To build a plate for the KERMIT on the ISS.
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), specifically the NASA Shared Services Center (NSSC), has issued a Special Notice for the design, fabrication, and installation of a new mounting plate for the KEyence Research MIcroscope Testbed (KERMIT) on the International Space Station (ISS). This requirement is initially intended as a sole source award to TEC-MASTERS, INC., but interested organizations are invited to submit capabilities. Submissions are due by April 16, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Central Standard Time.
Scope of Work
The scope involves designing, fabricating, certifying for flight, and installing a new mounting plate for the KERMIT Head Unit and Control Box. Key requirements include:
- Designing and fabricating a mounting plate that isolates the KERMIT from outside vibrations.
- Producing fabrication and installation drawings.
- Providing engineering support, including near real-time on-call support, analysis, and anomaly resolution.
- Defining and delivering a proposed solution for on-orbit hazard controls and mitigation plans (Safety Phase 0-3).
- Developing and delivering a Flight Certification confirming all safety and interface requirements.
- Developing on-orbit operations products and executing procedures for mounting the KERMIT in a Basic EXPRESS Rack (BER) on the ISS.
- Monthly project schedule updates and a report of on-orbit operations within 48 hours of completion.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (intended sole source, but competitive responses considered)
- Procuring Center: NASA/NSSC
- NAICS Code: 513210 (General Science And Technology R&D Services; Basic Research)
- Place of Performance: NASA/Johnson Space Center (JSC), Houston, TX, and International Space Station.
- Period of Performance: Task Order Issuance through June 30, 2027.
- Response Due: April 16, 2026, 3:00 p.m. CST.
- Published: April 13, 2026.
Evaluation
Submissions from interested organizations will be evaluated solely to determine if the procurement should be conducted on a competitive basis. Oral communications are not acceptable.
Eligibility / Set-Aside
This notice is for a sole source determination to TEC-MASTERS, INC. However, responses from other qualified organizations may lead to a competitive procurement. No specific set-aside is designated.
Additional Notes
NASA FAR Supplement Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The primary point of contact is Cara Craft, Procurement Specialist II, at cara.s.craft@nasa.gov.