Quantum Sensing and Communications applications for Exotic Optical Fibers manufactured from materials produced in space study
ID: 80NSSC26920797QType: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNASA SHARED SERVICES CENTERSTENNIS SPACE CENTER, MS, 39529, USA

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) (541715)

PSC

GENERAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY R&D SERVICES; GENERAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; BASIC RESEARCH (AJ11)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/0f8c0e4455c446c4a0a49309fd765b0e/view
Timeline
    Description

    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is seeking proposals for a feasibility study on Quantum Sensing and Communications applications utilizing Exotic Optical Fibers manufactured from materials produced in space. This initiative aims to leverage microgravity conditions in low-Earth orbit (LEO) to develop high-performance quantum materials, focusing on the definition of a quantum glass manufacturing system, modeling sensor performance, and establishing methodologies for both in-space and terrestrial manufacturing. The project is aligned with national research and development priorities and is expected to run until April 30, 2026, with key milestones including a kickoff meeting, preliminary and final study reports, and a briefing for stakeholders. Interested organizations must submit their capabilities by 1 p.m. CST on December 15, 2025, to Cara Craft at cara.s.craft@nasa.gov to determine the feasibility of competitive procurement.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Cara Craft
    cara.s.craft@nasa.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    SATPC0040076 Tab 04 4 SOW.pdf
    NASA and the Department of Energy (DOE) are seeking proposals for a feasibility study on quantum sensing applications using space-enhanced exotic glass fiber. This initiative, aligned with national R&D priorities, aims to leverage microgravity in low-Earth orbit (LEO) for manufacturing high-performance quantum materials. The study will build upon previous in-space research on exotic glass processing, focusing on developing a quantum glass manufacturing system definition, modeling sensor performance, defining in-space and terrestrial manufacturing methodologies, conducting risk assessments, and identifying commercialization plans for sustainable microgravity utilization. The contractor must have demonstrated expertise in processing exotic glass materials in microgravity. The project is expected to run until April 30, 2026, with milestones including a kickoff meeting, a preliminary study report, and a final study report, modeling software, and briefing for NASA and DOE stakeholders.
    SATPC0040076 Tab 07 Capability Statement FBO Posting.pdf
    NASA/NSSC plans to award a sole source contract to APSIDAL LLC for a study on Quantum Sensing and Communications applications using Exotic Optical Fibers made from space-produced materials. This procurement, under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), identifies APSIDAL LLC as the sole provider. The NAICS Code is 541715. Interested organizations can submit capabilities by 1 p.m. CST on December 15, 2025, to Cara Craft (Cara.s.craft@nasa.gov) to determine if a competitive procurement is feasible. The government retains discretion on whether to proceed with full and open competition. NASA Clause 1852.215-84 (Ombudsman) applies, with information available at http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/pub/pub_library/Omb.html.
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