Special Test Equipment (STE) Vacuum Chambers, Thermal Shroud, and Thermal Conditioning Units (TCU)
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 NASA/Glenn Research Center (GRC) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gather industry insights and capabilities for Special Test Equipment (STE), specifically vacuum chambers, thermal shrouds, and Thermal Conditioning Units (TCUs). This RFI aims to understand development needs, assess feasibility, and obtain Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) costs and lead times for these critical components. This is for information and planning purposes only. Responses are due by April 27, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST.
Scope of Work
NASA GRC is seeking information on the development and supply of:
- Vacuum Chambers:
- Two large chambers (1&2): Approximately 10' tall x 11' wide x 20' long, accommodating 4500 kg test articles, achieving 5x10^-8 Torr vacuum, 5x10^-9 leak rate, #4 polished internal surfaces, and operating from 77K to 340K. Desired to be recessed in a pit with roll-in capability.
- Three smaller chambers (3,4,5): Approximately 9' tall x 9' wide x 18' long, accommodating 1000 kg test articles, achieving 5x10^-8 Torr vacuum, 5x10^-9 leak rate, #4 polished internal surfaces, and operating from 77K to 425K. Desired to be flat on a concrete floor with a swinging door.
- All chambers must meet ASME BPVC Section VIII, Div. 1 requirements.
- Thermal Shrouds:
- For Chambers 1&2: Capable of rejecting 100 kW heat load, handling fully flooded Liquid Nitrogen, with high emissivity paint, and supporting 4500 kg test articles.
- For Chambers 3,4,5: Capable of rejecting 1-10 kW heat load, handling fully flooded Liquid Nitrogen, heating up to 475K, with high emissivity paint, and supporting 1000 kg test articles.
- Thermal Conditioning Units (TCUs): For Chambers 3,4,5, controllable from 90K to 425K, with at least 10 kW refrigeration and 10 kW heating capacity, using N2 as the working fluid (e.g., Dynavac TCU400-TCU1500 or similar).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage)
- Response Due: April 27, 2026, 3:00 PM EST
- Published: April 22, 2026
Submission & Evaluation
Interested parties should provide feedback on the reasonableness and feasibility of the equipment, recommendations, ROM costs, and lead times. Responses, limited to 50 pages in PDF format, should be emailed to paige.e.foreman@nasa.gov, referencing 80GRC026RFI01. This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not guarantee a future solicitation or commitment from the Government.
Additional Notes
NASA will not consider classified material. Proprietary information must be clearly marked. Responses may be used for future solicitations or public correspondence.