# SAM #2027-LGD-0065

Sole-source ESPEC environmental chamber and accessories for Library of Congress preservation testing

**Buyer:** Library of Congress Contracts Services
**Posted:** October 13, 2026
**Respond By:** October 28, 2026
**Identifier:** 2027-LGD-0065
**NAICS:** 3331, 333415

The Library of Congress plans to sole-source a precision temperature- and humidity-controlled chamber to support preservation testing and materials research.
- **Buyer and purpose**
  - Library of Congress, Preservation Research and Testing Division.
  - Supports quality-assurance testing of papers and boards to multiple ISO standards and research into materials degradation.
- **Procurement approach**
  - The notice identifies ESPEC North America, Inc. as the intended sole-source contractor.
  - Other proposals are not being requested, and no separate solicitation will be issued.
  - The stated estimated value is more than $25,000 and no more than the simplified acquisition threshold.
- **Equipment and requirements**
  - One chamber, with a temperature range of -70°C to 150°C, humidity range of 10% to 95% RH, and interior capacity of at least 4 cubic feet.
  - Requires specified temperature and humidity stability and uniformity, heating and cooling rates of at least 2°C, touchscreen controls, and storage for more than 25 multi-stage experimental profiles.
  - Maximum exterior dimensions: less than 31 × 34 × 47 inches (W × D × H). A computer for separate control and logging is not included.
  - Includes two adjustable wire shelves rated for at least 10 lb each, a compatible control package, and a mobile cart with integrated water tank, automatic shutoff, and recirculation modes.
- **Included services and support**
  - Freight delivery to the Library of Congress Madison Building, coordinated with the COR.
  - Online startup assistance and basic operational training.
  - One year of manufacturer warranty and remote support for supplied items.
- **Schedule**
  - Equipment and accessories are due within 16 weeks after award; online startup assistance and training are due within two weeks of delivery.
  - The stated period of performance is January 15, 2027, through January 14, 2028; warranty and remote support run for one year following delivery.

### Description

<p>This is a public notice prepared in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 5.2 &ndash; Synopsis of Proposed Contract Actions.</p>

<p>The Library of Congress, Contracts and Grants Directorate, intends to award a sole-source firm fixed price contract to:&nbsp;ESPEC North America, Inc.,&nbsp;4141 Central Parkway, Hudsonville, MI 49426.</p>

<p>The period of performance of the intended contract shall run as follows: 01/15/2027 - 01/14/2028. It is valued at an amount below the simplified acquisition threshold (defined as $350,000 and below), and above $25,000 (the public notice threshold). The work shall consist of the following: To acquire a temperature and humidity controlled chamber for use in the Library&rsquo;s quality assurance program for the testing of papers, boards, etc. to multiple ISO standards in addition to ongoing research on materials degradation in relation to the Library&rsquo;s collections. The contract should include all parts and equipment to meet specified parameters, user training, shipping, and 1 year of warranty support.</p>

<p>This announcement constitutes the only public notice, proposals are not being requested from other parties and a written solicitation will not be issued. This public notice accomplishes the following:</p>

<ol>
	<li>Provides notice of the Library&rsquo;s intent to sole source this requirement to the business listed herein;<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Synopsizes the requirements in accordance with the FAR; and<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Publically posts the approved Justification and Approval (J&amp;A) in advance of the contract award rather than after award. As a result, a second posting of the J&amp;A is not required after the award has been made.</li>
</ol>

<p>As a result of this public posting, this shall be the only notice issued. A separate award notice and a separate J&amp;A posting shall not be performed, as all public information is being accomplished via this public notice.</p>

<p>The following attachments are included in this notice:</p>

<p>Attachment 1: Draft Statement of Work<br />
Attachment 2: Sole Source Justification (Redacted for Public Release)</p>

<p>No further notices shall be pursued at this time regarding this contracting action.</p>

[View original listing](https://sam.gov/opp/3c5387541209434eae7d46d1639cc396/view)