NASA (JSC) ANNOUNCEMENT FOR PROPOSALS (AFP) FOR LEASE OF UNDERUTILIZED BUILDING 49, VIBRATION AND ACOUSTIC TEST FACILITY
ID: AFP-JSC-B49-2024Type: Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNASA JOHNSON SPACE CENTERHOUSTON, TX, 77058, USA

NAICS

Real Estate and Rental and LeasingT (53)

PSC

LEASE/RENTAL OF OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE FACILITIES AND SERVICE BUILDINGS (X1AZ)
Timeline
    Description

    NASA's Johnson Space Center is soliciting proposals for the lease of Building 49, a Vibration and Acoustic Test Facility located in Houston, Texas. The facility, encompassing approximately 62,737 square feet, includes five specialized laboratories for vibration and acoustic testing but is currently underutilized and requires significant upgrades to its equipment and infrastructure. This opportunity aims to attract entities that can enhance the facility's operational capabilities while preserving its historical significance under the National Historic Preservation Act. Interested parties must submit their proposals by March 6, 2025, and can direct inquiries to Sandra Tetley at hq-realestate@mail.nasa.gov or by phone at 281-636-6875.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The government document outlines the specifications and context of Building 49 at NASA's Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, Texas, in connection with an ongoing Request for Proposals (RFP). The facility spans 62,737 square feet and comprises a complex of three wings—south, north, and central—housing specialized laboratories for vibration and acoustic testing, including the General Vibration Laboratory and Spacecraft Vibration Laboratory. Notably, the south wing is excluded from the lease proposal. The facility's strategic location and advanced operational capabilities make it a significant asset for aerospace research and development initiatives. This document serves as a critical part of the RFP process, providing potential contractors with essential information to assess their qualifications and capabilities for future projects at NASA. The emphasis on technical specifications and facility layout illustrates the importance of precise compliance with federal standards in the execution of aerospace-related tasks.
    The document consists of facility floor plans for a building, detailing three separate levels: first, second, and third floors. While specific design features and functions of each floor are not outlined in the provided text, such floor plans typically serve to illustrate spatial arrangements, usage areas, and potential operational workflows within government contexts. As part of federal grants or RFPs, these designs are essential for assessing facility needs, operational functionality, and compliance with safety regulations. They aid stakeholders in visualizing the infrastructure required to meet project goals, often aligning with funding requirements or project specifications mandated by governmental bodies. Overall, the inclusion of facility floor plans signifies a structured approach to project planning and execution, enhancing transparency and capability in government-funded initiatives.
    The document titled "Attachment D: Facility Imagery" consists of photographs depicting a building prior to its leasing process. It is important to note that these images were taken while the facility was still occupied, indicating that various items from the premises were removed in preparation for the lease. The file serves as a visual reference for stakeholders involved in federal RFPs, grants, and state or local proposals, providing insight into the facility's condition and existing infrastructure before any modifications or renovations are executed. This attachment is crucial for assessing the property and informing decision-making processes related to leasing and subsequent development plans.
    NASA's Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC) is issuing a Notice of Availability and Announcement for Proposal regarding the underutilized Vibration and Acoustics Test Facility (Building 49) in Houston, Texas. The document details the purpose of identifying industry interest in partnering with NASA to enhance the utilization of its facilities due to program cancellations and changing needs. It outlines goals such as documenting potential partnerships, assessing interest levels, and evaluating proposals with criteria linked to NASA's mission. Building 49 spans approximately 62,737 square feet and includes multiple specialized laboratories for vibration and acoustic testing. Current operations involve structural testing on aerospace hardware, and the document emphasizes that the facility's infrastructure can support diverse testing and training activities. Proposals submitted by interested parties will be evaluated based on how well they align with NASA's objectives, financial capability, and potential environmental impact. The process includes a clear call for submissions with specific information required from proposers. This initiative underscores NASA's commitment to strategic partnerships that advance innovation while optimizing underutilized agency assets for broader economic benefits and space exploration goals.
    The document is inaccessible due to an error in displaying its contents, hindering analysis for key topics or details. In the context of federal government RFPs, federal grants, and state/local RFPs, such files typically outline funding opportunities, eligibility criteria, application processes, and project requirements aimed at supporting various governmental and community initiatives. Upon regaining access, an assessment would center on identifying core objectives, compliance regulations, deadlines, funding amounts, and expected outcomes related to specific projects or programs. This information is vital for potential applicants aiming to align their proposals with government priorities and secure necessary funding for implementation.
