Cryocooler and Heat Exchanger for LH2 Simulation Loop

NASA's Shared Services Center has issued a Special Notice soliciting responses regarding the procurement of a cryocooler and heat exchanger system for a liquid hydrogen (LH2) simulation loop to be delivered to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. The agency currently intends to award a sole source contract to Bluefors Cryocooler Technologies Inc., located in Syracuse, New York, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), which permits non-competitive contracting when only one source is capable of meeting government needs. This procurement will utilize commercial item acquisition procedures under FAR Parts 12 and 13, and the work falls under NAICS Code 333415 (Air-Conditioning and Warm Air Heating Equipment and Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing). The Shared Services Center is providing this advance notice to allow other potential contractors an opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities before a final determination regarding sole source procurement is made.

Interested organizations must submit written documentation of their capabilities and qualifications no later than 3:00 p.m. Central Standard Time on March 30, 2026, to either the primary point of contact, Cody Guidry (Cody.d.guidry@nasa.gov), or the secondary point of contact, Shari Trigg (Shari.trigg@nasa.gov). The cryocooler system must meet specific technical requirements, including 100 watts or greater heat removal capacity at 20K temperature, a base temperature of 17K or lower, VCR fittings for helium loop connections, operation on 480VAC three-phase 60 Hz power, and water cooling requirements of 5 gallons per minute or less at 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with delivery required within 9 months of contract award. There are no set-aside restrictions, and all contractors meeting the technical specifications are eligible to submit capabilities statements. The government will evaluate all submissions solely to determine whether competitive procurement is warranted; the decision to proceed competitively or maintain sole source status remains at the government's discretion, and only written submissions will be considered.