Hypobaric Hypoxia Characterization Studies
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
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), specifically the NASA Johnson Space Center, is issuing a Sources Sought notice for Hypobaric Hypoxia Characterization Studies. This Request for Information (RFI) seeks capabilities and recommendations for implementing multiple-day hypobaric chamber studies to characterize physiological, performance, and cognitive risks associated with a hypobaric, mild hypoxic atmosphere (equivalent to 4,000 – 12,000 ft) for future space exploration missions. Responses are due March 3, 2026.
Scope of Work
NASA is requesting information on:
- Candidate Facilities: Recommendations for facilities with the capabilities, expertise, and staffing to perform continuous 24-hour habitation for 7 to 30 consecutive days in a hypoxic environment using hypobaric chambers. Facilities should accommodate at least 6 persons per test, provide in-chamber diet, sanitary facilities, and support standardized measures. They must also be able to recruit, screen, and provide medical support for test subjects (age 30-60, 50% male-female, V02max >27.5 ml/min/kg, good health). An airlock for subject removal is ideal.
- Standardized Measures: Recommendations for standardized measures and analyses of physiological, performance, and cognitive outcomes (e.g., hypoxic stress, altitude sickness, sleep quality, exercise, cognitive performance, visual acuity, team cohesion). These measures must be performable in an enclosed hypobaric environment, provide efficient and meaningful results, and consider frequency for baseline, exposure, and readaptation phases. Standardization across international facilities for comparative studies is also a consideration.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: March 3, 2026, by 21:00:00Z
- Published: February 17, 2026
Evaluation
Responses will be used by NASA for planning and acquisition strategy development on a non-attribution basis. This RFI is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer; the Government does not intend to grant an award based on these responses. Proprietary or confidential information will be protected.
Additional Notes
This effort supports the NASA Human Research Program (HRP) in mitigating the risk of decompression sickness (DCS) during surface extravehicular activity (EVA) in upcoming Moon missions. By understanding the risks of hypobaric hypoxia in operationally-relevant atmospheres, NASA can make informed decisions on Exploration Atmosphere design for safe and flexible operations.