    The Johnson Space Center (JSC) Environmental Resources Document (ERD) outlines the environmental features, impacts, and compliance practices associated with NASA's JSC facility in Houston, Texas. The report details the area's ecosystems, including air, water, land, and ecological resources, highlighting JSC's commitment to environmental stewardship. It describes the center's mission in manned space activities and related infrastructure, while addressing relevant environmental regulations and monitoring practices. Key sections cover the impacts of air pollutants, water resources, and land use planning, noting ongoing efforts to enhance sustainability, manage hazardous materials, and protect endangered species. Significant features include the facility's compliance with the Clean Air Act, stormwater management plans, and the establishment of conservation initiatives, such as the Attwater’s Prairie Chicken captive breeding program. The document serves as an informative resource for stakeholders interested in environmental compliance at JSC by summarizing environmental impacts from its activities and ongoing conservation efforts. As such, it emphasizes JSC's environmental responsibilities and initiatives while documenting the organization’s adherence to federal, state, and local regulations.
    The Programmatic Agreement between NASA's Johnson Space Center and the Texas State Historic Preservation Officer addresses the management and mitigation of adverse effects on historic properties associated with the Space Shuttle Program. Following the decision to retire the Space Shuttle Program by 2010, NASA conducted evaluations identifying several historic buildings and artifacts eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The Agreement outlines both parties' responsibilities to protect these properties during future NASA activities, including exemptions from the Section 106 review process for certain routine actions. It stipulates the procedures for consultation regarding undertakings that might adversely affect historic properties, requiring assessments of effects and proposed mitigations. Furthermore, it emphasizes public involvement, documentation, and the development of mitigation plans for adverse effects. The Agreement will undergo annual reviews, ensuring compliance and potential amendments as necessary, while delineating clear definitions of key terms related to historic preservation. Overall, this document embodies a proactive approach to preserving NASA's historical significance amidst evolving missions.
    The document outlines the characteristics and significance of the Vibration and Acoustic Test Facility (Building 49) managed by NASA. Initially documented by ACI in January 2010, the facility is crucial for testing spacecraft components, significantly contributing to advancements in the Space Shuttle program. Building 49 is recognized for its historical value under Criterion A, linked to the development of the Space Shuttle, and Criterion C, for its unique architectural features and specialized equipment. Despite its historical importance, ACI noted a significant loss of integrity due to the removal of critical components within the facility. The evaluation underlines the need for preserving the building's unique construction methods and historical significance while adhering to federal architectural principles. The document also references various structural images that illustrate the facility's operational history, including testing processes for the Apollo program and shuttle missions. Overall, the facility serves as a testament to innovation in aerospace testing and engineering, with implications for future preservation efforts and funding opportunities in the realm of federal grants and RFPs.
    The document contains corrupted and mixed data, including fragments of code, references to invalid areas, and miscellaneous characters that do not form coherent sentences or meaningful context. As a result, it lacks any clear or actionable information for analysis. Overall, it appears to be a malfunctioning output rather than a structured document.
    The document appears to be a corrupted or improperly formatted text containing non-sensical entries, snippets of code, and mixed languages that do not form coherent sentences or ideas. Consequently, it is challenging to extract any meaningful information or summarize content. The text may require significant editing or clarification to ascertain its intended message or purpose.
    The Agency Announcement for Proposals (AFP-JSC-B49-2024) issued by NASA solicits proposals for leasing Building 49, a Vibration and Acoustic Test Facility at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center. This initiative aligns with broader governmental goals of leveraging historic properties for commercial aerospace activities. The facility, spanning approximately 62,737 square feet, includes five specialized laboratories but is currently underutilized. NASA’s objectives focus on attracting entities to enhance access to space, boost U.S. competitiveness in the aerospace sector, and preserve the historic nature of Building 49 through adaptive reuse. Interested proposers must outline their business case, financial viability, and technical approach while adhering to strict eligibility criteria, including compliance with federal regulations and environmental assessments. Proposals are limited to thirty pages and must cover anticipated rent—ranging from $494,640 to $659,520 annually—along with detailed operational plans and their projected economic impact on the local community. NASA evaluates proposals based on financial offers, capability, technical approach, and local economic contributions, reserving the right to negotiate the final lease agreements. The announcement underscores the proactive preservation of federal historical properties while promoting economic activity in the space industry.
