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 is seeking proposals for a Feasibility Study for Payload Processing Facility (PPF) Operations for Nuclear Missions. This study aims to gain insight into existing or planned contractor-owned PPFs capable of processing spacecraft with nuclear material for future NASA missions. The study is not for the design or construction of a NASA-owned facility. Responses are due May 15, 2026, by 12:00 PM ET.
Purpose & Scope
This Request for Quotations (RFQ) is for a study to understand the capabilities of contractor-owned Payload Processing Facilities (PPFs) that could support NASA's nuclear missions. The study specifically focuses on facilities with Light Water Reactor High-Unit (LWRHU) capabilities, not larger Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) or fission reactors. The PPF must be existing or planned for completion by January 1, 2028, and located near Kennedy Space Center (KSC) / Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS). The sole purpose is for NASA to gain insight; it does not guarantee facility procurement or future mission use.
Key Requirements
Offerors must demonstrate:
- A proposed approach to meet the Statement of Work (SOW).
- Proof of location for the proposed built/potential facility, capable of supporting nuclear material transport to KSC/CCSFS by January 1, 2028.
- Proof of ownership or a lease agreement for the facility.
- The SOW requires developing a detailed Ground Operations Concept of Flow for processing spacecraft with nuclear material, describing operational sequences, required facilities, equipment, safety controls, and interfaces.
- The facility must meet specific standards, including ISO Cleanliness Class 7, Planetary Protection Safeguards, and be capable of LWRHU nuclear material handling and storage.
- Deliverables include documentation for safety assessment (Hazard Category 3 designation), a comprehensive description of construction (if applicable), a PowerPoint summary, and ROM pricing for processing implementation and Hazard Category 3 completion.
Contract Details
- Opportunity Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (RFQ)
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price
- Period of Performance: May 22, 2026, to December 31, 2026 (for the study)
- Set-Aside: Unrestricted
- NAICS Code: 541990 (All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services)
- Size Standard: $19.5 Million
- Product Service Code: AR11 (Space R&D Services; Space Flight, Research And Supporting Activities; Basic Research)
- Agency: National Aeronautics And Space Administration (NASA)
Evaluation Factors
Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose offer is most advantageous to the Government, considering price and other factors. Evaluation factors include:
- Technical: Proposed approach to meet the SOW, proof of facility location, and lease agreement/proof of ownership.
- Price: Pricing for Item 1 (Nuclear Study per SOW) and Item 2 (Trade-off Analysis (TAA) with an international partner based on ESA/AirBus).
Submission Details & Deadlines
- Questions Due: May 8, 2026, by 12:00 PM ET (submit electronically to Allyson Grooms).
- Responses Due: May 15, 2026, by 12:00 PM ET (submit electronically).
- Contact: Allyson Grooms, allyson.grooms@nasa.gov, 321-867-2304.