Development of the xEMU LCVG thermal control loop

The contract pertains to the development and maturation of the xEMU Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment (LCVG) thermal control loop, with the primary objective of advancing thermal bonding techniques for complex manifold-to-manifold and manifold-to-tubing assemblies. The work will be performed by PARAGON SPACE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION under a sole-source award pursuant to FAR 12.102(a), using a Firm Fixed Price structure with a five-month period of performance commencing upon Approved to Proceed (ATP) authorization. The effort includes designing and fabricating custom thermal bonding tooling such as heated clamshell molds with integrated thermocouples, developing detailed production work instructions, and delivering subscale thermal loop samples, finalized engineering drawings, test results, and updated CAD documentation. Technical objectives, including proof testing at 52.5 psid for five minutes with no leakage and achieving 1 inch of permanent deformation during pull-out testing of thermal bonds, are categorized as “shoulds” rather than mandatory acceptance criteria, reflecting a best-effort, single-iteration development approach focused on process maturity over pass/fail outcomes. All technical inputs, including Elvax materials, CAD models, and part numbers like SDN13103905 and SDN13103921-002, are provided by NASA as Government-Furnished Equipment, with the contractor prohibited from creating new part numbers. Final deliverables are to be submitted to NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, with inspection and acceptance conducted by the Government at that location, and invoicing will occur on a deliverables-based basis under the NASA Shared Services Center. The contract does not include options, security clearances, key personnel requirements, or organizational conflict of interest provisions. The solicitation, 80NSSC26932115Q, was posted on April 30, 2026, with proposals due by May 5, 2026, and was issued as a sources-sought notice; no contract value has been disclosed. The primary point of contact is Cara Craft, Procurement Specialist II, reachable via email at cara.s.craft@nasa.gov, with the contracting office located at Stennis Space Center, Mississippi. A NASA FAR Supplement clause for Ombudsman is included, while other standard clauses, packaging requirements, evaluation weights, or socioeconomic representations are absent, consistent with the commercial item acquisition framework and sole-source nature of the procurement.