    The document outlines a lease agreement between NASA and a tenant for the use of Building 49, the Vibration and Acoustics Test Facility, located at Johnson Space Center. The lease, established under the National Historic Preservation Act, enables NASA to utilize underutilized property to promote space exploration while preserving its historic designation. The tenant is responsible for maintaining the property, conducting any improvements with NASA's approval, and complying with environmental regulations. Key provisions include definitions of property usage, lease terms, and responsibilities related to maintenance and environmental compliance. The tenant must operate exclusively for agreed-upon uses, ensuring minimal disruption to NASA operations. Essential clauses address rent structures based on fair market value, support services, and the need for compliance with local and federal environmental laws. Overall, this lease facilitates collaboration between NASA and the tenant to ensure the productive use of historic property while adhering to preservation standards and regulatory requirements. The document serves to promote public benefit through effective property utilization, aligning with government's objectives in the context of federal grants and local RFPs.
    The document is a detailed inventory of active equipment and materials, primarily categorized under various types of acoustic devices, amplifiers, thrusters, and generators used at NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC). It includes information such as item names, manufacturers, status, model numbers, serial numbers, Federal Supply Class (FSC), and acquisition details for over one hundred items. Key manufacturers identified include LING Electronics, WYLE Laboratories, A E Techron Inc, and others. The inventory highlights the need for continual monitoring and management of these assets, as many items span decades of use, dating back to the 1960s and 1970s. The thorough documentation indicates operational readiness and compliance with inventory regulations, essential for government resource management. This data is integral to ensuring availability and appropriateness of resources for current and future projects within the agency's operational framework. Understanding and managing these assets is critical for effective budgeting, program planning, and compliance with federal regulations pertaining to government procurement and grants.
    The document outlines a comprehensive work order detailing various preventive maintenance tasks scheduled for air handlers, fans, backflow preventers, and cranes across multiple locations. The work orders span various dates, indicating a structured maintenance approach, ranging from annual to quarterly inspections and tests, with specific identification numbers for each task. Key types of maintenance include the tri-annual preventive maintenance (PM) of air handlers and annual inspections and tests of backflow preventers. The work involves specific equipment tagged with ID numbers, associated locations, maintenance teams, and scheduled dates, ensuring accountability and adherence to safety standards. This systematic approach reflects the government's commitment to maintaining operational efficiency and safety in facility management within the context of its broader infrastructure and facility maintenance requirements.
    The document provides a comprehensive Q&A sheet for the Agency Announcement for Proposals (AFP) for the lease of Building 49, a Vibration and Acoustics Test Facility (VATF). It details the facility's use history, performance, maintenance records, equipment condition, and compliance with regulations, emphasizing the current state of its testing capabilities and equipment. Key inquiries cover aspects such as past testing campaigns, equipment specifications, and operational constraints, indicating that while the infrastructure remains intact, much of the testing equipment needs repair and upgrades to support future projects. It outlines the facility’s potential for vibrational and acoustic testing while necessitating investments for restoration. The VATF is recognized for its contributions to the space program, having tested significant artifacts from programs like Apollo and the Space Shuttle. However, concerns about outdated compliance with modern building codes and safety standards are noted, highlighting the need for a third-party assessment for prospective tenants. In summary, the document seeks to clarify the operational status and capabilities of the VATF to facilitate informed proposals for leasing the facility, ensuring that potential future uses are both viable and compliant with regulatory standards.
    The document serves as a question and answer sheet for the Agency Announcement for Proposals (AFP) regarding the lease of Building 49, a vibration and acoustics test facility. It details the current capabilities and condition of various test laboratories within the facility, revealing significant limitations due to lack of maintained equipment. The facility previously supported testing on aerospace hardware, but most systems are now inoperable or require extensive upgrades and investment to function. Specific inquiries about equipment, testing capabilities, and safety protocols highlight the absence of essential tools and systems needed for adequate operational testing, including acoustic and vibration tests. Existing spaces, such as the General Vibration Laboratory, Modal Operations Laboratory, Sonic Fatigue Laboratory, and others, lack functional equipment and have not been maintained for years. The document underscores the need for potential tenants to assess upgrades, procure necessary equipment, and develop operational protocols to restore the facility to usable condition. This analysis is vital for stakeholders involved in federal grants or RFPs relating to aerospace testing infrastructure, demonstrating the necessity for revitalization investments to enhance testing capabilities.
