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NCS Customized Flex-11 Security Cabinet (CITM AUTH REQUIRED PRIOR TO AWARD)

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION.NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION.NASA SHARED SERVICES CENTER · Response deadline: Mon, 26 Oct 2026

What the government is buying

NASA is soliciting bids for a customized NCS Flex-11 security cabinet. Flex-11 cabinets are specialized storage units designed for secure handling of classified or sensitive materials, typically featuring reinforced construction, access controls, and configurations that meet government security standards. The "CITM AUTH REQUIRED PRIOR TO AWARD" notation indicates that Contractor Information Tracking (CITM) authorization must be obtained before contract award—a security clearance or facility approval process that prospective contractors must complete.

Given the NAICS code 333318 (Other Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing), this procurement falls under industrial and commercial machinery manufacturing, though cabinets of this nature are often produced by security equipment specialists. The 7E20 classification code corresponds to office furniture in the Federal Supply Classification system, which encompasses security storage solutions.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is 100% set aside for small businesses under NAICS 333318. To qualify, your business must:

• Meet SBA size standards for NAICS 333318 (typically 1,000 employees for manufacturing; verify current thresholds at SBA.gov)
• Register in SAM.gov with active status
• Hold or be eligible to obtain any required security authorizations

Critical prerequisite: The CITM authorization requirement means you must initiate and potentially complete security vetting before award. If your firm lacks current NASA or federal facility/security clearances, investigate whether this timeline permits you to obtain CITM status. Some security authorizations take weeks or months—evaluate whether the October 26, 2026 deadline allows sufficient processing time.

How to put together a competitive bid

Security compliance first: Contact NASA's security office early to understand CITM authorization steps. Document your inquiry and any preliminary approvals in your proposal.

Customization expectations: The solicitation emphasizes "customized." Prospective bidders should see the solicitation for exact specifications, but generally prepare to address:

• Cabinet dimensions and internal configurations
• Locking mechanisms (combination, electronic, biometric—see the solicitation)
• Material specifications and construction standards
• Integration with existing NASA security protocols
• Delivery and installation requirements

Small business competitive advantages: As a total small business set-aside, you compete only against other small businesses. Emphasize:

• Prior federal or NASA security equipment experience
• References from comparable installations
• Ability to expedite CITM processing
• Manufacturing flexibility for custom builds
• Price competitiveness (likely evaluated on best value trade-offs with past performance)

SAM.gov documentation: Verify your SAM registration includes NAICS 333318 and that all representations and certifications are current.

Next steps

1. Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number 80NSSC26946481Q — search at SAM.gov
2. Immediate action: Contact NASA regarding CITM authorization requirements and timeline, given the short fuse (posted October 21, 2026; due October 26, 2026)
3. Note the deadline: Responses are due October 26, 2026 at 4:00 PM Central Time — five calendar days from posting, suggesting either a pre-priced requirement or possible follow-on procurement with narrow window
4. Prepare questions: Given accelerated timeline, submit any clarification requests immediately through SAM.gov's Q&A function if available

The compressed schedule suggests urgency or streamlined rebuy; evaluate your readiness against the CITM requirement before committing proposal resources.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →