Universal Waste Management System (UWMS)

The Universal Waste Management System (UWMS) is waste collection system that aims to utilize less volume, maintenance, and consumables than the state of the art capability currently used on the International Space Station (ISS). The system enables the safe and efficient collection of human waste in microgravity. It also provides a means for compaction of fecal waste to minimize storage and a means for pre-treatment and gas/liquid separation of urine so that it may be processed by the ISS Urine Processor Assembly (UPA). The UWMS is initially planned for a short technology demonstration; however, NASA has determined that it would be advantageous to continue operating the UWMS on-board the ISS and this will enable use of the UWMS in combination with the current Waste & Hygiene Compartment (WHC) and Russian Segment toilet to provide the waste management function for the ISS crew members, up to 11 crew members once the Commercial Crew Program (CCP) begins in November 2018. Because of the large crew size, the ISS program has determined that three toilet systems are required for nominal operations. NASA/JSC intends to contract with Hamilton Sundstrand Space System International, Inc., hereinafter referred to as HSSSI for these services on a sole source basis from February 2018 to February 2022. HSSSI has been performing the current contract, NNH16CO87C, in support of the ISS since November 2015. The UWMS was designed and is in currently in manufacture by HSSSI. As such, HSSSI is the only company that has access to the proprietary drawings and the knowledge necessary to maintain the critical hardware and provide the required services. Therefore, HSSSI is considered uniquely qualified to provide the support necessary to maintain the UWMS system. Other firms desiring consideration are requested to fully identify their interest and capabilities within 15 days of the date of publication of this synopsis to the contacts provided below.