    Similar Opportunities
    REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) FOR SPACE SYSTEMS PROCESSING FACILITY (SSPF)
    Active
    National Aeronautics And Space Administration
    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is seeking expressions of interest from U.S. domestic entities for the potential lease of the Space Systems Processing Facility (SSPF) located at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The SSPF, a substantial 457,000 square foot facility, is designed to support launch operations and includes various specialized spaces such as science processing laboratories, warehousing, administrative areas, and clean work areas for flight hardware processing. This Request for Information (RFI) aims to gather proposals detailing intended uses, technical approaches, and necessary modifications for processing and testing flight hardware related to Earth orbit or outer space, while ensuring compatibility with ongoing projects and multi-user arrangements. Interested parties must submit their responses in PDF format by September 30, 2024, and can direct inquiries to Christina L. Williams at christina.l.williams@nasa.gov or Kevin Zari at kevin.j.zari@nasa.gov.
    GRC Altitude Combustion Stand Announcement for Proposal
    Active
    National Aeronautics And Space Administration
    NASA's Glenn Research Center (GRC) is soliciting proposals for the lease of the Altitude Combustion Stand (ACS Complex) located in Cleveland, Ohio, which is intended for testing combustion components under simulated altitude conditions. The objective of this procurement is to identify industry and non-federal entities interested in utilizing this underutilized facility to support commercial space initiatives, with proposals required to detail intended use, relevant experience, and financial capabilities. The selected tenant will enter a lease agreement with NASA, assuming responsibility for facility activation costs and compliance with environmental and safety standards, with proposals due by November 15, 2024. Interested parties can contact Carlos Flores at carlos.a.flores-1@nasa.gov or by phone at 269-876-9207 for further information.
    SSC Enterprise Park Announcement for Proposal
    Active
    National Aeronautics And Space Administration
    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is soliciting proposals for the lease of underutilized land and an office building at the Stennis Space Center (SSC) in Mississippi, aimed at enhancing commercial activities in the aerospace sector. The opportunity encompasses approximately 2,600 acres of undeveloped land across three parcels, along with Building 9121 and a laydown yard, intended for tenants involved in propulsion development and related industries. Proposals must demonstrate financial stability, relevant experience, and adherence to environmental and security guidelines, with evaluations based on Fair Market Value Rent and technical approach. Interested parties should submit their proposals electronically by September 27, 2024, and can contact Rachel Harrison-Woodard at rachel.harrisonwoodard@nasa.gov or 228-697-6711 for further information.
    North Texas Research Station Building Refresh
    Active
    National Aeronautics And Space Administration
    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is seeking qualified small businesses to undertake a building refresh project at the North Texas Research Station in Houston, Texas. The project involves replacing approximately 922 square feet of carpeting, repairing walls, upgrading lighting fixtures to LED, and repainting both interior and exterior elements, including the application of a NASA logo. This renovation is crucial for enhancing the facility's functionality and appearance, particularly in preparation for an upcoming group visit in late 2023. Interested contractors must submit their quotes by September 18, 2024, and can direct inquiries to Cara Craft at cara.s.craft@nasa.gov. The procurement is set aside for small businesses, and compliance with federal acquisition regulations is required.
    Notice of Availability -- Commercial Aerospace Opportunities at John F. Kennedy Space Center
    Active
    National Aeronautics And Space Administration
    Notice of Availability -- Commercial Aerospace Opportunities at John F. Kennedy Space Center The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is seeking partners interested in developing commercial aerospace capabilities on vacant land at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Orlando, FL. This notice replaces a previous notice and aims to promote the development of a healthy and robust United States commercial space sector. The specific land uses that NASA will consider under this notice include launch operations and support, assembly, testing, and processing, renewable energy, research and development, support services, vertical launch, and vertical landing. However, NASA has limited capacity for vertical launch and landing sites, so further competition may be conducted for this category of land use. Interested parties, including commercial, federal, and state organizations, as well as United States Commercial Providers, are invited to submit responses to this notice. NASA's objectives are to identify industry and non-federal public entities interested in partnering with NASA for land development at KSC, increase commercial access to space, enhance U.S. commercial competitiveness in the space launch industry, diversify the user base and operations at KSC, and promote partnerships that will build, expand, modernize, or operate aerospace-related capabilities at KSC. Respondents must ensure that proposed uses align with NASA's environmental stewardship practices and may be required to provide additional environmental analysis. It is important to note that NASA will not be responsible for the costs of a partner's land use development. Interested parties should submit responses by email, providing information such as organization details, specific real property and project requirements, proposed concept of operations, timeline, financial capability, and relevant information to achieve the objectives outlined in the notice. NASA will assess responses based on criteria such as compatibility with KSC uses and NASA missions, the proposed user's financial capability and past performance, and siting preferences. It is important to monitor the sam.gov website for any new or additional information related to this notice. This notice does not commit the Government to enter into any contract or agreement, and NASA will not pay for any information provided or administrative costs incurred in response to this notice. Proprietary information will be protected from public disclosure. For any questions or inquiries, interested parties should contact the designated points of contact listed in the notice.
