John C. Stennis Space Center (SSC) Liquid Nitrogen Air Separation Unit (LNASU)
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 STENNIS SPACE CENTER, has issued a Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (JOFOC) for the sole-source award of Contract No. 80SSC026C0003 to Nikkiso Cosmodyne. This contract is for a Liquid Nitrogen Air Separation Unit (LNASU), specifically the PINE 8 Liquid Nitrogen Production Plant, to support the production of high-purity liquid nitrogen at the John C. Stennis Space Center High Pressure Gas Facility. This notice is provided in accordance with FAR 6.305.
Scope of Work
The contract provides for a full-functioning modular, skid-mounted cryogenic air separation unit and associated equipment and services. The unit must produce high-purity Grade B liquid nitrogen at a rate of 86 metric tons per day (TPD). Key requirements include a modular, skid-mounted, and transportable system utilizing an advanced air-cycle refrigeration process for high efficiency (0.79 kWh/Nm³). It also requires a redundant PLC-based control system with remote monitoring capabilities and integration with existing infrastructure at the High Pressure Gas Facility (HPGF), Building 3305.
Contract Details
- Type: Sole-Source Contract (80SSC026C0003)
- Awardee: Nikkiso Cosmodyne
- Set-Aside: Not applicable; awarded under FAR 6.302-1, "Only One Responsible Source"
- Period of Performance: Estimated no more than 18 months after contract award for delivery of the fabricated and tested system.
- Published Date: June 16, 2026
Justification & Rationale
NASA determined that Nikkiso Cosmodyne was the only responsible source capable of meeting the Agency's requirements within the required schedule and technical parameters. Market research, including an RFI, indicated Nikkiso Cosmodyne as the sole capable source due to proprietary technology, specialized expertise, and unique system features. Other potential sources, such as Noblegen Cryogenics and Messer LLC, were deemed non-compliant or incapable of meeting the specific requirements.
Contact Information
- Primary Contact: Adrianne Ragan (adrianne.peyton.ragan@nasa.gov, 228-688-3499)
- Secondary Contact: Melissa Wagner (melissa.r.wagner@nasa.gov, 228-688-1065)