Development of the xEMU LCVG thermal control loop
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
NASA's Shared Services Center (NSSC) intends to issue a sole source, Firm Fixed-Price (FFP) contract to PARAGON SPACE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION for the Development of the xEMU Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment (LCVG) thermal control loop. This effort aims to finalize tooling design and processes for the repair and fabrication of LCVGs at NASA/Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, TX. Interested organizations capable of performing this work are encouraged to submit their capabilities by May 5, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
This Statement of Work (SOW) seeks to finalize the xEMU LCVG thermal control loop tooling design and processes. The primary objective is to enable the repair of the existing xEMU LCVG fleet and facilitate the fabrication of additional LCVGs as needed. The scope includes maturing the xEMU LCVG thermal control loop, specifically focusing on manifold-to-manifold, manifold-to-tubing, and tubing co-bonding. The contractor will develop necessary heating elements, heat clamps, and detailed procedures for LCVG thermal control loop fabrication, working in close coordination with NASA.
Technical Goals and Objectives involve designing, fabricating, and testing xEMU thermal loop assembly components, tooling, processes, and documentation. This includes proof testing to 52.5 psid for five minutes with no leakage, and pull-out testing of all tubing thermal bonds. Fabrication includes specific quantities of Primary and Auxiliary Thermal Loops, and tooling development encompasses the design and fabrication of 6 clamshell molds.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP)
- Intended Awardee: PARAGON SPACE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
- Authority: FAR 12.102(a) (Sole Source)
- Period of Performance: Five (5) months following Approved to Proceed (ATP).
- Place of Performance: NASA/Johnson Space Center (JSC), Houston, TX.
- NAICS Code: 541715
Milestones & Deliverables
- M1 - Kickoff: ATP + 2 weeks (Project kickoff meeting, finalized schedule).
- M2 - Final Delivery: ATP + 5 months (Completion of optimized thermal bonding process, delivery of samples, drawings, and testing reports).
- Key Deliverables: Project kickoff meeting, weekly technical status updates, drawings and assembly instructions for tooling/custom equipment, detailed work instructions for thermal bonding processes, delivery of test results against NASA requirements, and updated documentation of production processes and CAD revisions.
Submission & Evaluation
- Submission Deadline: May 5, 2026, by 3:00 p.m. Central Standard Time.
- Submission Method: Interested organizations must submit their capabilities and qualifications in writing to the identified point of contact. Oral communications are not acceptable.
- Evaluation: Submissions will be evaluated solely to determine if the procurement should be conducted on a competitive basis.
Set-Aside
This is a sole source determination. However, interested parties are strongly encouraged to submit their capabilities to potentially foster competition.
Contact Information
- Primary Point of Contact: Cara Craft, Procurement Specialist II
- Email: cara.s.craft@nasa.gov