Integrated Tube Furnace and Glove Box

Ames National Laboratory, operated by Iowa State University under a U.S. Department of Energy contract, is soliciting proposals for a hydrogen-capable, glovebox-integrated high-pressure tube furnace workstation through Request for Proposal A26-0664. The procurement seeks a turnkey, fully integrated system encompassing a glovebox with purification and antechambers, a split tube furnace capable of reaching 1100°C, gas handling systems, vacuum capability, transfer interfaces, controls, and comprehensive documentation. Key technical requirements include an inert-atmosphere glovebox with continuous oxygen and moisture monitoring, hydrogen compatibility, and integration with the furnace system. The Laboratory will employ a Lowest Price, Technically Acceptable (LPTA) evaluation methodology, with technical acceptability determined by meeting all requirements in Appendix C and accepting the Laboratory's Terms and Conditions without exception. The proposal submission deadline is January 22, 2026, at 4:00 PM Central Time, with an anticipated purchase order award date of January 23, 2026.

This is an unrestricted, full and open competition with no set-asides applied, and no incumbent contractor is identified in the solicitation materials. The procurement falls under NAICS code 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees, and is classified under PSC code 6640 (Laboratory Equipment and Supplies). The system must be delivered to and installed at Ames Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, with a required completion date of March 15, 2026. While specific award values or budget ranges are not disclosed in the solicitation notice, the compressed timeline from proposal submission through installation indicates significant urgency in acquiring this integrated system.