Cleanroom and Air Handling Equipment

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) for commercial products or services, prepared in accordance with FAR Part 12. The acquisition is a total small business set-aside.

• The primary requirement is for Cleanroom and Air Handling Equipment, as detailed in Attachment #1 (Statement of Requirements).

• All shipping costs must be included in the firm-fixed price quotation (FOB Destination).

• The government intends to award a single firm-fixed price purchase order (PO).

• Solicitation number: NB687000-26-00880.

• Applicable NAICS code: #334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, with a size standard of 1,000 employees.

• Quotation Due Date: March 23, 2026, by 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

• Submission Method: Electronic quotations via email to Angela.Hitt@nist.gov. Reference the RFQ number in the subject line.

• Inquiries: Submit questions in writing to Angela.Hitt@nist.gov no later than 5 calendar days after issuance, using Attachment 4.

• Quotation Structure: Must be divided into three volumes:

  • Volume I: Technical Quotation (including Technical Capability and Past Performance)
  • Volume II: Price Quotation
  • Volume III: Terms and Conditions

• Evaluation Factors (in descending order of importance):

  1. Technical Capability: Must demonstrate proposed equipment meets or exceeds all minimum requirements in the Statement of Requirements. Evidence must be provided.
  2. Past Performance: Up to three relevant examples from the last three years, similar in scope, size, and complexity.
  3. Price: Reasonableness of proposed prices in relation to requirements.

• The government may award without discussions based on initial quotes.

• Total small business set-aside.

• Quoters must have an ACTIVE registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) at the time of quotation submission, award, performance, and final payment. Failure to maintain active registration will result in the quotation not being considered for award.

• Provisions and clauses are those in effect through FAC 2025-06 and the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul, supplemented by Department of Commerce Acquisition Policy.

• Key attachments include: Statement of Requirements, Applicable Provisions and Clauses, Past Performance Questionnaire, and Questions and Answers form.

Statement of Requirements (SOW/PWS)

To supply materials for an ISO Class 6 clean space lab enclosure with filtered air handling for qualifying parts for a space-flight satellite project.

• General Requirements:

  • Provide evidence of experience supplying at least 3 similar clean space systems.
  • Supply all new items; no prototypes or used equipment.
  • Provide a detailed quote including all materials, consumables, and expenses.
  • Supply installation manual, utility requirements, and a diagram of the cleanroom footprint and measurements.
  • Provide a drawing showing how the system fits into the required space.

• Specific Requirements:

  • Cleanroom must meet ISO 14644-1:2015 Class 6, with potential to upgrade to ISO Class 5.
  • Cleanroom constructed with ISO Class 5 compatible materials, meeting IEST-RP-CC018.4 cleaning standards and ASTM E595 low outgassing requirements.
  • Designed for operation at an altitude of 5,500 feet.
  • Compatible with NIST fire and safety systems.
  • Must fit within an existing laboratory space of 23 feet wide by 47 feet long, with two interior ceiling heights: a 9-foot high bay and a 7-foot low bay.
  • A 6-foot wide by 8-foot long gowning room is required.
  • System must be a standard modular cleanroom, with self-supported ceiling and integrated wall posts/struts. No interior support columns.
  • Materials must meet ASTM E595 standard for low outgassing (e.g., anodized aluminum, neoprene foam, polypropylene).
  • Return air grills must be outside the clean space.
  • Rigid walls require windows as specified in "Windows_cleanspace.pdf".
  • Include three doors: one into the gown room, one from the gowning room to the main cleanroom, and one emergency exit.
  • Include its own air-handling system, meeting ISO 6 with upgrade capability to ISO 5.
  • Provide power outlets rated for 120V and 20 Amp duplex receptacles.
  • Include LED light fixtures (minimum of nine), dimmable, with appropriate housing.
  • Components must be transportable through a 7-foot hallway and a 5'10.5" wide door.

• Period of Performance: Four (4) months ARO (After Receipt of Order), with early delivery possible.

• Place of Performance: National Institute of Standards and Technology at 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305.

