Walk-In Environmental Chamber
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), is issuing a Request for Quotation (RFQ), solicitation number 1232SA26Q0208, for a High Humidity Walk-In Plant Growth and Inoculation Chamber. This is an unrestricted acquisition, open to all responsible sources. The chamber is required for plant pathogen research at Russell Labs in Madison, WI. Quotes are due by March 3, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
This combined synopsis/solicitation seeks to procure one (1) high humidity walk-in plant growth and inoculation chamber. The chamber will be used to mimic specific environmental conditions for plant pathogen research, requiring high humidity (above 90% RH with lights off) and temperatures between 15°C and 40°C. The government intends to make a single award.
Key Requirements & Deliverables
- One (1) High Humidity Walk-In Plant Growth and Inoculation Chamber.
- Must meet salient physical, functional, or performance characteristics detailed in "Attachment 2 – Technical Specifications."
- Technical Specifications: Maintain 95%+ RH for extended periods, temperature range 15°C to 40°C, approximate footprint 12ft x 10ft x 8ft H, 1000 µmoles/m²/s dimmable lighting, integrated misting capabilities, and multiple temperature offsets. The "Brand name or equal" reference is Percival walk-in room MPR-912L1SW.
- Delivery: Required by October 1, 2026 (early deliveries accepted) to Russell Labs, Madison, WI. Includes wall panels, door, environmental controller, lights, and installation parts.
- Installation & Familiarization: To be completed by October 1, 2026.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-fixed price.
- Set-Aside: Unrestricted (not set-aside for small business concerns).
- NAICS Code: 333415 (Small Business Size Standard: 1,250 employees).
- Product Service Code: 6640 (Laboratory Equipment And Supplies).
- Place of Performance: Madison, WI.
- F.O.B.: Destination.
Submission & Evaluation
- Quotes: Must include pricing for all line items to be considered responsive.
- Evaluation: Based on Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) criteria. Only the lowest priced offer will be evaluated for Technical Acceptability. If unacceptable, the next lowest priced offer will be evaluated.
- Technical Acceptability: Rated as "acceptable" or "unacceptable" based on meeting salient characteristics, clear product identification, sufficient descriptive literature, and delivery within the specified timeframe.
- Past Performance: Evaluated as "Acceptable," "Neutral," or "Unacceptable."
- Offerors: Must hold prices firm for 90 calendar days.
- Submission Method: Email quotes to amber.sampson@usda.gov with the subject line "Quote for 1232SA26Q0208."
Deadlines & Contact
- Questions Due: February 25, 2026, at 12:00 PM Mountain Time, via email to amber.sampson@usda.gov.
- Quotes Due: March 3, 2026 (as indicated on SAM.gov).
- Primary Contact: Amber Sampson, amber.sampson@usda.gov, 970-851-3730.