FRL Integrated Development Conditioning Chamber Rebuild

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is proceeding with a sole-source award to Environment Growth Chambers (EGC) dba Integrated Development MFG Co. of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, to rebuild the large conditioning chamber at the Fire Research Laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland. This procurement, identified by solicitation number DJA-26-ALAB-PR-0504, is justified under FAR 6.302-1 due to the unique proprietary nature of EGC’s controlled environment systems, which are the only components compatible with the existing chamber’s design and controllers. The project involves replacing major mechanical components including the desiccant dryer, steam boiler, and air-cooled refrigeration system using CFC-free refrigerant, as well as upgrading the control system to the EGC C6 Controller with a Siemens PLC and HMI interface. All replacements must be new, OEM-compliant, and installed by a certified EGC technician to ensure system integrity and performance. The total estimated cost is $153,000, reflecting a significant cost savings over purchasing a new chamber, which would exceed $350,000. The contract is a firm-fixed-price purchase order with a 12-month period of performance beginning at award, and all costs including packing, freight, and tariffs are the responsibility of the vendor. Performance will occur exclusively at the National Laboratory Center, Fire Research Laboratory located at 6000 Ammendale Road, Beltsville, MD 20705, where final installation, configuration, and government acceptance will take place. The sole-source justification, documented in a letter dated May 28, 2026, confirms that no other vendor can retrofit the existing system due to proprietary technology and design integration constraints. No competitive evaluation factors, inspection criteria, or formal quality standards beyond OEM specifications are defined, and the award does not involve any set-asides or socioeconomic preferences. The contracting officer is Amanda M. Boshears of ATF’s Acquisitions Management Division in Washington, DC, with no designated COR or COTR identified. The procurement follows prescribed regulatory authority for restricted competition under RFO 6.103-1, and no formal proposals, submissions, or representations from offerors are required or solicited.