NASA Request for Information (RFI) – Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) Facility Commercial Utilization
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) is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to gauge interest from commercial entities, educational institutions, non-profits, and other governmental agencies in utilizing its Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) facility. Located at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX, the NBL is a world-class underwater training and simulation facility. NASA seeks to explore collaboration opportunities for its commercial utilization. Responses are due by September 30, 2026.
Scope of Opportunity
NASA's NBL is one of the world's largest indoor pools, measuring 202 ft. long, 102 ft. wide, and 40 ft. deep, holding 6.2 million gallons of chlorinated water. While primarily used for astronaut training and mission development, it can support a wide range of activities including:
- Zero-gravity or 1/6th gravity simulations.
- On-water search and rescue operations.
- Underwater training activities.
- Secure operations with options for after-hours, darkened underwater, and chilled water conditions (down to 38 degrees).
- Support for water survival, habitats, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and semi-submersibles.
- Simulation of nighttime, wind, rain, and wave generation environments.
The facility boasts integrated control rooms, video/audio capabilities, SCUBA and surface-supplied dive systems, medical and safety staff, hyperbaric chambers, and robust infrastructure including 25-ton bridge cranes, secure storage, and 24/7 guard-gate controlled access. It is conveniently located next to the Houston Spaceport and Ellington Airfield.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Special Notice
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: September 30, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. CST
- Published: April 28, 2026
- Place of Performance: Houston, TX
Submission Instructions
Interested parties should email their responses to elizabeth.kosobud@nasa.gov. Submissions must include:
- Entity name
- Point of Contact (POC) name, address, email, and phone number
- Proposed usage of the NBL
- Requested timeframe for utilization
Important: Do not submit proprietary information; data marked "proprietary" will not be reviewed.
Additional Notes
This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. The Government will not assume financial responsibility for any costs incurred by respondents. Responses will be used to develop future requirements and contract strategies, but no evaluation letters or results will be issued. Data will not be shared outside the Government.