Questions and Answers Environmental Test Chamber 22 SEP 2026.pdf

Reach-In Environmental Test Chamber Procurement

PANRSA-26-P-0000 037084

RFQ Questions/Answers September 22, 2026

1. The SDS attached before is for 100% glycol, while the other document shows requirement is for 50/50? Required pack size?

USG Response: Our test applications vary significantly. Unfortunately, I don’t have a solid answer on test specimen size. Interior workspace dimensions are identified within PWS. Test specimens may be sized up to nearly the dimensions of the interior workspace (while leaving appropriate space for airflow).

2. Required volumes?

USG Response: See the answer above.

3. Required ratio?

USG Response: PWS states:

4. Payment Terms: Thermotron’s standard payment terms for this equipment are:

50% due at time of order, Net 30 days / 50% due from shipment, Net 30 days. Our pricing is based on these standard terms. If you require different or special payment terms, please let us know so we can account for them in the quotation.

USG Response: Pre-delivery payments are not available. Payment provided in full following Government acceptance of equipment. Acceptance criteria are established in PWS paragraph 2.6.

5. Lead Time: Page 2, Section 1.5.1.1 states: “Delivery of equipment shall be no later than ten (10) months from award.” Our current estimated lead time for this chamber is approximately 90 weeks. Would this lead time be acceptable?

USG Response: A 90-week lead time is not optimal for this requirement; however vendor is encouraged to submit their proposal for consideration.

6. Heavy-Duty Shelves/Floor: Page 7, Section 2.2.1.6 states: “The chamber floor shall be heavy duty and capable of supporting heavy loads. Potential offerors shall indicate floor load rating in total pounds and pounds per square foot.” Could you please provide the maximum anticipated weight/load on the chamber floor and shelves so our engineering team can confirm the appropriate ratings?

USG Response: Our test applications can vary widely. Maximum load weight is unknown.

7. Glycol / Hazardous Liquid: Page 8, Section 2.2.2.5.3 states: “Liquid loadings will typically be water or a 50/50 mix of water and glycol but may include other non-hazardous liquids.” Thermotron considers certain types of glycol to be combustible, which may require additional safety provisions. If engineering determines that the glycol being used presents a hazard, a Minimal Spark package may be required. Could you please confirm what type of glycol will be used, its flash point, and whether it is considered combustible? Also, could you please complete and quickly return the attached Minimal Spark Checklist so our engineering team can review the application? Our concern is safety.

USG Response: Glyocol SDS is attached. For testing, we utilize a 50/50 Glycol/water mix.

8. Quote Due Date / Extension: The solicitation currently closes at 10:30 AM EDT on

Tuesday, September 22, 2026. Would it be possible to extend the due date to Friday, September 25, 2026, to allow us enough time to complete the engineering review and prepare our quotation?

USG Response: Given the rapid approach of the end of FY26, we can only extend the solicitation deadline to 2pm CST, September 22, 2026.

9. SDS for Propylene Glycol does not list an auto-ignition (AI) temperature; it only lists a Flashpoint (FP) of 98°C. When we are quoting a chamber where chemicals are being used in the chamber, we have to limit the surface temperature of the heaters as to minimize any issues with flammability in the chamber. We limit the heater surface temperature based on the AI temperature or the FP of the chemicals being used so that the heater never gets hot enough to be a source of spark or ignition.

We prefer to use the AI temperature as it is always much higher than the FP.

However, if there is no AI listed, we have to use the FP. The formulas we use to determine the heater surface temperature are: For the AI – AI temp x .80 – 20°C (For example, if the AI is 500°C, 500 x .80 = 400°C -20°C = 380°C). In this scenario, we would limit the heater surface temperature to 380°C. For the FP – FP temp – 20°C (For example, if the FP is 280°C, 280°C – 20°C = 260°C). In this scenario, we would limit the heater surface temperature to 260°C. Regardless of which formula is used to determine the heater surface temperature, the chamber workspace temperature will only reach approximately 30°C below the heater surface temperature and it could take a long time to get there. What that means is that with a flashpoint of 98°C, the workspace temp will only reach about 48°C (98°C - 20°C – 30°C = 48°C). Please ask for an SDS with the AI temp.

USG Response: NEMCO’s safety datasheets for inhibited glycol (concentrate or premixed) do not contain auto-ignition temperatures. Their inhibited concentrate lists an AI temp of >400C, as a reference point. All 3 sheets are attached for reference. Note that test ladings will be a 50%/50% mix of glycol and water.