RFI Mobile Shelters

The Department of Energy, through Battelle at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, is issuing a Request for Information for the future procurement of five mobile shelters/laboratories, with responses due by June 26, 2026. No set-aside applies to this procurement.

The mobile shelters are ISO 20-foot shipping containers (8 feet wide by 20 feet long) that will replace existing moveable atmospheric observatory equipment. Containers must comply with ISO freight container standards, the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC), and Title 46 U.S.C. Chapter 805. Interior construction includes welded 1.5-inch square tubing framing at 4-foot intervals with closed-cell foam insulation and FRP laminated plywood lining. End walls must incorporate minimum 4-inch 16-gauge c-purlins with 14-gauge steel welded covers and 2-part epoxy-based paint; at least one end wall requires a marine-type aluminum weatherproof entry door with a 12-inch shatter-resistant window. All five containers require side wall and roof penetrations framed with quarter-inch angle steel, fully welded with removable steel shipping cover plates.

Electrical systems must include a 600V 100A single-phase safety switch, 25kVA transformer, 100A load center with minimum 40 spaces, surge suppressor, and watt node power measurement device, with approximately twenty 120V 20-amp receptacle circuits plus additional 240V and dedicated outdoor circuits. Climate control requires two mini-split heat pump systems per container (LG KSSAE181A or equivalent) with roof-mounted condensers and insulated line sets. Containers must include removable aluminum guardrail systems meeting OSHA 1910.29 fall protection standards with aluminum stairwell access and marine-grade exterior finish with 2-part epoxy coating and interior floor epoxy.

The RFI requests clarification on any unclear specifications, estimated manufacturing lead time following contract finalization, and estimated costs for the five shelters. Contact: Chris Martin, Contracting Specialist, Christopher.martin@pnnl.gov or 509-372-6026.