Microwave Digester to dissolve materials in acid solutions
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) Shared Services Center has re-opened a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for a Microwave Digestion System to dissolve materials in acid solutions. This is a Brand Name or Equal To requirement, set aside for Total Small Business. Quotes are due by May 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CST.
Scope of Work
NASA requires a Microwave Digestion System with specific technical capabilities:
- Corrosion Resistance: Must withstand regular exposure to hydrochloric acid and aqua regia.
- Acid Removal: Automated acid removal capabilities are essential.
- Digestion Cavity: Must utilize a pressure digestion cavity, not a rotor-based system.
- Temperature & Pressure: Capable of reaching temperatures up to 300°C and maintaining a continuous working pressure of at least 80 bar.
- Cooling System: An integrated cooling system is required.
- Vessel Specifications: Vessels should typically accommodate 5 mL for digesting 100-200 mg samples; high capacity is not critical. Vessels must be compatible with acid mixtures including hydrochloric, nitric, and hydrofluoric acids.
- Delivery: Within 12 weeks of the vendor's receipt of the purchase order.
Contract Details
- Opportunity Type: Solicitation (RFQ)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- Product Service Code: 6640 (Laboratory Equipment And Supplies)
- NAICS Code: 334516
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed-Price (implied)
- Delivery: FOB Destination
- Payment Terms: Net 30
Submission & Evaluation
- Quotes Due: May 20, 2026, 5:00 p.m. CST.
- Submission Method: Via email to Laura Quave at laura.a.quave@nasa.gov.
- Quote Requirements: Must include Cage Code & UEI #, ARO delivery time/Lead Time, shipping information, and any applicable discounts. Quotes must remain valid for 30 days.
- Eligibility: Offerors must be registered at www.sam.gov.
- Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the responsible Offeror whose quote is the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA). Quotes must demonstrate satisfactory fulfillment of all requirements.
Additional Notes
This RFQ was re-opened due to a revised Statement of Work and to compete as a small business set-aside, superseding an earlier sole-source intent. Vendor questions and customer responses have also been added. All correspondence should reference Notice ID 80NSSC26929758Q.