Walk-In Environmental Chamber

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 0001 to Solicitation 1232SA26Q0208, dated 02/19/2026.

• The amendment is to provide responses to questions.

• See Attachment 3 - QA for details.

• The amendment does not explicitly state if proposal deadlines or submission requirements have been modified, but it is implied that responses to questions are being provided.

• Bidders are instructed to acknowledge receipt of this amendment.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the requirements for a growth chamber.

• Plant Growth Height & Shelving: The unit/department works with plants of various sizes, and flexible shelving is preferred but not required.
• Chamber Flooring: The chamber will be built on an existing concrete pad with a drain; a separate floor is not required.
• Temperature Requirements: The chamber needs to maintain a temperature range of 10-40°C with lights on, allowing for multiple temperature offsets for ramping during daytime/nighttime transitions. This condition must be maintained for 1-4 weeks during experiments.
• CO2 Requirement: CO2 is not required.
• Occupancy: 1-2 people will work inside the space simultaneously.
• Location & Installation: The chamber can be located inside an existing structure. The compressor will be placed outside. It can be located right next to the chamber. A dock, stairs, and freight elevator are available at the install site. No other building limitations are noted, as plumbing, electrical, and HVAC are already present.
• Irrigation System: An irrigation system is not required; manual irrigation is acceptable.
• Floor Drains: A floor drain is available.

These clarifications provide specific details on environmental controls, installation logistics, and operational needs that bidders should consider when preparing their proposals.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for a "High Humidity Walk-In Plant Growth and Inoculation Chamber." The government intends to make one award for this item.

• One (1) High Humidity Walk-In Plant Growth and Inoculation Chamber.

• The chamber must meet the salient physical, functional, or performance characteristics specified in "Attachment 2 – Technical Specifications."

• Offers for "equal" products must clearly identify the brand name, make, and model number, and include descriptive literature or documentation demonstrating how the product meets or exceeds the salient characteristics.

• Anticipated contract type: Firm-fixed price.

• Delivery required by: October 1, 2026. Early deliveries are accepted.

• F.O.B. destination is requested for all deliverables.

• Quotes must include pricing for all line items to be considered responsive.

• Evaluation will be based on the lowest price technically acceptable criteria. Only the lowest priced offer will be evaluated for Technical Acceptability. If not acceptable, the process continues with the next lowest priced offer.

• Technical Acceptability will be rated as "acceptable" or "unacceptable" based on meeting or exceeding salient characteristics, clear identification of the product, sufficient descriptive literature, and availability for delivery within the specified timeframe.

• Past Performance will be evaluated as "Acceptable," "Neutral," or "Unacceptable."

• Offerors must hold prices firm for 90 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers.

• Questions are due no later than February 25, 2026, at 12:00 PM Mountain Time, and should be emailed to amber.sampson@usda.gov.

• Quotes must be submitted via email to amber.sampson@usda.gov with the subject line "Quote for 1232SA26Q0208".

• Quotes are due no later than the date and time indicated on sam.gov.

• FAR 52.225-5, Trade Agreements, is included, indicating potential applicability of WTO Government Procurement Agreement and Free Trade Agreements.

• Several clauses related to small business concerns, HUBZone, and nonmanufacturer rule are listed as applicable.

• Technical data and supporting documentation are available via "Attachment 2 – Technical Specifications."

• The solicitation incorporates numerous FAR and AGAR clauses and provisions by reference. Offerors are advised to review these carefully.

• The USDA Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests is available for addressing protest issues.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the specifications for a high-humidity walk-in plant growth and inoculation chamber. It details the requirements for a system that can mimic specific environmental conditions for plant pathogen research.

• Scope of Work: Purchase of a high-humidity environmental room for plant growth and microbial inoculations.
• Background: The room will be used to mimic environments for infection of plant pathogens, requiring high humidity (above 90% RH with lights off) and temperatures between 15°C and 40°C.
• Technical Requirements:
  • Maintain relative humidity at or above 95% for extended periods (up to several days).
  • Temperature range: 15°C to 40°C.
  • Footprint: Approximately 12ft x 10ft, with a height of about 8ft.
  • Lighting: 1000 µmoles/m²/s at 6 inches, dimmable in 1% increments from 10% to 100%.
  • Interior space: More than 50 sq. ft., with exterior dimensions not to exceed 108" W x 144" D x 97" H.
  • Must be compatible with or have integrated misting capabilities.
  • Capable of multiple temperature offsets for ramping during daytime/nighttime transitions.
• Deliverables/Schedule: Delivery expected by 7/1/2026 (or negotiated) to Russell Labs, Madison, WI. Includes wall panels, door, environmental controller, lights, and installation parts. Installation and familiarization services to be completed by 10/1/2026 (or negotiated).
• Travel: Vendor is responsible for associated travel costs.
• Security Requirements: Installation during regular business hours (8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday).

This document provides the specific technical and performance requirements for the walk-in growth chamber. Bidders must ensure their proposed product meets or exceeds all listed specifications, including environmental controls, dimensions, lighting, and delivery/installation timelines. The "Brand name or equal" reference (Percival walk-in room MPR-912L1SW) indicates a benchmark for the required capabilities.