Chamber Services for decompression sickness testing of CO2 countermeasures.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding Solicitation 80NSSC26920246Q-1 for Chamber Services for decompression sickness testing of exercise countermeasures.

• Pilot/Proficiency Requirement: The solicitation requires that organizations have completed pilot chamber tests to demonstrate capabilities and have their test data reviewed by NASA. Chambers must have documented and verified resolution of any deficiencies identified in their execution of NASA-defined DCS pilot test protocols, as detailed in the Statement of Work (SOW).
• Acceptable Proof of Pilot/Proficiency: NASA requires evidence of capabilities including hardware integration, performing a 6-hour prebreathe followed by a 6-hour EVA simulation (100% O2), appropriate medical support, experience in monitoring and interpreting 2-D ultrasound and Doppler, and simulating suit environment depressurization to 4.3 psia. The EVA simulation involves a series of tasks at predetermined intervals using specific workstations.
• Teaming/Subcontracting: The effort is described as small (N of 6) and not designed to be split between two contractors. It requires experience in prebreathe, hardware integration, and EVA, which should likely be performed by the prime offeror.
• Verification of Eligibility: Offerors should refer to Answer 2 for details on chamber and experience needs if NASA does not publish a list of eligible facilities.

This Q&A document clarifies specific requirements related to prior experience, acceptable proof of capabilities, and teaming structures, which bidders must consider when preparing their proposals.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for "Chamber Services for decompression sickness testing of CO2 countermeasures." It is a "Brand Name or Equal To" requirement.

• The core service required is "Chamber Services for decompression sickness testing of CO2 countermeasures."

• Bidders must include CAGE/UEI Code, FOB Destination, Leadtime for Delivery, and POC Name & Email in their bid.

• The document references "Attachments" for further details.

• The contract type is not explicitly stated, but it is an RFQ, implying a potential for a firm-fixed-price contract.

• The period of performance and estimated value are not stated in this document.

• Quotes are due by 1/29/2026 at 7 a.m. CT.

• Quotes should be submitted via email to Shanna Patterson at Shanna.l.Patterson@nasa.gov.

• The subject line of the email must include the tracking number: 80NSSC26920246Q-1.

• Quotes must remain valid for 30 days.

• Submitted quotes must list two points of contact (name, phone number, email address).

• Contractual and technical questions must be submitted in writing (email) to Shanna Patterson at Shanna.l.Patterson@nasa.gov no later than 1/28/2026 at 7 a.m. CT.

• The evaluation criteria state that the award will be made to the responsible Offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation is the lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA). Offers not deemed technically acceptable will be removed from consideration.

• This procurement is set aside for small business.

• Offerors must be registered at www.sam.gov to be considered for award.

• Specific provisions related to Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment must be completed.

• The government does not pay by credit card.

• Delivery is FOB Destination.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the "Chamber Services for decompression sickness testing of exercise countermeasures" opportunity (80NSSC26920246Q-1).

• Contract Start Date: The contract may start as soon as February 2026, with the data collection period assumed to begin in February 2027. Vendors without prior pilot testing experience may find completing the required pilot tests within a year challenging.
• Loaner Equipment: NASA may loan specific equipment, including Gentex Phantom+ oxygen masks, Gentex Phantom Mask Toolkit, GE Vivid iQ Ultrasound probe, and COSMED K5 Portable Metabolic Gas Analysis System, pending availability. Training for some equipment is the responsibility of the facility.
• Vendor-Provided Equipment: Vendors must provide essential equipment such as the Decompression Chamber and supporting hardware, EVA Workstation, Ultrasound station, VO2 Peak Testing Station, subject supplies (clothing, hydration, etc.), and specific mask integration components.
• Subject Selection Criteria: Subjects must be aged 30-60, in good general health, pass a medical exam equivalent to an Air Force Class III physical, and have a VO2max > 27.5 ml/min/kg. Detailed physical exam and exclusion criteria are provided.
• IRB Responsibility: NASA will submit to the NASA IRB, but vendors may also submit to their own IRB. Subject and experimental data will be managed locally and shared with NASA.
• Payment: Vendors can submit a milestone payment plan, which can include upfront costs.
• Chamber Provision: The procurement is for chamber services. The treatment chamber is the responsibility of the vendor; Stennis Space Center is not providing a chamber.

This Q&A document clarifies key aspects of the solicitation, particularly regarding timelines, equipment responsibilities, subject eligibility, and payment structures, which bidders should consider when preparing their proposals.

Statement of Work (SOW)

This SOW outlines the requirements for using individual altitude chamber(s) to conduct hypobaric testing. The goal is to support the development of the Aerospace Estimation Tool for Hypobaric Exposure Risk (AETHER) by collecting data on prebreathe "at altitude" and prebreathe with elevated inspired carbon dioxide as potential mitigation strategies for decompression sickness (DCS).

• Conduct data collection for six (6) subjects across one control and two experimental conditions (test days).

• Perform single-day chamber-based tests as defined by NASA.

• Recruit and screen subjects, providing at least 3 subjects per chamber test day, with at least one back-up subject per test day.

• Subjects will undergo peak aerobic capacity (VO2pk) testing and an informed consent briefing.

• Conduct prebreathe protocols and simulated 6-hour Extravehicular Activity (EVA) simulations.

• Perform medical monitoring, including physical examinations, ultrasound imaging for Venous Gas Emboli (VGE), and monitoring of subject self-reports.

• Assess subjects for Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) using transthoracic ultrasound imaging.

• Collect and deliver raw and processed data, images, and video to NASA.

• Data delivery within 14 days of test conclusion.

• Ultrasound images of VGE scored by at least 3 reviewers in a blinded fashion.

• Unexpected results and incidents reported to NASA within 12 hours.

• Regular meetings (approx. every two weeks) with NASA to discuss project status.

• Work is expected to be completed within one year.

• Testing will be conducted at the facility's location.

• Facilities must have completed pilot chamber tests and demonstrated resolution of any deficiencies.

• Subjects must complete all three conditions within 1 year of the Peak Cycle test, and all three decompression trials within 6 months.

• Facilities must provide appropriate medical support and personnel.

• Facilities must have the capability for continuous chamber habitation.

• Subjects must not eat during prebreathe or EVA, and are not allowed to sleep during the test.

• Facilities must be proficient in EVA data collection, subject screening, chamber operation, and operation of loaner equipment, or include training costs in their proposal.

• Required hardware includes specific masks, toolkits, ultrasound equipment, and metabolic gas analysis systems. Some hardware may be loaned by NASA.