Request for Proposals for a Heat Pipe Solutions Widefield Context Camera—Thermal Management System

The University of Arizona seeks a vendor to design, fabricate, test, and deliver a passive heat‑pipe based thermal‑management system for its Widefield Context Camera (WCC). The solution must include a heat spreader plate, three heat pipes, a thermal interface plate, comprehensive engineering documentation, and qualification testing to meet strict thermal‑load and temperature‑uniformity requirements. The award will be based on a “most advantageous” evaluation, emphasizing technical approach, experience, price, and support. • Deliverables: analysis reports, qualification test plans & results, CAD models, three flight‑ready heat‑pipe units (plus spares), two non‑functional test units, and full QA documentation. • Technical specs: Al6061‑T6 construction, ammonia working fluid, 200 W total thermal load, operating temperatures –22.5 °C ± 2.5 °C, 5 °C temperature uniformity, ≥5‑year lifetime. • Submission deadline: August 5, 2026 2:30 PM MST via the University’s GEP/Quantum portal; questions due by July 29, 2026 2:00 PM MST.