SAM #80MSFC26Q0008

NASA MSFC procurement for Automated Universal Test System from Instron

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is seeking an Automated Universal Test System for advanced mechanical testing of rigid plastic specimens in a shielded research facility. - Government Buyer: - NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) - Office: Building 4475, Hot Cell Laboratory - OEMs and Vendors: - Instron (Illinois Tool Works, Inc.) - Products/Services Requested: - Automated Universal Test System (Instron AT3 Floor Model) - Minimum 100 kN test capability - Automated tensile, compression, and flexural testing - Automated specimen handling, dimensional measurement, strain measurement/extensometry, data acquisition, specimen identification and traceability, unattended batch testing - Compact installed footprint for constrained laboratory space - Designed for installation in a hot cell for radioactive material testing - Unique/Notable Requirements: - System must enable minimal operator interaction and support future remote-handling integration - Compatibility with existing Instron equipment, accessories, software, operator training, and data workflows - Sole source justification: Instron identified as only OEM meeting force, automation, and footprint requirements - Model referenced: Instron AT3 Floor Model (up to 300 kN capacity)

Description

NASA/ MSFC has a requirement for an Automated Universal Test System intended for automated mechanical testing of rigid plastic specimens within a shielded research facility that support tensile, flexural, and compression testing in accordance with standard test methods, with minimal operator interaction and optional future integration into remote-handling environments. The required system shall provide a minimum 100 kN test capability and automated tensile, compression, and flexural testing on a common platform. Required functions include automated specimen handling, specimen dimensional measurement, strain measurement/extensometry, data acquisition, specimen identification and traceability, and unattended batch testing. Due to constrained laboratory floor space, the system must provide these capabilities within a compact installed footprint.

 The work done at MSFC with radioactive materials requires a mechanical test system that can be used to test radioactive materials in a safe environment, such as the hot cells in MSFC building 4475. This system will be delivered to that building and will be installed in one of two hot cells.  NASA/MSFC intends to issue a sole source contract to acquire the items from Instron, doing business as Illinois Tool Works, Inc. under the authority of FAR 6.103-1, 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1), Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. Selection of Instron preserves compatibility with existing Government-owned Instron equipment, established test methods, accessories, software, operator training, and data workflows. Market research identified multiple commercial manufacturers of universal materials testing machines and automated specimen-handling systems. However, the Government requirement is not solely for a universal testing machine or automated tensile tester. And due to constrained laboratory floor space, the system must provide these capabilities within a compact installed footprint.

The Instron AT3 Floor Model provides up to 300 kN capacity and automated tensile, compression, and flexural testing within an approximately 5 ft × 7 ft footprint. It additionally integrates specimen measurement, handling, data acquisition, and disposal within a commercially supported system. Based on the market research performed, Instron was the only commercially available system identified that satisfies the complete combination of force, test-mode automation, and laboratory-footprint requirements.

The Government intends to acquire a commercial product or service using FAR Part 12.

Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort electronically via email to Cynthia Hubbard at Cynthia.a.hubbard@nasa.gov or Annette Hawkins at Annette.Hawkins@nasa.gov not later than 5:00 P.M. C.D.T. on September 04, 2026. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct this acquisition on a competitive basis. A decision 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 discretion of the Government.

NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at : https://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/regs/Procurement-Ombuds-Comp-Advocate-Listing.pdf

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