NASA Request for Information (RFI) – WB-57 Engine Replacement Feasibility Study

NASA/Ames Research Center (ARC) is hereby soliciting information from potential sources for a feasibility study concerning the replacement of the existing Pratt & Whitney TF33 engines on the WB-57 aircraft.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) ARC is seeking capability statements from all interested parties, including all socioeconomic categories of Small Businesses and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)/Minority Institutions (MI), for the purpose of determining the appropriate level of competition and/or small business subcontracting goals for the WB-57 Engine Replacement Feasibility Study. The Government reserves the right to consider a Small, 8(a), Women-owned (WOSB), Service-Disabled Veteran (SD-VOSB), Economically Disadvantaged Women-owned Small Business (EDWOSB), or HUBZone business set-aside based on responses received.

No solicitation exists; therefore, do not request a copy of the solicitation. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on SAM.gov. Interested firms are responsible for monitoring this website for the release of any solicitation or synopsis.

Vendors having the capabilities necessary to meet or exceed the stated requirements are invited to submit appropriate documentation, literature, brochures, and references.

Summary of Requirement

NASA is seeking information from industry regarding potential replacement engine options for the WB-57 aircraft, which currently operates with Pratt & Whitney TF33 engines. This RFI is for informational and planning purposes only and is not a request for proposal, nor does it constitute a commitment to procure any goods or services.

Objectives:

• Identify viable replacement engine options.
• Assess performance improvements.
• Gather data-driven insights and ROM cost estimates.

Background:

The WB-57 aircraft is a high-altitude, long-endurance platform used for atmospheric research, sensor testing, and communication relay. NASA aims to modernize the fleet and ensure long-term sustainability by exploring potential engine upgrades.

Information Requested

NASA invites industry input addressing the following:

1. Replacement Engine Options:

            • What replacement engine options are available for the WB-57 as a potential alternative to the Pratt & Whitney TF33?

            • What are the technical and operational considerations associated with integrating a new engine into the WB-57 airframe?

            • How would different engine options impact logistics, maintenance, and supply chain sustainability for long-term fleet support?

Performance Enhancements:

            • Assuming a replacement engine can be integrated, what would be the specific benefits to performance compared to the existing TF33 engine?

            • NASA seeks quantifiable performance improvements, including but not limited to:

                 o Increased thrust

                 o Improved fuel efficiency

                 o Reduced maintenance costs

                 o Extended operational range

                 o Enhanced operational ceiling

                 o Other relevant performance metrics

           • Respondents are asked to provide specific data, models, or case studies to substantiate their claims.

Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) Costs:

           • Provide a rough order of magnitude (ROM) cost estimate for the effort required to replace the WB-57’s existing TF33 engines with a modern alternative.

           • To the extent practical, please include:

               o Procurement costs (acquisition of new engines)

               o Integration & modification costs (airframe adaptations, structural changes, engine mounts)

               o Testing & certification costs (flight testing, regulatory approvals)

               o Lifecycle sustainment costs (maintenance, logistics, spares)

            • If available, provide a cost breakdown by major effort categories and any risk factors that could impact cost projections.

Submission Instructions

Interested firms having the required capabilities necessary to meet the above requirements should submit a capability statement not to exceed 20 pages, structured as follows:

• Executive Summary (1 page max)
• Responses to Key Questions (aligned to Section 3 above)
• Supporting Data and References (as attachments or annexes)
• Company Information and Relevant Experience
• Optional: Additional Considerations

All responses shall be submitted electronically via email to Joshua D. Taggart at Joshua.D.Taggart@nasa.gov no later than May 22, 2025 at 5:00 pm CT. Please reference "WB-57 Engine Replacement RFI" in any response.

Disclaimer

This synopsis is for information and planning purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. The Government will not reimburse any respondent for any costs incurred in responding to this notice. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the evaluation.