conduct an investigation to develop the Main Electronics Box (MEB) concept
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) / NASA Shared Services Center (NSSC) has issued a Special Notice indicating its intent to award a sole source contract to SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE for an investigation to develop the Main Electronics Box (MEB) concept for the Stratosphere Troposphere Response using Infrared Vertically-resolved light Explorer (STRIVE) mission payload. This effort will define the MEB's electrical, thermal, mechanical, and flight software interfaces. Interested organizations may submit capabilities by June 11, 2026.
Scope of Work
The investigation requires the development of the MEB concept and the definition of its interfaces. Key aspects include:
- Adherence to a specific mechanical form factor (Sensors Unlimited standard 1280JSX Enclosed Camera or equivalent).
- Maintaining thermal requirements: -10 °C to +50 °C operational and -20°C to +50°C survival.
- Supporting a voltage input range of +28 VDC to +34 VDC.
- Implementing various interfaces, including power, RS-422, LVDS SpaceWire, and connections to components like MCE, FPIE, and ARGOS Camera.
- Defining heater service outputs and temperature sensor requirements.
Deliverables
Key deliverables include an MEB development schedule, identification of procurements and lead times, an MEB Qualification plan, a list of Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE), detailed MEB Specifications (General, Electrical, Mechanical, Thermal, Environmental), and an MEB Users Guide. Draft deliverables are due at 2, 4, and 7 months after the investigation begins.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (Sole Source Intent)
- NAICS Code: 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology))
- Duration: 8 months from award, with 4 hours/week engineering support after deliverables.
- Place of Performance: NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and the Contractor's facility for technical interchange meetings.
- Response Due: June 11, 2026, by 12:00 p.m. Central Standard Time.
- Published: June 9, 2026
Action Items
NASA/NSSC intends to issue a sole source contract to SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE. However, interested organizations believing they can meet the requirements may submit their capabilities and qualifications in writing to the identified point of contact. These submissions will be evaluated solely to determine if a competitive procurement is warranted. Oral communications are not acceptable.
Point of Contact
Sara Jusino-Terry, sara.a.jusino-terry@nasa.gov