Engineering support for EXoplanet Climate Infrared TElescope mission
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/NSSC intends to award a sole source contract to TRIGGS TECH LLC for Engineering support for the EXoplanet Climate Infrared TElescope (EXCITE) mission. This Special Notice is issued to determine if other qualified organizations can provide the required support. The effort involves specialized engineering for detector systems and field campaign support. Interested parties must submit capabilities by March 17, 2026, 3:00 p.m. Central Standard Time (CST). The NAICS code is 541330 (Other Professional Services).
Scope of Work
The objective is to provide engineering support for NASA award 18-APRA18-0075, "Probing Exoplanet Atmospheric Physics Using The EXoplanet Climate Infrared Telescope (EXCITE)." Key tasks include:
- Developing and implementing custom laboratory instrumentation for testing and analyzing mercury cadmium telluride (HgCdTe) detector systems.
- Providing high throughput, real-time analysis solutions and off-line data reduction procedures.
- Integrating ancillary data sources and equipment, and providing synchronization solutions.
- Offering testing, training, and laboratory operational support.
- Supporting instrument deployment field campaigns.
- Documenting system design and maintaining version control.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Special Notice (Sole Source Justification / Sources Sought)
- Authority: FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i)
- Procuring Center: NASA/NSSC
- Place of Performance: NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), with potential field campaigns at NASA/CSBF in Palestine, TX, and Ft. Sumner, NM.
- Period of Performance: January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2027
- Response Due: March 17, 2026, 3:00 p.m. CST
- Published: March 12, 2026
- Set-Aside: None specified
Special Requirements
The effort requires specific expertise including:
- Experience with HgCdTe detectors, ACADIA controllers, and MACIE detector electronics.
- Experience with cryogenic systems for suborbital platforms (balloons, aircraft).
- Familiarity with visible light camera systems for infrared pointing feedback.
- Experience deploying suborbital instrumentation in field settings.
Evaluation
Responses will be evaluated solely to determine if this procurement can be conducted on a competitive basis. The Government retains discretion on whether to proceed with full and open competition.