• Evidence of experience (with bid).

• Installation manual, utility requirements, full system design schematics, and footprint/measurement diagram (4 weeks ARO).

• Schedule for required delivery (4 weeks ARO).

• Cleanroom system delivery (4 months ARO).

• One-year warranty on all parts.

• LabSpaceFloorPlan.pdf

• Cleanspace_top_side.pdf

• Outlets_cleanspace.pdf

• Windows_cleanspace.pdf

• Hallway_floorplan.pdf

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document lists the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Commerce Acquisition Regulation (CAR) provisions and clauses that are incorporated by reference or in full text for this solicitation. It informs bidders of the terms and conditions that will govern any resulting contract.

• Provisions Incorporated by Reference: Lists specific FAR and CAR provisions that apply, such as those related to System for Award Management (SAM), Offeror Identification, Responsibility Matters, and Evaluation of Options. Bidders are cautioned that some provisions may require completion and submission with their offer.
• Clauses Incorporated by Reference: Lists applicable FAR and CAR clauses, including those for SAM Maintenance, Contractor Identification, First Article Approval, Protection from Debarred Subcontractors, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations, Allowable Cost and Payment, Small Business Utilization, and Buy American.
• Provisions in Full Text: Provides the complete text for FAR 52.209-1 (Qualification Requirements), FAR 52.209-5 (Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters), FAR 52.209-11 (Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or Felony Conviction), FAR 52.216-21 (Requirements), FAR 52.219-1 (Small Business Program Representations), FAR 52.225-4 (Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act Certificate), and FAR 52.225-18 (Place of Manufacture).
• Clauses in Full Text: Provides the complete text for FAR 52.208-9 (Contractor Use of Mandatory Sources), FAR 52.219-33 (Nonmanufacturer Rule), FAR 52.247-34 (FOB Destination), FAR 52.247-48 (FOB Destination-Evidence of Shipment), CAR 1352.246-70 (Place of Acceptance), NIST LOCAL-39 (Marking/Packing Instructions), and NIST LOCAL-53 (Contracting Performance During Changes in NIST Operation Status).

Bidders must carefully review all listed provisions and clauses, paying close attention to those requiring specific representations, certifications, or actions. Understanding these terms is crucial for preparing a compliant offer and for fulfilling contractual obligations if awarded. Key areas include responsibility matters, small business representations, place of manufacture, and specific NIST local instructions for marking, packing, and operational status.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) intended for clients to evaluate a contractor's performance on a specific project. It is designed to gather feedback that will be used by the offeror to submit to the Contracting Officer as part of a proposal, and potentially for future submissions.

• Contractor Information: Details about the contractor, the contract itself (number, type, dates, price), and a description of the project.
• Client Information: Contact details for the client and a description of their role in the project.
• Performance Ratings: A detailed rating system (Excellent, Very Good, Satisfactory, Marginal, Unsatisfactory, Not Applicable) with definitions for evaluating various aspects of contractor performance, including:
  • Quality (technical data, standards, problem resolution, quality control)
  • Schedule/Timeliness (compliance, resource utilization)
  • Customer Satisfaction (end-user satisfaction, cooperation, businesslike conduct)
  • Management/Personnel/Labor (on-site management, workforce, property control, expertise, small business utilization, multi-project management, change assimilation)
  • Cost/Financial Management (meeting terms, innovative methods, invoicing, accounting system, terminations, financial problems)
  • Safety/Security (environment, compliance)
  • General (emergency response, contractual compliance, rehire likelihood, overall rating)
• Narrative Remarks: Space for clients to provide specific strengths, weaknesses, deficiencies, or other comments.

This form is crucial for bidders as it outlines the specific criteria and areas of performance that the government (or its clients) will evaluate. Understanding these evaluation points helps bidders prepare their proposals and highlight relevant past performance. The completed questionnaire provides documented evidence of past performance, which is often a significant factor in contract award decisions. Bidders should ensure their past performance is accurately and favorably represented through this questionnaire.