Environmental Chamber for Large Component Reliability Testing Level 3

The Department of Energy Office of Science, through the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), is seeking quotes for an Environmental Chamber for Large Component Reliability Testing Level 3, a specialized testing device designed to accommodate up to eight full-size solar panels for accelerated stress testing with temperature ranges from -40°C to 85°C and humidity control from 10% to 95% RH. The procurement is being conducted as a firm fixed-price purchase order using a Lowest Price (Cost), Technically Acceptable selection methodology, meaning the contract will be awarded to the lowest-priced offer that meets all specified technical and vendor performance requirements outlined in the attachments. Key contract requirements include demonstrated vendor experience with a minimum of five comparable installations within the past five years for research laboratories or universities, written warranties with on-site service response times for at least seven years post-delivery, and strict facility constraints including electrical power consumption below 160 kW and cooling water energy below 239,000 BTU/h. The RFQ (Number 2025025452) was originally issued in June 2025 and has undergone five amendments; the current proposal deadline is April 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM Mountain Time, with technical questions due no later than April 1, 2026. Offerors must submit an official quote valid for 90 days, a cover letter accepting all technical specifications and vendor performance requirements, completed equipment specifications spreadsheet, representations and certifications, and detailed price justification documentation including published price lists or customer invoices.

This is a non-set-aside solicitation with no identified current contractors or incumbents. The anticipated contract value is not publicly disclosed in the solicitation documents. The equipment has a nine-month anticipated lead time, with expected delivery by December 4, 2026, supporting NREL's Photovoltaic Reliability Core project. Physical installation constraints are significant, requiring the fully assembled equipment including ancillary components to fit through an 8-foot-wide by 10-foot-tall loading dock door, navigate a hallway with 9-foot overhead clearance, and fit within a designated facility area with specific egress and maintenance access requirements. The place of performance is Golden, Colorado, where the equipment will be installed at the National Laboratory of the Rockies facility located at 15013 Denver West Parkway. All quotes should be submitted electronically to Maurice Nelson, the RFQ Contact and Team Manager, at Maurice.Nelson@nlr.gov.