Feasibility Study for Payload Processing Facility for Nuclear Operations

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides clarifications and answers to questions submitted by potential offerors regarding a request for quote (RFQ) for a study on existing or potential Payload Processing Facilities (PPFs) for NASA nuclear missions.

• Scope of PPF Capability: The study is specifically for insight into PPFs capable of handling LWRHUs (Light Weight). It is not intended to address larger Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) or fission systems.
• Purpose of Study: The study aims to gain insight into Contractor-owned PPFs that could be used for future NASA nuclear missions. It is not procuring a PPF, nor is it authorizing design or construction of a PPF. NASA is not guaranteeing future use of any PPF.
• Facility Location: The facility must be located on, or in the vicinity of, Kennedy Space Center (KSC) / Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) and have a means to transport encapsulated spacecraft to a launch pad.
• Government-Provided Information: The Government will not provide facility as-builts, specifications, utility data, crane data, cleanroom records, payload envelopes, mass properties, lift points, handling constraints, access requirements, or GSE.
• International Partners: NASA will not share information about international partners or their corresponding missions.

This Q&A document clarifies the scope and intent of the solicitation, emphasizing that it is a study for insight only and not a procurement of a facility or design. It also explicitly states what information the Government will not provide, which may impact how offerors prepare their proposals and assess facility requirements.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides clarifications and responses to questions regarding the Request for Quote (RFQ) for a study on Payload Processing Facility (PPF) capabilities for NASA's nuclear missions.

• PPF Scope: The study is not requesting or authorizing the design or construction of a government-owned PPF. It seeks insight into existing or planned (by Jan 1, 2028) contractor-owned PPFs capable of processing nuclear materials, specifically focusing on Light Water Reactor (LWR) High-Unit (LWRHU) capabilities.
• Payload Types: The study's focus is limited to PPFs with LWRHU capability. It does not require addressing larger Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) or fission reactor payloads.
• Facility Ownership: Any PPF discussed must be owned, developed, and operated by the contractor, not NASA.
• Study Purpose: The sole purpose is for NASA to gain insight into PPF capabilities for potential future use, not to procure a facility or guarantee future NASA missions.
• Government Furnished Information: NASA will not provide facility as-builts, specifications, payload details, quantities, or specific international partner information. Offerors must provide proof of facility ownership or lease agreements.
• International Partners: The study is for insight into a contractor's PPF that can support future nuclear missions, not exclusively for a specific mission like the ESA Rosalind Franklin Mission.

Offerors should note that the scope is limited to insight into contractor-owned PPFs with LWRHU capabilities. Key technical requirements include demonstrating the facility's location near KSC/CCSFS, its capability to transport nuclear material, and providing proof of ownership/lease. Pricing is required for the Nuclear Study and a Trade-off Analysis (TAA) with an international partner (ESA/AirBus).

Statement of Work (SOW)

NASA requires insight into existing or potential Payload Processing Facilities (PPFs) capable of processing spacecraft with nuclear material by January 1, 2028. The facility should be located near Kennedy Space Center (KSC) / Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) and support transport of encapsulated spacecraft to the launch pad.

• Develop a detailed Ground Operations Concept of Flow for processing spacecraft with nuclear material.

• Describe operational sequences, required facilities, equipment, safety controls, interfaces, and constraints.

• Detail how the facility will meet specific requirements including:

  • ISO Cleanliness Class 7
  • Planetary Protection Safeguards
  • Light Weight Radioisotope Heater Unit (LWRHU) Nuclear Material Handling and Storage
  • Spacecraft Processing area (minimum 21m W x 21m L x 6m H)
  • 5-meter fairing preparation and encapsulation area (minimum 15m W x 21m L x 18m H)
  • Spacecraft Monopropellant Fueling Operations
  • Potential international partner involvement.

• Provide documentation for safety assessment to facilitate Hazard Category 3 designation for nuclear material processing.

• If the PPF is not yet constructed, provide a comprehensive description of the construction process, including schedule, risks, and mitigation strategies.

• Obtain TAA with an international partner for information exchange.

• Facility and hazard type documentation for DOE/INL safety assessment by January 1, 2028.

• Comprehensive description of the facility's construction process (within 1 week of ATP).

• PowerPoint presentation summarizing Ground Operations Concept of Flow results (by October 1, 2026).

• ITAR version of results for international partners.

• Monthly 30-minute status telecons.

• ROM price for 5-month processing implementation (by October 1, 2026).

• ROM price for Hazard Category 3 designation completion (by October 1, 2026).

• Facility capability required by January 1, 2028.

• Processing period: 5 months, starting January 1, 2028.

• Location: On or vicinity of KSC / CCSFS.

• Attainment of Hazard Category 3 designation for nuclear material processing.

• Compliance with DOE, INL, and NASA requirements.

• Adherence to specific cleanliness and safety standards.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for a study into built/potential Processing Facilities for Nuclear Materials (PPFs) capable of processing spacecraft with nuclear material. The study is required to support the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) / Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) and must be completed by January 1, 2028.

• Conduct a study on built/potential PPFs for processing spacecraft with nuclear material.

• Provide proof of location for the proposed facility.

• Provide a lease agreement or proof of ownership for the facility.

• The Statement of Work (SOW) is detailed in Attachment 01.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price.

• Period of Performance: May 22, 2026, to December 31, 2026.

• Product Service Code: AR11.

• NAICS Code: 541990 (All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services).

• Size Standard: Not specified.

• Offer Due Date: May 15, 2026, 12:00 PM ET.

• Evaluation Factors:

  • Technical: Proposed approach to meet SOW, proof of facility location, and lease agreement/proof of ownership.
  • Price: Offeror to provide pricing for Item 1 (Nuclear Study per SOW) and Item 2 (TAA with an international partner based on ESA/AirBus).

• The government will award to the responsible offeror whose offer is most advantageous, considering price and other factors.

• This acquisition is UNRESTRICTED.

• Refer to Attachment 01 for the Statement of Work.

• The solicitation includes FAR clauses 52.212-1, 52.212-3, and 52.212-5.

• Clause 1852.225-71 (Restriction on Funding Activity with China) is included, requiring contractors not to contract with China or Chinese-owned companies for efforts related to this contract, except for commercial and non-developmental items.