Attachment 3 - Statement of Objectives_EnvChamber_rp.docx

US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Statement of Objectives

Contents

Project Title Missoula Environmental Chamber Project

1.0 Purpose

The purpose of this project is to convert the existing chainsaw testing room at the USDA Forest Service National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) facility in Missoula, Montana into a controlled environmental conditioning chamber. The chamber will support firefighter physiological, heat exposure, and human performance research by providing a safe, repeatable environment for treadmill-based testing under elevated temperature conditions.

This project directly supports the USDA Forest Service Chief's priorities to improve firefighter health, wellness, safety, and operational readiness. Developing the capability to better understand and evaluate firefighter heat stress and environmental exposure is a mission-critical investment that will support future research, equipment evaluation, and science-based decision making to enhance firefighter performance and reduce heat-related injuries across the wildland fire workforce.

The completed chamber shall provide a controlled testing environment capable of maintaining temperatures up to 110°F for occupied human performance evaluations.

2.0 Scope or Mission

The Contractor shall provide all labor, materials, equipment, engineering, design support, installation, testing, commissioning, and documentation necessary to convert the existing space into a fully operational environmental conditioning chamber.

The project includes, but is not limited to:

· Evaluate the existing mechanical, electrical, and building control systems.

· Modify existing building systems as necessary to support operation of the environmental conditioning chamber.

· Design and install heating, ventilation, electrical, and control systems required to achieve the performance objectives.

· Integrate new equipment with the existing Johnson Controls Building Automation System where practical.

· Perform demolition of existing systems as required.

· Provide startup, testing, balancing, commissioning, and operator training.

· Deliver complete as-built drawings, equipment manuals, and maintenance documentation.

3.0 Period and Place of Performance

USDA Forest Service Missoula Technology and Development Center (NTDP) 5785 US Hwy 10 W Missoula, MT, 59808

The Contractor shall perform all work on-site during normal Government working hours unless otherwise coordinated with the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).

The anticipated period of performance shall be established at contract award. The Contractor shall provide a proposed project schedule for design, procurement, installation, testing, commissioning, and final acceptance.

4.0 Background

The USDA Forest Service is establishing a dedicated environmental conditioning chamber to support firefighter health, safety, and human performance research. The facility will provide researchers the capability to conduct controlled physiological testing under elevated temperature conditions while collecting repeatable scientific data to better understand firefighter heat exposure and performance.

The existing room currently functions as a chainsaw testing room and is served by existing building mechanical, electrical, and control systems. The Contractor shall evaluate the existing infrastructure and utilize available building systems where practical. Any limitations identified during design, including utility or system capacity constraints, shall be communicated to the Government along with recommended solutions.

5.0 Performance Objectives

The completed conditioning chamber shall:

· Provide a safe environmental conditioning chamber suitable for occupied firefighter physiological testing.

· Provide controlled room temperatures up to 110°F.

· Provide adequate ventilation for occupied treadmill testing.

· Integrate new systems with existing building infrastructure where practical.

· Provide reliable, maintainable equipment suitable for long-term research use.

· Successfully complete testing, commissioning, and documentation demonstrating operational readiness.

6.0 Deliverables / Schedule

7.0 Operating Constraints

· Construction shall occur within an occupied federal research facility.

· Existing building operations shall remain functional whenever practical during construction.

· Existing building utilities shall be utilized where practical.

· Relative humidity control is not required as part of this project.

· The Contractor shall evaluate existing building infrastructure and design the conditioning chamber within the capabilities of the facility where feasible. Where limitations are identified, the Contractor shall provide recommendations for Government review.

· The completed system shall comply with all applicable federal, state, local, OSHA, NFPA, International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Building Code (IBC), International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), and applicable USDA Forest Service requirements.

8.0 Attachments

Design Firm narrative of existing mechanical and electrical service and requirements.

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