Feasibility Study for Payload Processing Facility for Nuclear Operations
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 Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is issuing a Request for Quotations (RFQ) for a Feasibility Study for Payload Processing Facility (PPF) Operations for Nuclear Missions. This study aims to identify or develop facilities capable of processing spacecraft with nuclear material near KSC/Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) by January 1, 2028. The contract type is Firm Fixed-Price, and the acquisition is UNRESTRICTED. Offers are due by May 15, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
The selected contractor will conduct a comprehensive study to provide insight into existing or potential PPFs. Key aspects include:
- Developing a detailed Ground Operations Concept of Flow for processing spacecraft with nuclear material.
- Describing operational sequences, required facilities, equipment, safety controls, interfaces, and constraints.
- Ensuring the facility meets specific requirements such as ISO Cleanliness Class 7, Planetary Protection Safeguards, Light Weight Radioisotope Heater Unit (LWRHU) Nuclear Material Handling, and designated processing/fairing encapsulation areas.
- Providing documentation for safety assessment to facilitate Hazard Category 3 designation.
- If the PPF is not yet constructed, detailing the construction process, schedule, risks, and mitigation strategies.
- Obtaining a Technical Assistance Agreement (TAA) with an international partner for information exchange.
Contract Details
- Solicitation Number: 80KSC026Q0004
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed-Price
- Period of Performance: May 22, 2026, to December 31, 2026 (for the study). Facility capability required by January 1, 2028.
- NAICS Code: 541990 (All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services) with a size standard of $19.5 Million.
- Product Service Code: AR11 (Space R&D Services; Space Flight, Research And Supporting Activities; Basic Research)
- Set-Aside: UNRESTRICTED
Evaluation Factors
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
- Technical: Proposed approach to meet the Statement of Work, proof of location for the proposed facility, and a lease agreement or proof of ownership.
- Price: Offerors must provide pricing for Item 1 (Nuclear Study per SOW) and Item 2 (TAA with an international partner based on ESA/AirBus). Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose proposal is most advantageous to the Government, considering price and other factors.
Submission & Deadlines
- Questions Due: May 8, 2026, by 12:00 PM ET, submitted electronically to Allyson Grooms (ksc-ssppf@mail.nasa.gov).
- Offers Due: May 15, 2026, by 12:00 PM ET, via email.
- Contact: Allyson Grooms (allyson.grooms@nasa.gov, 321-867-2304).
Additional Notes
Offerors are responsible for downloading all solicitation documents from SAM.gov. The solicitation includes FAR clauses 52.212-1, 52.212-2, 52.212-4, and NASA Clause 1852.215-84 (Ombudsman). Clause 1852.225-71 restricts funding activity with China.