ContractCombined Synopsis/Solicitation
Feasibility Study for Payload Processing Facility for Nuclear Operations
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION• 80KSC026Q0004
Response Deadline
May 15, 2026
7 days left
Days Remaining
7
Until deadline
Set-Aside
No Set aside used
Notice Type
Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
Contract Opportunity Analysis
NASA Kennedy Space Center is seeking quotations for a feasibility study of a contractor-owned Payload Processing Facility to support future nuclear missions, not for the design or construction of a NASA-owned facility. The work focuses on evaluating existing or planned facilities that could be operational by January 1, 2028 and capable of handling spacecraft with nuclear material near Kennedy Space Center or Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The study calls for a proposed approach, proof of facility location and ownership or lease, and documentation addressing requirements such as Hazard Category 3 designation, ISO Class 7 cleanliness, planetary protection safeguards, and support for Light Weight Radioisotope Heater Units. Offerors must also price the nuclear study and a Technical Assistance Agreement with an international partner, and responses are due by email no later than 12:00 PM ET on May 15, 2026, with questions due by May 8, 2026.
Classification Codes
NAICS Code
541990
All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
PSC Code
AR11
SPACE R&D SERVICES; SPACE FLIGHT, RESEARCH AND SUPPORTING ACTIVITIES; BASIC RESEARCH
Solicitation Documents
Solicitation - 80KSC026Q0004.pdf
PDF•262 KB•May 8, 2026
AI Summary
The document is a NASA Kennedy Space Center solicitation (80KSC026Q0004) for a study on built/potential Spacecraft Processing and Payload Facilities (PPFs) capable of handling nuclear material by January 1, 2028. The solicitation outlines technical and price evaluation factors, including the proposed approach, facility location proof near KSC/Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, and ownership/lease agreements. Pricing requires proposals for a nuclear study and a Technical Assistance Agreement (TAA) with an international partner. The contract incorporates various FAR and NFS clauses, notably restricting funding for activities with China or Chinese-owned companies, with an exception for commercial and non-developmental items. Payment instructions are provided, directing contractors to submit vouchers/invoices to the NASA Shared Services Center (NSSC).
Attachment 01 - Statement of Work.pdf
PDF•99 KB•May 8, 2026
AI Summary
NASA's Statement of Work outlines a feasibility study for a Payload Processing Facility (PPF) near Kennedy Space Center/Cape Canaveral Space Force Station to handle increasing spacecraft missions with nuclear material. The facility must be operational by January 1, 2028, and capable of processing nuclear materials, meeting ISO Class 7 cleanliness, planetary protection safeguards, and supporting hazardous operations like spacecraft fueling. Contractors must develop a comprehensive ground operations concept, provide specifications for existing or planned facilities, and secure a Hazard Category 3 designation for nuclear material processing by the deadline. Key deliverables include facility documentation for safety assessments, a construction description if applicable, a presentation on the operations concept, ITAR versions for international partners, monthly status calls, and ROM prices for processing and designation completion.
Amendment 1 - Question and Reponses.docx
Word•35 KB•May 8, 2026
AI Summary
NASA's request for quote (RFQ) seeks information on existing or planned contractor-owned Payload Processing Facilities (PPFs) capable of processing spacecraft with nuclear material by January 1, 2028. This study is for insight only and does not involve procuring a PPF, designing a government-owned facility, or guaranteeing NASA's future use of any PPF. Offerors must demonstrate their PPF's capability to support nuclear missions, provide proof of location near Kennedy Space Center/Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, and detail their approach to meet Department of Energy, Idaho National Laboratory, and NASA requirements for a Hazard Category 3 designation. The focus is specifically on facilities capable of handling Light Weight Radioisotope Heater Units (LWRHUs), not larger radioisotope power systems or fission reactor payloads. Contractors are responsible for owning, developing, and operating any described PPF.
Related Contract Opportunities
Project Timeline
postedOriginal Solicitation PostedMay 1, 2026
amendedLatest Amendment· Description UpdatedMay 8, 2026
deadlineResponse DeadlineMay 15, 2026
expiryArchive DateMay 16, 2026
Agency Information
Department
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
Sub-Tier
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
Office
NASA KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
Point of Contact
Place of Performance
Florida, UNITED STATES