Russell Test Chamber Controller
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 Defense Health Agency (DHA), Operational Medicine (OPMED) Test Branch, is issuing a Request for Quote (RFQ) for controllers for two Russell Test Chambers (Model RHB-64-705-705-AC and WMD-336-ECMD-4-10-10) located in Frederick, MD. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Quotes are due by June 9, 2026.
Scope of Work
This acquisition requires the provision and installation of new controllers to retrofit existing Russell Test Chambers. The upgrade aims to enable chamber performance within the tolerance of Military Standard 810H, Change 1 (MIL-STD-810H), and facilitate the removal of the chambers' current mercury manometers to comply with mercury elimination guidance.
Specific requirements, detailed in Attachment 1 (Critical Operational Device Specifications - CODS), include:
- Compatibility: Controllers must be compatible with the specified Russell RH and W-series chambers.
- Physical & Interface: Mountable with touchscreen display, remote control capability (e.g., Lab View, Windows Remote Desktop).
- Operations: Minimum 4 PID control channels, adjustable temperature/humidity/altitude ramp rates, specific temperature (-80 to 180°C) and humidity (30% to 95% RH) ranges, altitude control to 100,000 ft, minimum 15-segment programming, diagnostics, and alarm notifications.
- Data Recording: Data logging of 50 analog inputs, 8 configurable digital I/O, various sample rates, unit selection, graphical trending, and exportable data (.csv, .xls, .xlsx).
- Installation: Requires removal of existing mercury manometer, installation of new altitude transducer, and demonstrated experience retrofitting controllers to these specific Russell chamber models.
- Logistical: Installer must provide engineering drawings/schematics for wiring interfaces and offer at least a one-year parts, 90-day labor warranty.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm Fixed Price for controllers and retrofits; Other Direct Costs (ODC) are Cost No Fee.
- Delivery: 90 Calendar Days from Date of Award Receipt.
- Questions Due: May 13, 2026, 2:00 PM Local Time (Q&A has been posted).
- Quote Submission Deadline: June 9, 2026, 10:00 AM Local Time.
Evaluation
Award will be made on a competitive best value basis using a "best value tradeoff" approach. Evaluation factors, in descending order of importance, are: Technical Capabilities/Specifications, Past Performance, and Price. Non-price factors (Technical and Past Performance) are collectively more important than price, and Past Performance is more important than Price. Offerors must be registered in SAM.gov at the time of award.
Key Attachments & Notes
The solicitation includes Attachment 1 (CODS) for technical specifications, Attachment 2 (Ratings) for evaluation criteria, and Attachments 3-14, which include a Q&A document and various schematics (electrical, refrigeration, chassis, terminal board, transducer) and images of existing controllers (JC Systems Model 600A and 620A). These attachments provide critical technical details for proposal preparation.