ContractSpecial Notice

Large Scale Torus Strap Indentation Testing – Series 4

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION• 80NSSC26918837Q
Response Deadline
Oct 13, 2025
Deadline passed
Days Remaining
0
Closed
Set-Aside
Full & Open
Notice Type
Special Notice

Contract Opportunity Analysis

NASA's National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is seeking to award a sole source contract for Large Scale Torus Strap Indentation Testing – Series 4 to the University of Maine System, specifically the Advanced Structures and Composites Center (UMaine ASCC). The objective of this procurement is to conduct strap indentation testing on two government-furnished torus test articles to assess the load-carrying capacity of the structural webbing-to-torus interface, which is critical for the development of Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (HIAD) technology. This testing is vital for the Vulcan Engine Recovery (VERA) project, and the unique expertise and capabilities of UMaine ASCC make them the only vendor capable of meeting the stringent requirements and timelines without introducing significant risks of delays or increased costs. The estimated contract value is $250,000, with a performance period of 100 calendar days from the award date. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications by October 13, 2025, to challenge the sole-source determination, and inquiries should be directed to Shanna Patterson at shanna.l.patterson@nasa.gov.

Classification Codes

NAICS Code
611310
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
PSC Code
R699
SUPPORT- ADMINISTRATIVE: OTHER

Solicitation Documents

3 Files
SATPC0039975 Tab 07 Capability Statement SAM.gov.pdf
PDF•107 KB•Oct 10, 2025
AI Summary
NASA/NSSC intends to award a sole source contract to the University of Maine System for Large Scale Torus Strap Indentation Testing – Series 4. This decision is based on the determination that the University of Maine System is the sole provider of these specialized services. The procurement will be handled by NASA/NSSC, with performance occurring at NASA/Langley Research Center (LARC). The acquisition will follow commercial item and service procedures outlined in FAR Part 12 and FAR Part 13, under NAICS Code 611310. Interested organizations can submit their capabilities and qualifications by October 13, 2025, to potentially challenge the sole-source determination. Oral communications are not accepted, and NASA Clause 1852.215-84 (Ombudsman) applies. Shanna Patterson is the primary point of contact.
SATPC0039975 Tab 06 RDSS..pdf
PDF•144 KB•Oct 10, 2025
AI Summary
NASA's Shared Services Center recommends negotiating solely with the University of Maine, Advanced Structures and Composites Center (UMaine ASCC) for "Large Scale Torus Strap Indentation Testing – Series 4" at an estimated cost of $250,000.00 and a 100-calendar-day performance period. This sole-source justification stems from UMaine ASCC's unique expertise and extensive history in developing and testing Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (HIAD) technology, specifically for the Vulcan Engine Recovery (VERA) project. Their prior NASA grants, specialized facilities, and highly experienced staff make them the only vendor capable of meeting critical schedule requirements. Using an alternate vendor would introduce significant risks of schedule delays and increased costs due to a lack of comparable experience and established testing capabilities, impacting the VERA project's critical path and subsequent milestones.
SATPC0039975 Tab 04 4 SOW..pdf
PDF•814 KB•Oct 10, 2025
AI Summary
This Statement of Work (SOW) outlines the requirements for large-scale torus strap indentation testing, Series 4, for NASA's 10-meter Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (HIAD) design. The contractor will conduct strap indentation testing on two government-furnished torus test articles (MDU6-3 and MDU6-4) to determine the load-carrying capacity of the structural webbing-to-torus interface and resulting indentation. The scope includes providing all resources, supporting a Test Readiness Review (TRR), performing torus test operations, and delivering test data and reports within 100 calendar days of award. Testing will involve specific configurations, multiple pressures, and webbing widths (3” and 4”), with real-time data monitoring and post-test reporting. Key deliverables include a Test Plan, Test Procedure, and comprehensive Test Data.

Related Contract Opportunities

Project Timeline

postedOriginal Solicitation PostedOct 9, 2025
deadlineResponse DeadlineOct 13, 2025
expiryArchive DateOct 28, 2025

Agency Information

Department
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
Sub-Tier
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
Office
NASA SHARED SERVICES CENTER

Point of Contact

Name
Shanna Patterson

Place of Performance

Hampton, Virginia, UNITED STATES

Official Sources

View on SAM.gov