Instron Model 68FM-300 Test Frame

NASA's National Space Science Center (NSSC) is soliciting capabilities and qualifications for the procurement of an Instron Model 68FM-300 Test Frame, a floor-mounted materials testing system with a 300 kN (67,500 lbf) force capacity. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Shared Services Center is conducting this acquisition under FAR Part 12 commercial item procedures as a potential sole source procurement, with Instron, A Division of Illinois Tool Works, Inc., identified as the sole provider of this specific equipment. Key contract requirements include delivery of the testing system by September 30, 2026, comprehensive installation and verification services, three additional static load cells ranging from 10 kN to 150 kN capacities, Bluehill Universal testing software with multiple licenses and application modules, onsite software training, and an Instron Connect support agreement. The government will evaluate submissions solely to determine whether to proceed with sole source acquisition or transition to competitive bidding, with the final determination remaining at the government's discretion. Interested organizations must submit written capabilities and qualifications by 4:00 p.m. Central Standard Time on April 10, 2026, with correspondence referencing ID 80NSSC26929705Q.

This procurement is not subject to any set-aside designations and is intended as a sole source contract for Instron equipment. The NAICS category assigned is 334519 (Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing), with the PSC category 6640 (Laboratory Equipment and Supplies). The system will be delivered to NASA Kennedy Space Center, BOSS Warehouse M6-0744, Kennedy Space Center, Florida 32899, with installation and commissioning also taking place at this location. The delivery specification requires maximum crosshead travel of 1858 mm and 3-phase 200/208VAC power configuration, along with enhanced force verification across the full 0-300 kN range in both tension and compression directions. No budget range or total award value is specified in the solicitation, and this notice emphasizes that while capabilities are being requested, no pricing will be accepted at this time.