High-Vacuum Chamber Design and Fabrication

NASA Glenn Research Center is seeking a subcontractor to design and fabricate high-vacuum chambers capable of maintaining an ultra-high vacuum of no more than 5×10⁻⁸ Torr, built to support test articles weighing up to 4,500 kilograms. The chambers must feature #4 machine-polished interior surfaces to minimize contamination and ensure optimal vacuum integrity, with all seams constructed using fusion welding to eliminate leaks and maintain structural rigidity. The design must include crane-free swinging doors that allow for safe and efficient access without requiring external lifting equipment, ensuring operational simplicity in confined test environments. The chambers will be modular to accommodate various test configurations and scale requirements, with fabrication adhering to stringent aerospace-grade standards suitable for space propulsion and materials testing applications. Performance is expected to meet the rigorous cleanliness and vacuum durability demands of NASA’s propulsion research programs, with all work to be performed at the designated location in Cleveland, Ohio. The contract is open for bid through May 6, 2026, and falls under the NAICS code 332420, which covers vacuum and process equipment manufacturing. As a subcontract opportunity, it is intended for specialized vendors with proven expertise in ultra-high vacuum systems and heavy structural fabrication. The facility must be capable of handling the precision machining, welding, and assembly required for vacuum-rated components and must demonstrate experience with similar NASA or aerospace-grade projects. The chambers will directly support critical testing of next-generation propulsion systems, making reliability, repeatability, and longevity of performance central criteria in the evaluation of proposals. Bidders are expected to possess full control over the design, fabrication, and validation processes, with no tolerance for compromises in material quality or assembly technique due to the extreme operational conditions these chambers will endure.