Purchase of Environmental Thermal Chamber for Materials and Tests Division

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) number 601440000046972 for the procurement of an Environmental Thermal Chamber for its Materials and Tests Division. The solicitation seeks a specialized environmental test chamber capable of simulating temperatures from -31C to +70C, with a minimum workspace volume of 16 cubic feet. Key technical requirements include a touchscreen controller, nonmagnetic Series 300 stainless steel construction, 3-phase electrical supply, air-cooled refrigeration system, and programmable temperature cycling capabilities. The vendor must provide installation, calibration, and 4 hours of training by a factory-trained technician, with reference models including Thermotron S-16-8200 and Cincinnati Sub Zero ZPE-16-3.5-SCT/AC. The procurement timeline includes key dates: questions were due by February 5, 2025, with TxDOT responses posted by February 10, 2025, and bids due on February 13, 2025, at 3:00 PM Central Time. Evaluation will be based on lowest price and ability to meet detailed technical specifications, with the tentative contract award date set for February 19, 2025.

The solicitation does not appear to have specific set-aside designations or restrictions limiting respondents, though it does require vendors to be registered on the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL). A HUB Subcontracting Plan is not required for this procurement. The successful vendor must provide a minimum 12-month warranty covering 100% parts and labor from the date of acceptance, with all installation, training, and freight charges to be included in the unit price bid. While no specific budget range is detailed, the procurement is for a single new environmental test chamber to be delivered to TxDOT's Materials and Tests Division at 6230 E. Stassney Lane in Austin, TX. The solicitation includes additional requirements such as completing the Texas Family Code Schedule, providing a Certificate of Insurance (Form 1950), and potential participation in TxDOT's Early Payment Program, which offers expedited payments in exchange for cash discounts.