Hypoxia Chamber Services

Attachment A – Hypoxia Chamber Services PWS Dated: 07/15/2026 7-Day Hypobaric Hypoxia Chamber Testing The objective of the hypobaric chamber testing is to investigate the physiological, cognitive, and clinical effects of mild hypobaric hypoxia to inform vehicle atmospheric conditions for NASA’s Artemis Program. Facilities are requested to perform at least two 7-day test protocols with continuous habitation, of which the first 2 days will be at ambient conditions for baseline data collection in the chamber and the subsequent 5 days will be at a lower atmospheric pressure. Facilities will recruit and screen 6 subjects to participate in the testing described below in two different air equivalent air altitudes in a cross-over design: 1. 7000 ft (21% O2 at 587 mmHg [11.3 psi]) 2. 9500 ft (21% O2 at 533 mmHg [10.3 psi]) That is, each subject will complete two 7-day chamber tests, one in each condition. During these tests, the facility will collect and record data each day as outlined by NASA. First 7-day test (n=6) at one of the two altitudes listed above Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Ambient Ambient 21% O2 at 587 mmHg 21% O2 at 587 mmHg 21% O2 at 587 mmHg 21% O2 at 587 mmHg 21% O2 at 587 mmHg At least one week washout period Second 7-day test (same n=6) at one of the two altitudes listed above Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Ambient Ambient 21% O2 at 533 mmHg 21% O2 at 533 mmHg 21% O2 at 533 mmHg 21% O2 at 533 mmHg 21% O2 at 533 mmHg The objective of the multiple-day testing is to characterize acute responses and the time course of acclimation using clinical and physiological measurements in participants who are housed continuously for 7 days in the chamber. The data from these studies will be included in a larger data set for the development of the Aerospace Estimation Tool for Hypobaric Exposure Risk (AETHER). The primary purpose of this solicitation is to validate the facility’s capabilities to conduct NASA-directed hypobaric hypoxia studies. Budget is firm fixed price. Budget quotes can include payments for interim milestone completion. Dates for each interim milestone should be set by the supplier. Subjects Facilities will recruit and screen applicants to participate in the two 7-day chamber test protocols as specified by NASA. Screening back-up subjects in case of subject availability issues, withdrawal, or disqualification is highly recommended. Facilities should screen subjects per their standard protocols, and the set of participants should aim to include ~50% females. Facilities will be expected to recruit an “astronaut-like” population of study participants. NASA will provide inclusion and exclusion criteria for a population demographic similar to the astronaut corps. Target characteristics include subject’s age between 30 and 60 years old and overall good health. subjects must complete a peak (or maximal) aerobic capacity (VO2pk) test using a cycle ergometer protocol with metabolic gas analysis. NASA will provide the VO2pk cycle ergometry test protocol, but facilities will be -- 1 of 11 -- 2 responsible for conducting the test. To qualify for participation, subjects must achieve VO2pk >27.5 ml/kg/min. Following the screening, subjects will participate in an informed consent session during which they will receive verbal and written descriptions of the test protocol, be encouraged to ask questions, and will provide written consent before proceeding to participation in the chamber study. Thereafter, subjects will be trained and familiarized with the chamber protocol and safety procedures by the facility, and the subjects will be familiarized with the scientific measurements to be implemented on each day during the test. Additionally, subjects will participate in an exercise workload verification trial to ensure the proper prescription and execution of exercise while in the chamber. Standardized Test Plan Facilities will implement a test protocol that includes 2 days of in-chamber baseline testing at baseline ambient conditions, and 5 days of habitation and acclimation at the hypobaric chamber environment. On each test day in the chamber, subjects will undergo a set of measures to characterize their physiological and cognitive response to the chamber environment. The facility will provide in-chamber operators to perform physiological testing and assist with other operations but there is not a requirement for those operators to be present inside the chamber throughout the entirety of the 7-day chamber tests. Subjects will exit the chamber upon test completion after 7 full days of data collection unless signs and symptoms that require test termination (per NASA and facility standards) occur, on request by the subject, or in the case of facility or monitoring malfunctions that preclude safe continuation of the test protocol. The test must include practices to ensure subject safety during the performance of experimental protocols to characterize health and performance during hypoxia, as well as robust hardware capabilities and procedures to ensure the ability to collect all scientific data reliably. Data collection on each day will include questionnaires, computer-based tasks, actigraphy/wearables, visual tests, cardiopulmonary function at rest and during exercise, ultrasound measurements, food records, blood and urine collection, and blood volume measurements. Medical Monitoring The facility will provide the appropriate medical support, to perform pre-chamber physical examinations before ingress, monitoring and assessment during the 7-day tests, and for treatment and management of subjects, as needed. Medical support also will include post-chamber physical examinations and assessments prior to release of the subjects after the chamber run is completed and follow-up with the test participants in the days after the chamber run. Responsibilities of the medical personnel include monitoring of the subject’s health, including self-report, signs, and s…