GOSWIFT Test Pod

NASA/Armstrong Flight Research Center has issued a Request for Quotations (RFQ) 80AFRC26Q0006 for the Geometry Optimization and Sensing with Integration and Flight (GOSWIFT) program. This 100% Small Business set-aside seeks proposals for the design, manufacture, and delivery of an aerodynamic test pod for the F-15D aircraft, which will maintain the Outer Mold Line (OML) of a standard 610-gallon external fuel tank. The pod will provide internal volume for instrumentation and test equipment. The period of performance is 14 months from contract award, with delivery to NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, CA. The solicitation includes requirements for technical approach, past performance, and pricing, with offers due by June 2, 2026, and an anticipated award date of July 8, 2026.

This Statement of Work outlines the design, manufacturing, and delivery of a flight-ready aerodynamic test pod and a ground handling cart for NASA's Geometry Optimization and Sensing with Integration and Flight (GOSWIFT) Aerodynamic Research Test Pod project. The test pod will maintain the Outer Mold Line of an F-15D external fuel tank, providing internal volume for instrumentation. Key requirements include collaborative engineering support, adherence to detailed NASA designs, and the use of aerospace-grade materials. The ground handling cart must facilitate storage, maintenance, and aircraft upload, meeting specific structural and operational standards. Deliverables encompass detailed documentation, engineering reports, and the hardware itself. The contractor is responsible for establishing a Quality Assurance program compliant with AS9100D, with a performance period of 14 months.

The NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center is issuing Solicitation No. 80AFRC26Q0006 for the Geometry Optimization and Sensing with Integration and Flight Test (GOSWIFT) program. This Request for Quote (RFQ) requires offerors to provide a Past Performance Questionnaire for current or previous customers to evaluate their performance. The questionnaire seeks information on the contractor's quality, schedule, and management, allowing evaluators to rate performance as unsatisfactory, marginal, satisfactory, very good, or exceptional. The completed questionnaires are due by 5:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time on June 2, 2026, and must be emailed to Jenni Schnarr (jennifer.schnarr@nasa.gov) and Tanjanica Jackson (tanjanica.s.jackson@nasa.gov). The information provided will be considered sensitive and will not be released to the offeror. All inquiries regarding the acquisition or questionnaire should be directed to Jenni Schnarr.

The NASA-STD-5005D W/CHANGE 2 document outlines uniform engineering and technical requirements for the design and fabrication of Ground Support Equipment (GSE) used in NASA space flight programs and projects. This standard, intended for use by NASA Headquarters and Centers, establishes minimum requirements and best practices for ground systems and equipment that interact with space flight systems after government acceptance, excluding manufacturing facilities or equipment. It covers general requirements such as commercial off-the-shelf equipment, system performance, reliability, environmental conditions, and quality assurance. Additionally, the document details specific design and fabrication requirements for structural, mechanical (pneumatics, cryogenics, hypergols, hydraulics, ECS), electrical/electronic components, parts, electromagnetic interference, identification, safety, human factors, and information technology security. Materials and processes (M&P) requirements, including material properties, controls, flammability, compatibility, and various fabrication processes like welding, brazing, and corrosion control, are also specified. The standard emphasizes tailoring provisions based on risk assessments and provides a comprehensive list of applicable government and non-government documents.