TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: Freeze-Resistant Hydration System (MSC-TOPS-21)
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 Johnson Space Center is offering a Technology Transfer Licensing Opportunity for a freeze-resistant hydration system (MSC-TOPS-21). This innovative technology prevents water from freezing in extreme conditions, making it suitable for commercialization by interested companies. Responses are due February 27, 2027.
Technology Overview
This technology significantly improves existing hydration systems by preventing water from freezing in the tubing, container, and mouthpiece. It is designed to operate effectively down to minus 40 degrees Celsius and in 15-mile-per-hour winds for over a 12-hour period. The system was field-tested at Mt. Everest in May 2009 and was originally conceived by an astronaut-mountaineer to address dehydration risks in high-altitude environments.
Licensing Opportunity
NASA's Technology Transfer Program solicits inquiries from companies interested in obtaining license rights to commercialize, manufacture, and market this technology. License rights may be issued on an exclusive or nonexclusive basis and may include specific fields of use. NASA provides no funding in conjunction with these potential licenses and does not manufacture products for commercial sale.
How to Respond
To express interest, companies must submit a license application through NASA’s Automated Technology Licensing Application System (ATLAS) by visiting https://technology.nasa.gov/patent/MSC-TOPS-21. For questions, email Agency-Patent-Licensing@mail.nasa.gov, referencing the opportunity title.
Important Notes
This notice serves to promote public awareness of NASA-developed technology and conduct preliminary market research to determine public interest and potential for future licensing opportunities. No follow-on procurement is expected to result from responses to this notice.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (Technology Transfer Licensing Opportunity)
- Set-Aside: None
- Response Due: February 27, 2027, 04:00 PM EST
- Published: March 3, 2026