Intent to Sole Source- "Mechanical Testing of Composite Coupons, Subcomponent, and Constituent Materials"

Presolicitation Notice – SynopsisNASA 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 mountedrefractory composite material machining with the ability to machine test specimens, fasteners, and structural components in a classified environmentdesign allowables for material property databases with the ability to assist in the statistical analysis of distributed test data to provide statistically valid design allowablesautomated fiber placement to build coupon and elements using an industrial-scale dual-axis part rotatorx-ray computed tomography at various levels of resolution in a classified environmenthot 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 settingbiaxial testing via resistive or radiant heating methodsstrain 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 ashlee.b.shaw@nasa.gov 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