Presolicitation Notice – Synopsis

NASA Glenn Research Center/GRC has a requirement for mechanical testing of refractory composite materials in an inert environment at room and elevated temperatures up to 5000°F in combination with related capabilities to include:

• refractory composite material instrumentation, including thermocouples, strain gages, and fiber optics sensors, both internally embedded and surface mounted
• refractory composite material machining with the ability to machine test specimens, fasteners, and structural components in a classified environment
• design allowables for material property databases with the ability to assist in the statistical analysis of distributed test data to provide statistically valid design allowables
• automated fiber placement to build coupon and elements using an industrial-scale dual-axis part rotator
• x-ray computed tomography at various levels of resolution in a classified environment
• hot structures testing in an oxidizing and inert envrionment up to at least 1800°F in a heated zone of at least 6ft x 6ft x 1ft in a classified setting
• biaxial testing via resistive or radiant heating methods
• strain measurements using extensometers to 3500°F, fiber optic sensors, strain gages to ~1900°F, and digital image correlation to ~2700°F 

Mechanical tests are a critical aspect of NASA’s continuing research to further advance refractory composite hot structures using the data acquired for material selection, structural design, and failure analysis.

NASA/GRC intends to issue a sole source contract to acquire the above testing and related capabilities from Wichita State University’s National Institute of Aviation for Research (NIAR) under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.

The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12.   

Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort electronically via email to Ashlee Shaw at [email protected] not later than 5:00 PM EDT on March 29, 2024.  Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this acquisition on a competitive basis.  A determination 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