Upgrade an Instru-Met electromechanical frame

The NASA Shared Services Center is seeking a sole source procurement to upgrade an Instru-Met electromechanical testing frame located in the Soft Materials Characterization Laboratory at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. The project, managed by the Polymer Aerogel Group, involves the design and manufacture of a custom stainless steel programmable environmental chamber. This upgrade will expand the system's current ambient-only capabilities, enabling mechanical testing across a broad temperature range from liquid nitrogen temperatures up to 350 degrees Celsius. Under the authority of FAR 12.102(a) for commercial items, NASA has identified Instru-Met Corp as the sole provider capable of performing this upgrade due to the critical need for compatibility with existing laboratory systems. Utilizing another vendor would result in impractical competition and significant cost and schedule risks. The estimated period of performance for the delivery of the chamber is January 30, 2027. Interested organizations were invited to submit capabilities and qualifications by August 19, 2026, though the government intends to award the contract directly to Instru-Met Corp.