat dissipation to ambient air: < 12,000 btu/h.
  • Specific data on water temperature rise and chilled water flow at 55°F EWT is required.
  • Note: No LN2 is available for chamber cooling.

This document is crucial for bidders to assess their capability to meet the physical, technical, and logistical requirements of the installation. Failure to meet these requirements, particularly the remote demonstration or installation constraints, could lead to disqualification. Bidders must carefully review these specifications to ensure their proposed equipment and installation plan align with the government's stated needs.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment addresses questions received regarding the Request for Quote (RFQ) for the Level 1 Environmental Chamber. The questions and answers provided clarify various aspects of the chamber's requirements, capabilities, and submission process. Key clarifications include:

• Racking System: Vendor is to specify the distance required between modules for adequate airflow.
• Water Inlet: A 3/4" FNPT inlet is required, placed on the ceiling or side of the chamber toward the rear.
• Access Ports: Four access ports are required on each wall, positioned between 5'-6' from the floor, roughly 1/3 and 2/3 front to back.
• Live Load: Solar panels may be energized during testing, contributing to heat dissipation. The specific capabilities with live load present are specified.
• Chamber Dimensions & Access: Chambers are approximately 150" High X 171" Long X 150" Wide. Doors to likely installation locations are constrained at 117" tall by 90" wide.
• Humidity Control: Humidity control is specified from 10% to 95% RH over various dry bulb ranges, with an air dryer requested. Humidity freeze capability as specified in IEC 61215 is required.
• Temperature Uniformity: For dead load situations, temperature uniformity must be within ±2°C. For live load situations, uniformity deviation may exceed approximately 10°C.
• Codes and Standards: Evaluation against UL508A, NFPA 70, and UL61010-1 is acceptable; field evaluations are also acceptable.
• Submission: Proposals are to be submitted electronically to Nicole.Edun@nrel.gov by the deadline of 8/8/2025. SAM.gov registration must be active, but submission is not via SAM.gov.

This amendment primarily consists of Questions and Answers, clarifying existing requirements rather than modifying specific sections of the original RFQ. It impacts the understanding of technical specifications, operational parameters, and submission procedures.

No changes to the proposal deadline (8/8/2025) or evaluation factors are indicated. Offerors are reminded to include confirmation of receipt and acceptance of this amendment in their cover letter. The requirement for active SAM.gov registration is reiterated.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the technical specifications for a "Level 1 – Large Component Reliability Testing Environmental Chamber" that is being procured. It details the background, objectives, and specific capabilities required for the chamber, which is intended for testing contemporary photovoltaic (PV) modules and other related equipment.

• Background: Explains the need for environmental chambers in PV reliability research, especially for larger format modules.
• Objective: To test PV modules that do not fit in existing chambers and to support reliability research for inverters and other equipment.
• Required Capabilities:
  • Load Capacity: Accommodate 8 full-size solar panels + racking (approx. 294 kg glass, 91 kg steel).
  • Module Size: Up to 1.5 m x 3 m x 5 cm, with racking extending 50cm beyond module envelope.
  • Environmental Control: Humidity control from 10–95% RH.
  • Temperature Control: Option for probe-based control, stable and uniform temperature for all modules (±2°C).
  • Performance: Heat test article from –40°C to 85°C in 105 minutes; Cool test article from 85°C to –40°C in 105 minutes.
  • Features: Floor drain, 4 ports for wiring, remote programmable/readable setpoints/readings, water inlet for spray capability.
• Technical/Safety Requirements: Vendor must include facility requirements, ensure equipment is NRTL listed or evaluated, specify refrigerants, and quote installation/commissioning separately.
• Timeline: Delivery needed by January 1, 2027.

This document serves as a detailed specification for potential vendors to understand the exact technical requirements, performance criteria, and physical dimensions of the environmental chamber being sought. Bidders must ensure their proposed solution meets all listed capabilities and requirements, including the specified testing parameters, environmental controls, and safety standards. The timeline for delivery is also a critical factor for proposal planning.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an equipment specifications spreadsheet, likely intended to detail the technical requirements for equipment associated with the opportunity. It serves as a reference for bidders to understand the specific parameters and characteristics of the equipment needed.

• The spreadsheet contains multiple sheets, with the "Level 1 Chamber" sheet being the primary visible content.
• It includes categories such as Asset Information, Space Planning/Access/Structural, Electrical, Domestic Water, DI Water, Drain, Process Chilled Water, Compressed Air, Specialty Gas, Environment, Exhaust Air, and Heat Load.
• Specific data points requested for equipment include Manufacturer, Model #, dimensions (Length, Width, Height), Weight, Electrical specifications (Voltage, Phase, Hertz, Wattage/Amperage, Dedicated Power), Network Hookup requirements, and various utility flow rates, pressures, and temperatures.
• It also details requirements for exhaust air (flow rate, heat generation, corrosive exhaust) and environmental conditions (Room Temp Range, Room Humidity Range).

This attachment is crucial for bidders to accurately scope their proposals, understand the technical demands of the opportunity, and ensure their proposed solutions or equipment meet the specified requirements. It directly impacts the technical approach and cost estimation for any vendor responding to this opportunity.