Cold Chambers

The Naval Medical Research Unit San Antonio (NAMRU-SA) is conducting critical research on how extreme cold weather conditions and cold soaking affect medical equipment used by Special Operation Forces (SOF). Past evaluations have shown a pattern of equipment malfunctions and material failures in cold environments.

This PWS outlines the requirements for a contractor to provide a specialized facility to conduct further testing on specific medical equipment and disposables in environmental chambers that can simulate extreme cold conditions. The contractor shall provide all necessary personnel, equipment, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and services required to provide access and logistical support for an extreme environmental/cold chamber facility.

The objective is to support NAMRU-SA's evaluation of medical equipment performance in temperatures of -40C, -20C, and 0C. The scope also includes the modification of the contractor's existing equipment to meet the specific needs of the government's research protocol, including helping form test platforms for the medical equipment and disposables. Contracted facility will provide access and logistical support to conduct a non-human subject research project for NAMRU-SA.

A multi-week study will be conducted during the 12-month period of performance. The Sponsor will be given access to the contracted chamber and key resources to include testing equipment, cold chambers, and Department of War (DOW) compliant security as necessary (CUI level).