Prototype textile and coating development

NASA's Artemis Suit Materials Project seeks a contractor for Advanced Suit Materials (ASM) Custom Textile Development. The project aims to develop and optimize a bespoke fabric solution for lunar spacesuit outer shells, as no existing commercial fabric fully meets the stringent performance requirements of the lunar environment. The contractor will collaborate with NASA to develop an advanced coating system for custom-woven, Vectran-based fabrics, focusing on optimizing fabric construction and refining finishing processes like calendaring and resin coating application. Key requirements include resistance to dust penetration, UV durability, thermal stability, flame resistance, and electrostatic discharge performance. The four-month project includes milestones such as initial optimization, interim sample delivery, and a scale-up assessment, culminating in the delivery of final coated fabric sheets. This Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract emphasizes maximizing interlaminar peel strength, ensuring impermeability to lunar dust, enhancing flame resistance with inorganic additives, and maintaining low stiffness at extreme temperatures.

NASA/NSSC intends to award a sole source contract to WARWICK MILLS INC for prototype textile and coating development, citing the company as the sole provider under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i). The procurement will be handled by NASA/NSSC, with performance at NASA/Johnson Space Center (JSC). This acquisition will utilize commercial item procedures outlined in FAR Part 12 and FAR Part 13, with a NAICS Code of 313210. Interested organizations can submit their capabilities by 1 p.m. Central Standard Time on February 4, 2026, to the identified point of contact, Cara Craft (Cara.s.craft@nasa.gov). The government reserves the right to determine whether to conduct a competitive procurement based on these submissions. Oral communications are not acceptable, and NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable.