Mobile Launch Vehicle (MLV) Fabrication

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Statement of Work (SOW) details the tasks associated with the fabrication and acceptance testing of a new Mobile Launch Vehicle (MLV) for the NASA Balloon Program Office (BPO). The MLVs are used to facilitate the launch of scientific balloon payloads.

• Fabrication of a new MLV, based on an updated design utilizing a separate MLV chassis and powerplant.

• Procurement of a Caterpillar Model 966M wheel loader for the MLV powerplant (two units procured).

• Fabrication of the MLV Chassis.

• Acceptance testing of the new MLV.

• The work falls under the NASA Sub-Orbital and Special Orbital Projects Directorate.

• Not explicitly stated, but the fabrication is scheduled to deliver one MLV by November 2026.

• The work involves potential travel to vendor locations.

• Schedule A: Fabrication Vendor(s) Verification of Capabilities: Contractor to select 1-3 vendors for MLV chassis fabrication.

• Schedule B: MLV Design Document Exchange and Fabrication Planning: Planning phase for fabrication, including document exchange and planning.

• Schedule C: MLV Fabrication: Actual fabrication of the MLV chassis, with a minimum of one and a maximum of three chassis to be delivered.

• Deliverables include:

  • MLV Chassis (minimum one, maximum three).
  • Training for CSBF personnel on MLV operations.
  • As-built drawings (PDF and STEP files).
  • Updated documentation (Maintenance, Acceptance Testing, Inspection Plans, Operations).
  • MLV Acceptance Test Repairs and Rework Document.

• Contractor must provide a single point of contact (POC) and bi-weekly status summaries.

• Contractor must provide a schedule for all activities.

• Contractor must facilitate reviews of design packages and provide consultation services.

• Compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910 and other relevant standards and regulations.

• Use of government-furnished equipment (Caterpillar 966M wheel loader, MLV Launch Head) may be required.

• Contractor must ensure vendor compliance with specific requirements (820-REQ-13).

• NASA BPO owns the MLV Chassis Design.

• NASA BPO Program Manager is the acceptance authority for design changes.

• NASA has the right to inspect and accept MLV Chassis.

Requirements Document

This document establishes and defines the design requirements for the New NASA Balloon Program Office (BPO) Mobile Launch Vehicles (MLVs). These vehicles are intended for launching balloons for domestic and foreign campaigns, excluding Antarctica. The MLV consists of two primary sections: the Power Plant Section and the Mobile Launch Vehicle Chassis Section. This document primarily focuses on the requirements for the Chassis Section, which must accommodate a commercially available Power Plant Section, specifically the Caterpillar 966M Wheel Loader.

• Chassis Design: Must be designed to prevent tipping, accommodate dynamic loads and speeds, and impart a maximum ground pressure of 80 psi. Dimensions must allow for sea vessel and traditional highway transport. The chassis width must not exceed 25 feet in launch configuration.

• Launch Boom: Must be 4 feet wide, reach a height of at least 40 feet but no more than 41 feet, and support a person weighing up to 350 lbs. Flooring must be see-through with compliant access.

• Life Cycle: The chassis must have a life cycle of at least 30 years.

• Operational Environment: Must sustain operation in cold (-25°C) and hot (40°C) environments, and meet humidity/rain requirements (10%-100% humidity, up to 2"/hour rain rates).

• Safety: Must comply with OSHA requirements for hand railings, steps, and fall protection. Passive mechanical safety devices are required. Specific requirements for protective cage enclosures and overhead protection are detailed.

• Hydraulic System: Must be independent of the Power Plant, capable of operating disconnected, and ideally contained within a serviceable pallet. Includes requirements for boom and chassis lift jacks, pistons, piping, and connections.

• Electrical System: Must be designed for the operational environment with accessible components and runs secured to prevent rubbing.

• Power Plant Interface: Must accommodate a wireless system for remote control of hydraulic systems and include an emergency shutoff button.

• Testing: Includes proof testing (1.5x max load), loaded maneuverability and stability testing, and Acceptance Testing.

• Engineering Review: Requires System Requirements Review (SRR), Preliminary Design Review (PDR), and Critical Design Review (CDR).

• The document outlines requirements for design, manufacturing, testing, and delivery.

• Tailoring of MLV requirements must be formally documented and approved.

• Contractors must provide evidence of qualifications, including experience, capabilities, projects, and resources.

• A documented quality assurance (QA) plan (ISO 9000/14000 preferred) is required.

• A brief conceptual design must be included in the proposal.

• Specific contractor qualifications are required for proposal evaluation.

• The document references numerous governmental and non-governmental standards for design and safety.

• It details specific load cases, dynamic analyses, and launch scenarios for evaluation.