Environmental Chamber for MTS-Criterion C45 System
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has issued a Combined Sources Sought Notice and Notice of Intent to Sole Source for an Environmental Chamber compatible with their existing MTS-Criterion C45 System. NIST intends to award a firm-fixed price purchase order on a sole source basis to MTS Systems Corporation. Interested parties capable of meeting the requirements must respond by May 12, 2026, 11:00 AM Eastern Time.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for one environmental chamber designed for use with MTS C45 load frames, specifically with mounting bracketry for C45 models. Key specifications include:
- Temperature Range: -70 °C to +250 °C.
- Control/Interface: Must interface with the existing MTS Criterion C45 system.
- External Dimensions: 533 x 889 x 864 mm (21 x 35 x 34 in).
- Must accommodate specimen grips and extensometer.
- Water-cooling capacity to manage heat transfer during environmental simulation testing. The contractor will also be responsible for installation and calibration of the new environmental chamber on the existing MTS Criterion C45 system at the NIST Gaithersburg, MD site.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (Combined Sources Sought / Notice of Intent to Sole Source)
- Intended Award Type: Firm-Fixed Price Purchase Order (sole source)
- Intended Contractor: MTS Systems Corporation (UEI: PVMFSLG6GFF7)
- Delivery: Within 90 Days after contractor receipt of order.
- Set-Aside: None (intended sole source under FAR RFO Part 12.102(a) and 41 USC 1901)
- Response Due: May 12, 2026, 11:00 AM Eastern Time
- Published: April 27, 2026
Background & Justification
NIST's Engineering Laboratory requires a replacement environmental chamber for its MTS-Criterion 45 tensile tester to restore its capability for mechanical testing under controlled thermal conditions. The current thermal environmental chamber is non-functional and beyond economical repair. Market research conducted between January and April 2026 indicated that only MTS Systems Corporation is capable of meeting NIST's minimum requirements, as their equipment is proprietary and they do not authorize resellers.
How to Respond
Interested parties who believe they can satisfy the requirements must submit a written response via email to Lauren.Roller@nist.gov by the deadline. Responses should include:
- Contractor Name, Address, Point of Contact, Phone Number, and Email address.
- Contractor UEI.
- Contractor Business Classification (e.g., small business, 8(a), woman owned, hubZone, veteran owned, etc.) as validated in SAM.gov.
- A Capability Statement describing what your company is capable of providing to meet the Government's needs.
Important Notes
This is not a request for quotation or a solicitation. Responses will not be considered proposals or quotations, and no award will be made as a result of this notice. NIST is not responsible for any costs incurred by respondents.