Thermal Vacuum Chamber System

The Department of the Navy Naval Supply Systems Command is seeking to procure a thermal-vacuum chamber system for the United States Naval Academy's Space Systems and Engineering Laboratory. The system will support plasma research, space electric propulsion research, and CubeSat testing, with specific requirements including a vacuum chamber between 50-60" in outer diameter and 96-108" in length. Interested contractors must submit capabilities statements addressing past performance, business status, and socioeconomic status to claudette.j.jones.civ@us.navy.mil by March 6, 2025. The RFI emphasizes that this is not a solicitation, but a method to identify qualified sources for the eventual procurement. Evaluation will focus on contractors' technical capabilities, past performance in similar scientific instrumentation projects, and ability to meet the complex technical specifications outlined in the Performance Work Statement.

The contract is not set aside for any specific business category and is classified under NAICS code 334513 with a small business size standard of 750 employees. The anticipated contract is a Firm-Fixed Price arrangement with a period of performance expected to conclude before August 1, 2025. Contractors must first deliver a comprehensive design review before providing the complete system, with total system delivery required within 6 months of contract award. The system must maintain specific vacuum levels (10 mTorr with gas flow and 1 mTorr without flow) and accommodate various process gases including noble and atmospheric gases. The place of performance will be the Naval Academy's Space and Engineering Lab in Annapolis, Maryland, with the system designed to fit through a 54" door frame and include specific technical requirements for ports, windows, and framing.