Bioreactor

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Shared Services Center (NASA NSSC) has issued a Sole Source Special Notice for a Bioreactor requirement to be performed at NASA Kennedy Space Center. The notice specifically targets Texas Tech University System as the intended contractor for this procurement. The contract will be conducted under FAR Parts 12 and 13 for commercial items and services, with a NAICS code of 611310 for Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools. NASA has determined Texas Tech University as the sole source provider due to their previous grant-funded work and proprietary technology development in membrane-assisted bioreactor systems. The special notice was posted on January 29, 2025, with a response deadline of January 31, 2025.

The primary objective of this special notice is to procure a Membrane Aerated Biological Reactor for treating greywater in space habitation systems, capable of processing waste streams from 4 crew members with a nominal volume of 41 liters per day. Potential contractors are instructed to submit their capabilities and qualifications in writing to the point of contact, Shanna Patterson, by 7 a.m. Central Standard Time on January 31, 2025, with the understanding that oral communications will not be accepted. While the government will evaluate submissions to potentially conduct a competitive procurement, the decision to maintain the sole source approach remains at their discretion. The contract includes specific technical requirements such as system design, biological species information, and delivery of the reactor by May 15, 2025. Payment terms are structured with 25% upfront, 60% upon reactor completion, and 15% upon final delivery, and the contract includes one installation/training trip and limited operational consulting support.