UNC-CH_LEGEND_RFP_2026

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Department of Physics and Astronomy is requesting proposals for final design and budgetary pricing for five custom nitrogen-purged gloveboxes to support the LEGEND project, with proposals due August 4, 2026 at 3:00 PM EST and a public bid opening at 3:15 PM EST the same day.

The scope spans two phases: Phase I requires final design completion by October 2, 2026 (hard deadline October 9, 2026) for stainless-steel gloveboxes with nitrogen purging, custom large antechambers, and no gas-recirculation systems for ultra-clean operations. Phase II requests estimated fabrication pricing for five units—four standard gloveboxes (GB1-4) and one large modular glovebox comprised of four connected modules (GB5)—contingent on grant funding anticipated in February–March 2027 with fabrication estimated in Q2 2027. The vendor must maintain ISO 9001:2015 certification and provide a valid copy prior to design deliverable release.

Evaluation weighs technical ability to provide detailed, fabrication-ready designs (30 points); vendor ability to meet custom fabrication requirements (25 points); demonstrated experience with comparable specially-designed systems (20 points); customer references and portfolio review (15 points); and total cost of design plus fabrication (10 points). Vendors must submit three customer references for similar services and financial stability certification.

Proposals must include completed pricing forms detailing NRE design costs and separate line-item pricing for each glovebox's fabrication and lead time. The contract term extends through successful completion and acceptance of all scope requirements, with vendor work beginning within one business day of award. Final payment of 10 percent is withheld until final acceptance; vendors must correct any deficiencies within 30 calendar days at no additional cost. Phase II fabrication is contingent on congressional approvals and grant funding receipt, with anticipated shipping dates ranging from March 2028 through June 2031. Written questions are due July 23, 2026 at 3:00 PM EST, with responses provided by July 29, 2026. This RFP constitutes a proof-of-concept budget for grant funding and does not constitute a commitment to purchase.