SSN Specs.pdf

SPECIFICATIONS: Tall Plant Reach-in Growth Chambers:

1. Background

The USDA-ARS Floral and Nursery Plants Research Unit (FNPRU), Beltsville, Maryland, requires a contractor to provide two newly manufactured, identical, plant growth chambers. Each chamber must be capable of providing a self-enclosed environment production area suitable for scientific research needs for studying growth and development of various plant types. The units provided must be compatible with existing chambers currently on-site in terms of the spectral qualities of the electronic lamps, data logging systems, and electronic communication protocols. Chamber must work with existing chilled water / glycol cooling systems available in place at the USDA. Each chamber must also include options for additive relative humidity control over the range of ambient to 75% RH with all lights on, and two channel dimmable controlled light levels inside the chamber.

2. Requirements

The following are minimum specifications and performance criteria for each chamber:

• Maximum exterior dimensions of 105" x 40" x 116" (W x D x H)

• Interior growth height of minimum 65” (Tall plant, single tier mode) and minimum 31” (Shorter plant, dual tier mode)

• Growth area of at least 19 square feet in full single-tier tall plant mode, and at least 38 square feet in full dual-tier, shorter plant mode

• Ability to have one half of the growing area in single tier, tall plant mode, and the other half of the growing area in dual tier, shorter plant mode

• Interior surface: durable smooth, corrosion resistant reflective surfaces

• Exterior surface: durable powder-coated or baked enamel painted corrosion resistant metal

• Dual instrument ports with 2” minimum diameter and light-tight covers

• Dual reach-in doors with self-closing hinges with light-tight gaskets

• At least one (1) door-mounted double-pane glass observation window with light-tight cover

• Stainless steel drain pan/chamber floor

• Front panel-mounted electronic controller with color touchscreen monitor including Ethernet connectivity to allow monitoring and operation remotely via USDA-supplied Local Area Network or internet connections.

• Controller panel security

• Four height-adjustable light canopies (two upper and two lower) with counterweights

• Light sources: light canopies equipped with LED Fluence Ray module with two dimmable channels

• Lighting timing and intensity, including separate dimming of Physio Spec Indoor broad spectrum and PfrSpec far-red spectrum,

• Lamp-generated heat to be remove by refrigeration system built into the chamber

• Cooling system: a water-cooled condenser system designed for continuous compressor operation and close temperature control, using copper tube construction cooling coils and CFC-free refrigerant

• Chamber temperature control

• Temperature sensor

• Temperature limits

• An additive humidity system to maintain from ambient up to 75% RH with all lights on, or to 90% RH with all lights off, limited by a +25 ℃ dewpoint temperature, +/- 3% RH at the sensor.

• Data retention: Controller shall be equipped with a compact flash memory card to store program schedule details

• Alarms: Chamber alarms for high/low temperature with red light indicator and audible alarm; notifications available by e-mail through USDA-supplied LAN or internet connection

• Power stability: A surge protector shall be included to protect the controller and control system from over-voltage events; an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

• Factory diagnostics: The manufacturer shall have remote access via a USDA-provided LAN/internet connection in order to analyze mechanical, electrical, and control systems of each chamber.

Delivery and System Installation

• System footprint: Each unit must have maximum exterior dimensions of 105" x 40" x 116" (W x D x H)

• Utilities: The government shall provide all necessary utilities and will provide coupling with existing chilled water/glycol system.

• Delivery: The contractor shall supply, deliver, and install (up to point of coupling with existing chilled water/glycol system) each unit onsite to USDA-ARS at:

USDA-ARS Northeast Area, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center Controlled Environment Facility Building 10B, BARC-West Beltsville, MD 20705

Delivery and installation shall be within 26 to 28 weeks after receipt of the award. (Dates are approximate)

Delivery shall be between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays.

Provide advance notification to the above within 72 hours of delivery of the equipment.

Installation and Start-up:

The contractor shall provide an electronic and/or written copy of operation instructions and delivery confirmation by email.

The contractor will be responsible for on-site testing and commissioning of each unit as needed to ensure proper performance.

1. Training

Contractor will provide training to USDA staff on chamber use and control systems at the time of commissioning.

Controller manual, operation and maintenance manual, and electrical schematics will be provided.

2. Warranty

Contractor shall include a minimum two-year parts and labor warranty with 3-5 year(s) additional remote diagnostic services at no charge.

3. System Accessories

At the time of chamber installation, the government will purchase / provide de-ionized water for the additive humidity option.

4. Service for Chambers

If any additional services provided by vendor should be annotated on quote and or supporting documentation.

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