Procure an explosion-resistant Armag to utilize as a cured propellant test facility

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This SOW defines the requirements for the procurement, fabrication, delivery, and installation of a prefabricated Hazard Division (HD) 1.3 cured propellant test facility. The facility is intended to support the mission needs of the Solid Propulsion and Pyrotechnic Devices Branch (ER62).

• The facility is an explosion-resistant operations building measuring 30' x 15' x 10'.

• It must be constructed to ATF Type 2 magazine specifications.

• The building will be equipped with explosion-resistant power, lighting, HVAC, grounding, ESD flooring, and non-sparking interior laboratory fixtures.

• The configuration will be based on provided engineering drawings.

• Structure must meet or exceed ATF Type 2 magazine construction requirements.

• All systems must be intrinsically safe or explosion resistant per Class II Div 1 requirements.

• Acceptance criteria include review of as-built drawings, verification of system specifications, visual inspection, and functional demonstration of HVAC, lighting, electrical outlets, grounding, continuity, and door/security hardware.

• Delivery FOB Destination: MSFC, Huntsville, AL.

• Estimated availability: approximately 30 weeks after drawing approval.

• General: Dimensions: 30 ft (L) × 15 ft (W) × 10 ft (H). Exterior finish: Desert Tan Devthane 349QC.

• Electrical: Integrated explosion-resistant power distribution system, 120/208V 3-phase main panel, 100A main breaker, 50A breaker/transformer for oven, multiple 120V/20A explosion-resistant receptacles, explosion-resistant LED lighting, explosion-resistant exit light, and explosion-resistant camera receptacles.

• HVAC: Class II, Division 1 explosion-resistant HVAC unit (36,000 BTU) and Class II, Division 1 explosion-resistant heater.

• Grounding & Lightning: Copper bus bar grounding system, isolated ground plates, and lightning protection kit.

• Flooring & Surfaces: ESD-rated conductive tile flooring, 2" insulation, 3" hardwood floor layer, and painted plywood interior wall finish.

• Laboratory Fixtures: Aluminum non-sparking work benches, shelves, isolated-ground workstations, self-contained eye-wash station, and floor drain.

• Penetrations & Interfaces: Through-wall pipe penetrations (up to 4" diameter) for oven exhaust and instrument cabling, and exterior NEMA 3R disconnect for 480V oven power.

• Doors & Security: High-security double exterior doors with ATF-compliant hooded locking systems and panic bar on active door.

• Warranty: 12-month warranty on materials and workmanship, and 12-month paint warranty against flaking/peeling.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Recommendation and Determination to solicit from one source or brand name. It recommends negotiating with Armag Corporation for a prefabricated HD 1.3 cured propellant test facility.

• The facility must meet ATF Type 2, explosion resistant electrical/HVAC, grounding, and intrinsic safety requirements defined by MSFC ER62.

• The laboratory must be 30' x 15' x 10' and intrinsically safety compliant.

• It must be built to ATF Type 2 magazine specifications, featuring integrated explosion-resistant electrical distribution, HVAC, lighting, grounding bus, ESD flooring, lightning protection, non-sparking work surfaces, eye wash, and oven penetrations.

• The estimated cost of this effort is redacted.

• The estimated period of performance or lead-time for delivery is 08/20/2027.

This document does not detail submission instructions or evaluation criteria, as it is a justification for a sole-source procurement.

This is a sole-source recommendation, indicating no set-aside is planned.

• Armag Corporation is identified as the only vendor providing turn-key, OEM integrated explosive operations laboratories with full electrical, HVAC, grounding, and safety critical systems.
• Other federal organizations (FBI TEDAC, NCETR) have independently validated Armag Corporation as the only known capable supplier.
• Competing vendors were found to provide only storage magazines, not fully outfitted explosives laboratories.
• A Market Research Report (Market Research Report_Armag 2.0.docx) is attached, detailing potential competitors and the cost to retrofit storage magazines.
• Using another vendor/brand would require a separate contract mechanism to install safety features, potentially incurring unknown costs, schedule, and compatibility impacts.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This notice indicates NASA/NSSC's intent to issue a sole source contract to ARMAG CORP for the procurement of an explosion-resistant Armag to be utilized as a cured propellant test facility. The procuring center is NASA/NSSC, and performance will be located at NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). The government intends to acquire commercial items using FAR Part 12.

• Procurement of an explosion-resistant Armag.

• Utilization as a cured propellant test facility.

• The government intends to award a sole source contract to ARMAG CORP.

• The NAICS Code for this procurement is 337215.

• Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications in writing to the identified point of contact.

• The deadline for submissions is 7 a.m. Central Standard Time on May 6, 2026.

• Submissions will be evaluated solely to determine if the procurement should be conducted on a competitive basis.

• The determination not to compete is at the sole discretion of the government.

• Oral communications are not acceptable.

• This is currently intended as a sole source procurement.

• NASA FAR Supplement Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. Information on the Center Ombudsman can be found at the provided link.

• Primary Point of Contact: Shanna L. Patterson, Procurement Specialist (Shanna.L.Patterson@nasa.gov).