IFB 26-03 Portable Wind Tunnel

The Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA) has issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB BD-26-1070-MMA01-PURCH-123511) dated December 15, 2025, seeking to procure one portable wind tunnel system for use in its laboratory at Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. The procurement scope includes a fully functional, transportable wind tunnel with a 36-inch by 36-inch wind field capable of generating wind velocities between 2 and 16 meters per second, with a maximum power consumption of 20 kW. The system must include a flow straightener that maintains turbulence levels at or below 2% and a handheld wind measurement probe with USB connectivity. The accompanying software must support a graphical user interface via Ethernet compatible with Windows operating systems. Deliverables include system delivery by June 30, 2026, pre-shipment functional testing and inspection conducted by the vendor, up to four hours of remote training, and a one-year warranty. The contractor is responsible for shipment to the MMA laboratory, with risk and cost assumed until final acceptance at the destination. The award will be made on a best-value basis with a trade-off approach considering both cost and other evaluation factors, although specific criteria and weighting are not detailed. Vendors must submit comprehensive proposals including a bidder information form, tax compliance certificate, certificate of non-collusion, references, debarment certification, and a price proposal form by January 7, 2026, electronically via COMMBUYS and in sealed physical copies delivered to MMA. Required certifications mandate that the contractor is not debarred or suspended and attest to tax compliance and independent bid preparation. Special contract requirements include criminal background and sex offender registry checks for all onsite personnel, strict confidentiality of sensitive information, compliance with federal and state nondiscrimination laws, and adherence to record retention and audit provisions for seven years post-contract. The contract terms allow MMA to terminate without cause and impose compliance with Massachusetts public records laws. While pricing details are to be submitted by bidders, no pricing or contract ceiling is indicated in the solicitation documents. Proposals must strictly follow submission and formatting instructions, with completeness and responsiveness affecting award eligibility.