Advanced mechanical testing at cryogenics temperatures for fabrics and plastic
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 Shared Services Center (NSSC) has issued a Special Notice for Advanced Mechanical Testing at Cryogenic Temperatures for fabrics and plastics. This requirement aims to characterize materials for future spacesuit development under Mars-like conditions. While the agency intends to award a sole source contract to Precision Measurements and Instruments Corporation, other interested organizations are invited to submit capabilities. Responses are due by April 20, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. CST.
Purpose
The primary objective is to characterize the puncture, tear, and tensile properties of various fabrics and polymers at cryogenic temperatures, specifically simulating Mars-like conditions. This testing will establish a baseline for current spacesuit materials to aid in future down-selection processes.
Scope of Work
The selected vendor will receive pre-cut test specimens from NASA and perform mechanical testing using a United Testing System (UTS) STN-100KN system at specified cryogenic temperatures (ambient 23 °C / 73 °F and cryo -143 °C / -225 °F). Tasks include inspecting, photographing, labeling, and storing samples, verifying specimen dimensions, and conditioning specimens to stable temperatures before testing. A total of 166 specimens will be tested according to ASTM standards: D5035-14 (Textile Fabrics Breaking Force and Elongation), D2261-13 (Fabric Tearing Strength), F1342/F1342M-05 (Protective Clothing Material Puncture Resistance), and D368-22 (Plastics Tensile Properties). Data logging will include force, temperature, and at least 100 data points per test, with outputs comprising average/maximum force, elongation, stress-strain curves, photographs, and videos.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Special Notice (intended sole source, seeking competitive interest)
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP)
- Period of Performance: Up to 12 months following Approved to Proceed (ATP), on an "as needed" basis.
- Response Due: April 20, 2026, by 3:00 p.m. Central Standard Time
- Published Date: April 15, 2026
- NAICS Code: 513210
Evaluation
Submissions from interested organizations will be evaluated solely to determine if a competitive procurement is warranted. If no other qualified sources are identified, the contract is intended to be awarded on a sole source basis to Precision Measurements and Instruments Corporation.
Place of Performance
The work will be performed at the vendor's facility, with post-test samples to be shipped to NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas. No travel is required.
Special Requirements
The vendor must perform services using commercially reasonable best efforts. All tested material must be returned to NASA, and a final report documenting test results and photos is required.