Upright Humidity Curing and Storage Chambers FY26

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is seeking to procure two upright humidity curing and storage chambers for its materials testing laboratories in fiscal year 2026, under solicitation number 26-494DOT-FINAD-B-49963. These specialized scientific equipment units are designed for storing and curing mortar prisms and cubes in standard 3-gang molds, conforming to ASTM Specification C 511. Each chamber must be fabricated from stainless steel, feature at least 12 durable shelves capable of holding a minimum of 48 3-gang molds, and meet precise technical specifications including maximum dimensions of 55 inches by 31.4 inches by 76 inches. The chambers are required to maintain a temperature of 23.0C ± 2.0C (73.4F ± 3.6F) and humidity greater than 95%. Bids must be submitted electronically through the BidBuy electronic procurement system by December 5, 2025, with bid submissions remaining valid for 180 days from the opening date. The procurement will be awarded to the lowest priced responsive and responsible bidder, with all bids subject to the State's Standard Terms and Conditions.

The solicitation does not explicitly identify specific set-aside designations, but it does include provisions for minority and veteran-owned businesses through the Business Enterprise Program and Veterans Small Business Program Utilization Plans. Vendors must pay a $15 Minority Contractor Opportunity Initiative fee for contracts exceeding $1,000. The contract requires vendors to be established manufacturers or authorized dealers capable of servicing equipment within Illinois, with no subcontractors permitted. While no specific budget range is detailed, the procurement calls for newly manufactured equipment with a mandatory one-year warranty covering defects and non-conformities. Vendors must maintain general commercial liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence with a $2,000,000 annual aggregate, auto liability of $1,000,000, and workers' compensation as required by law. The contract has an initial term of 12 months, with a maximum total contract term not exceeding 10 years, and may be partially or wholly funded with federal funds.