    Notice of Availability Seeking Potential Industry Interest in Land Development of Non-Excess, Underutilized Land
    Active
    National Aeronautics And Space Administration
    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is seeking industry interest for the development of approximately 2,865 acres of non-excess, underutilized land at the John C. Stennis Space Center (SSC) in Mississippi. The primary objective is to identify public and private entities interested in leasing the land to enhance commercial access to space, diversify operations, and strengthen U.S. competitiveness in aerospace industries, while ensuring that proposed developments align with NASA's strategic goals and sustainability practices. Interested parties must submit their operational concepts and organizational details electronically within 15 days of this notice, as NASA retains the right to accept or reject proposals at its discretion. For further inquiries, interested parties can contact Rachel Harrison-Woodard or Tim Pierce at hq-realestate@mail.nasa.gov or by phone at 228-342-7421.
    TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OPPORTUNITY: Compact Vibration Damper (LAR-TOPS-189)
    Active
    National Aeronautics And Space Administration
    Special Notice: NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION is seeking inquiries from companies interested in obtaining license rights to commercialize, manufacture, and market a compact vibration damper. This technology, developed by NASA Langley Research Center, is designed to reduce vibration occurring at a fixed frequency. The damper allows for greater range of motion and effectiveness compared to conventional devices. It can be used in various applications such as wind tunnel tests, helicopters, wind turbines, and skyscrapers. Interested parties can submit a license application through NASA's Automated Technology Licensing Application System (ATLAS). For more information, please visit the NASA Technology Transfer Portal. No follow-on procurement is expected from this notice.
    Chamber Services - Pilot Studies
    Active
    National Aeronautics And Space Administration
    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is seeking quotations for pilot chamber testing services as part of its research on decompression sickness (DCS) related to spaceflight. The procurement involves conducting pilot studies that include three test days, aimed at validating chamber facilities and testing teams, with a focus on enhancing data collection for DCS risk mitigation during space missions. This initiative is crucial for advancing aerospace medicine and ensuring safety in future space exploration efforts. Interested vendors must submit their quotes by September 19, 2024, referencing solicitation ID 80NSSC881004Q, and include their UEI and Cage code for active SAM.gov registration. For further inquiries, contact Lindsey McLellan at lindsey.m.mclellan@nasa.gov.
    32 Channel VibRunner Data Acquisition Upgrade
    Active
    National Aeronautics And Space Administration
    NASA's National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is seeking proposals for the procurement of a 32 Channel VibRunner Data Acquisition Upgrade, a critical component for enhancing measurement and data acquisition systems at the NASA Langley Research Center. The procurement includes the acquisition of 24 channels of 820 VibRunner, additional hardware, software licenses, and calibration services to ensure compliance with federal standards. This upgrade is essential for maintaining high-quality research operations and operational efficiency in aerospace projects. Interested vendors must submit their quotes by September 20, 2024, and include the tracking number (80NSSC24883871Q) in their email correspondence to the primary contact, Shanna Patterson, at shanna.l.patterson@nasa.gov.
    TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OPPORTUNITY: Cavity Noise Reduction Technology (LAR-TOPS-44)
    Active
    National Aeronautics And Space Administration
    Special Notice NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION is seeking companies interested in obtaining license rights to commercialize, manufacture, and market a cavity noise reduction technology. This technology, developed by NASA's Langley Research Center, is an innovative stretchable mesh assembly that reduces noise produced during aircraft approach and landing. It promotes the growth of three-dimensional flow structures within the landing gear cavity, effectively reducing shear layer roll-up and eliminating cavity noise. The stretchable mesh concept has been tested and proven more effective than rigid mesh in reducing landing gear cavity noise. NASA is looking for partners interested in co-development or licensure of the technology for various applications. No funding is provided by NASA for these licenses. To express interest, submit a license application through NASA's Automated Technology Licensing Application System (ATLAS). For more information, visit the NASA Technology Transfer Portal. No follow-on procurement is expected from this notice.