Hot Hydrogen Induction Furnace

NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has a requirement for a Hot Hydrogen Induction Furnace to improve lab capability for the propose of conducting research interactions in a hot hydrogen environment for nuclear thermal propulsion, additive manufacturing and other research projects. The lab equipment is designed for hydrogen operations output. It will provide a continuous operation temper up to 3000℃. The procurement includes camera viewing assembly, training, installation, shipping, and an increase of the hot zone from the base design.  

The Government requires that the vendor provide a Hot Hydrogen Induction Furnace with the following characteristics:

• Designed for hydrogen operation
• Continuous operation up to 3000℃
• Water cooled
• Bell loading configuration
• Hot zone compatible [limited test fixture interactions] with nuclear materials to max temperature (i.e. carbide, refractory metal, uranium compounds)
• Components exposed to chamber atmosphere accessible by operator for decontamination of nuclear material
• Induction heating
• Crucible size up to 2.5” diameter by 3” high
• NTRL certification
• Built in touch screen control system and DAQ
• 2 pyrometers capable of reading temperature of specimen and susceptor.
• Dual burn stack ignitors
• Thermal couple temperature reading of pedestal
• Water flow and pressure interlocks
• HEPA filters on all exhaust
• Hydrogen safety shutdown purge in the event of overpressure or burn stack ignitor failure
• Rapid ramp rate to temperature expected to be within 30 seconds assuming 0.1” wall thickness

NASA/MSFC intends to issue a sole source contract to acquire the Hot Hydrogen Induction Furnace from Thermal Technology, LLC, under the authority of FAR 6.302-1. The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualification to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact (terrence.l.watkins@nasa.gov) no later than 09/17/2021 by 3:00P.M. CST. Such capabilities/qualification will be valuated solely for determining whether to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to compete this acquisition on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretions of the Government.

NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/pub/pub_library/Omb.html