Mobile Launch Vehicle (MLV) Fabrication
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) Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) is conducting market research through a Special Notice to identify industry capabilities for the fabrication of a Mobile Launch Vehicle (MLV). This MLV will be specialized for launching scientific balloon payloads. Interested parties are requested to submit information by April 17, 2026.
Opportunity Details
NASA GSFC seeks to fabricate at least one MLV, with an option for a second, to be delivered within 18 months of award. The MLV design is based on an updated concept utilizing a separate chassis and powerplant, specifically a Caterpillar Model 966M wheel loader. The scope includes fabrication and acceptance testing of the MLV Chassis.
Scope of Work & Key Requirements
The fabrication effort involves meeting detailed specifications for the MLV Chassis, ranging from minimum requirements (820-REQ-13) to maximum specifications (820-REQ-NBOC2-40-1). Key requirements include:
- Chassis Design: Must prevent tipping, accommodate dynamic loads, maintain a maximum ground pressure of 80 psi, and allow for sea vessel and highway transport (width not exceeding 25 feet in launch configuration).
- Launch Boom: 4 feet wide, reaching 40-41 feet in height, capable of supporting 350 lbs, with compliant access.
- Durability & Environment: A minimum 30-year life cycle, operational in temperatures from -25°C to 40°C, and 10-100% humidity.
- Safety: Compliance with OSHA requirements for railings, steps, fall protection, and passive mechanical safety devices.
- Systems: Independent hydraulic system, wireless remote control interface, and an emergency shutoff button.
- Testing & Reviews: Proof testing, loaded maneuverability and stability testing, and engineering reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR).
- Deliverables: MLV Chassis (minimum one, maximum three), training for CSBF personnel, as-built drawings, updated documentation, and acceptance test repair/rework documents.
Submission Requirements
Responses, limited to five (5) pages, should indicate the contractor's ability to perform all aspects of the effort. Submissions must include:
- Contractor's name and CAGE code.
- A short narrative detailing interest and capability to meet minimum, maximum, or a mixture of scope requirements.
- An indication of whether the requirement is considered a commercial or non-commercial product.
- Evidence of qualifications, including experience, capabilities, projects, and resources.
- A documented quality assurance (QA) plan (ISO 9000/14000 preferred).
- A brief conceptual design.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (Request for Information/Market Research)
- Set-Aside: None specified.
- Response Due: April 17, 2026, by 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
- Submission Method: Electronically via email to Bianca Peters (bianca.a.peters@nasa.gov) and Amy C. Canfield (amy.c.canfield@nasa.gov).
- Place of Performance: Wallops Island, VA, with potential travel to vendor locations.
- Published: May 19, 2026 (with updates on May 18 and May 26, 2026, including redacted drawings).
Additional Notes
This is for information and planning purposes only; it is not a commitment by the Government, and no solicitation currently exists. The Government will not pay for information solicited, and respondents will not be notified of evaluation results. Twenty-two redacted drawings were attached on May 18, 2026, providing detailed technical specifications for various MLV components.