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
NASA's Glenn Research Center (GRC) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to understand industry capabilities and development needs for Special Test Equipment (STE), specifically vacuum chambers, thermal shrouds, and Thermal Conditioning Units (TCU). This RFI aims to gather feedback on feasibility, reasonableness, and obtain Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) costs and lead times for these critical components. Responses are due by April 27, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST.
Scope of Work
The RFI details requirements for multiple types of STE:
- Vacuum Chambers:
- Types 1 & 2: Approximately 10'x11'x20' test section, accommodating ~4500 kg, capable of 5x10^-8 Torr with 5x10^-9 leak rate, #4 polished internal surfaces, 77K-340K temperature range. Designed for recessed pit installation with roll-in loading.
- Types 3, 4, & 5: Approximately 9'x9'x18' interior, accommodating 1000 kg, capable of 5x10^-8 Torr with 5x10^-9 leak rate, #4 polished internal surfaces, 77K-425K temperature range. Designed for flat floor installation with a swinging door.
- All chambers require welding and fabrication to meet ASME BPVC Section VIII, Div. 1.
- Thermal Shrouds:
- For Chambers 1 & 2: Capable of rejecting 100 kW heat load, fully flooded Liquid Nitrogen, high emissivity paint, and supporting 4500 kg test articles.
- For Chambers 3, 4, & 5: Capable of rejecting 1-10 kW heat load, fully flooded Liquid Nitrogen, handling heat up to 475K, 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 TCU400-1500 or similar).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: None specified (for market research purposes)
- Response Due: April 27, 2026, 3:00 PM EST
- Published: May 4, 2026
Submission & Evaluation
Interested parties should provide feedback on reasonableness and feasibility, recommendations, ROM costs, and lead times. Submissions must be in PDF format, no more than 50 pages, and sent electronically to paige.e.foreman@nasa.gov, referencing 80GRC026RFI01.
Additional Notes
This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment by the Government. NASA will not consider classified material; proprietary information must be clearly marked. Responses may be used for future solicitations.