Environmental Test Chamber

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides clarifications and answers to vendor questions regarding the solicitation for an environmental test chamber.

• Water Quality/Temperature: Requirements will be determined by the environmental chamber; the water system must be closed-loop and appropriate for the quoted chamber.
• Pumps and Connectors: All pumps, connectors, interfaces, and mounting must be compatible with the chamber. No specific preference is given, but they must be appropriate for the quoted chamber.
• Water Filters: The vendor must provide a 3-year supply of filters, dictated by the filtration unit's type, size, and replacement schedule. Installation support is required if filters are difficult to install or need special tooling.
• Certifications: The unit must meet all OSHA and other compliance standards for operation in a U.S. laboratory environment.
• Relays: Solid-state relays, 250 VAC are preferred.
• Lead Times: Designing with GN2 option, water circulation/purification, and larger access ports may require extra labor and lead times, potentially up to 40 weeks. Vendors should provide a solution that best fits requirements and identify technical differences.
• Warranty: A 1-year parts and 1-year labor warranty is acceptable. This must be identified in the response.

This Q&A document clarifies technical specifications, component requirements, and warranty terms. Bidders should ensure their proposals address these clarifications, particularly regarding component compatibility, filter supply and installation, and warranty provisions. The acceptable warranty period has been confirmed.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products or services, issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) in accordance with Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) Part 12. The government is procuring an Environmental Test Chamber and a Water Recirculation System, as detailed in Attachment #1 (Statement of Work).

• Environmental Test Chamber (CLIN 0001)

• Water Recirculation System (CLIN 0001)

• Requirements are detailed in the attached Statement of Work (Attachment #1).

• Delivery and acceptance dates, and FOB point are specified in the SOW.

• This is a firm-fixed-price acquisition.

• Award will be a single purchase order (PO).

• Submission Deadline: March 5, 2026, by 12:00 pm Eastern Time.

• Submission Method: Electronic quotations via email to junee.johnson@nist.gov and forest.crumpler@nist.gov. Reference the RFQ number in the subject line.

• Quotation Preparation: Must be clearly written, indexed (or have a Table of Contents), and logically assembled. Quotations must be divided into three volumes:

  • Volume I: Technical Quotation (addressing technical approach, capability, and demonstrating how proposed items meet or exceed SOW requirements with citations and evidence).
  • Volume II: Price Quotation (firm-fixed-price for each CLIN, including shipping costs, valid for 90 days).
  • Volume III: Terms and Conditions (complete required information from Attachment #2).

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the lowest priced, technically acceptable offeror. Technical capability will be evaluated based on submitted documentation demonstrating that the proposed equipment meets or exceeds all minimum requirements. Price will be evaluated for reasonableness.

• No Discussions: The government may award without discussions based solely on initial quotes.

• Pre-Quote Inquiries: Submit written questions to junee.johnson@nist.gov and forest.crumpler@nist.gov no later than 2 calendar days after solicitation issuance.

• This acquisition is solicited as full and open.

• Offerors must have an ACTIVE registration in System for Award Management (SAM.gov) at the time of quotation submission, award, performance, and through final payment.

• NAICS Code: 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees.

• Referenced Attachments: Attachment #1 (Statement of Work), Attachment #2 (Applicable Provisions and Clauses).

• Offerors objecting to terms and conditions must state exceptions and rationale in their quotation.

Statement of Work (SOW)

To procure an environmental test chamber for testing electronic devices and test structures made of GaN and 2D materials, enabling reliability testing to failure conditions and supporting the development of innovative next-generation electronics.

• Supply a standalone environmental test chamber capable of adjusting temperature and humidity.

• Include an electronics controller for condition management and feedthroughs for internal electronics boards.

• Provide a broad temperature range (-35°C to +175°C with ±0.5°C control tolerance and ±1°C uniformity) and full humidity range (10% to 95% RH).

• Include a GN2 purge system, four event relays, electronic touch screen controller, high/low limit control and alarm, viewing window, interior light, and 4-inch access ports.

• Utilize Non-CFC Cascade Refrigeration and require 120V input (20 Amp Outlet).

• Supply a compatible water recirculation system (closed loop, utilizing tap water) with necessary pumps and connectors.

• Provide a 3-year supply of water filters.

• Period of Performance: Up to 15 weeks from the date of award (excluding warranty).

• Place of Performance: NIST, 325 Broadway, Boulder CO 80305, Building 2.

• All items must be new; experimental, prototype, or custom items are not considered.

• "Gray market" components are unacceptable.

• Installation must be completed within 30 days of delivery.

• Contractor personnel require appropriate safety compliance and NIST identification badges for campus access.

• Warranty: Minimum 1 year after receipt, including 3-year parts and 1-year labor warranty.

• Delivery Terms: FOB Destination.

• Environmental Test Chamber (1 unit, due 6 weeks)

• Water Recirculation System (1 unit, due 6 weeks)

• NIST will test temperature and humidity performance.

• NIST may forego acceptance testing at its discretion.

• Visual inspection for damage during transport.

• Government has 60 days from receipt to inspect, test, and accept or reject equipment.

• 100% after installation and acceptance.

• After successful completion of testing requirements.

• After successful demonstration of performance.

• Proposed payment schedules to be submitted with vendor response.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains solicitation provisions and contract clauses that are incorporated by reference or in full text. It outlines the terms and conditions that will govern the contract, including requirements for offerors and contractors.

• Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference: Lists provisions that apply to the solicitation phase, requiring offerors to provide specific information or representations. Examples include System for Award Management (SAM) registration, representations regarding inverted domestic corporations, and instructions for commercial products/services.
• Clauses Incorporated by Reference: Lists clauses that will be part of the resulting contract. These cover a wide range of contractual obligations, such as payment terms, disputes, termination, and compliance with laws.
• Clauses Incorporated by Full Text: Includes the full text of FAR 52.212-4, "Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services," detailing definitions, inspection/acceptance, assignment, changes, disputes, excusable delays, invoicing, patent indemnity, payment, risk of loss, taxes, termination (convenience and cause), title, warranty, limitation of liability, compliance with unique government contract laws, order of precedence, unauthorized obligations, Comptroller General examination of records, and incorporation by reference of representations and certifications.
• Specific Provisions/Clauses: Includes detailed provisions such as Trade Agreements Certificate (52.225-6), Place of Manufacture (52.225-18), Security Prohibitions and Exclusions Representations and Certifications (52.240-90), Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) designation (1352.201-72), Agency Protests (1352.233-70), GAO and Court of Federal Claims Protests (1352.233-71), and Place of Acceptance (1352.246-70).
• NIST Local Clauses: Includes specific NIST requirements for contract performance during changes in NIST operating status and electronic billing instructions (NIST LOCAL-53, NIST LOCAL-54, NIST LOCAL-56).

This document is critical for bidders as it defines the legal and contractual framework of the opportunity. Bidders must carefully review all incorporated provisions and clauses to understand their obligations, submission requirements, and the terms that will govern the contract if awarded. Key areas include understanding representations and certifications needed, compliance with trade agreements, place of manufacture rules, security requirements, protest procedures, and invoicing/payment processes. The full text of FAR 52.212-4 provides essential details on contract performance, termination, and dispute resolution.