Directed Energy Deposition of Large Scale Aft End JBK-75 Thin-wall Demonstrator
ID: 80NSSC25888533QType: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

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

NAICS

Powder Metallurgy Part Manufacturing (332117)

PSC

EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT, & SOCIAL SVCS R&D SVCS; TRAINING & LABOR R&D; BASIC RESEARCH (AF21)
Timeline
    Description

    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is seeking to issue a sole source contract to RPM Innovations Inc. for the Directed Energy Deposition of a Large Scale Aft End JBK-75 Thin-wall Demonstrator, a critical component for the Space Launch System (SLS). The procurement involves utilizing Laser Powder Directed Energy Deposition (DED) technology to fabricate a JBK-75 RS-25 aft end nozzle, with specific tasks outlined in the Statement of Work, including preparation of build plates and detailed tool path development. This project is essential for advancing manufacturing technologies in aerospace applications, ensuring safety and compatibility with existing components, and is expected to be completed within a seven-month performance period. Interested parties must submit their qualifications in writing by 7 a.m. CST on November 18, 2024, to Shanna Patterson at shanna.l.patterson@nasa.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is seeking a contractor for a manufacturing technology demonstration utilizing Laser Powder Directed Energy Deposition (DED) to fabricate a JBK-75 RS-25 aft end nozzle. The Statement of Work (SOW) outlines tasks involving the preparation of large-scale build plates, evaluation of machine setup, design input, and detailed tool path development for a thin-wall nozzle. The contractor is required to ensure the capability for a 90” height and 80” diameter print using JBK-75 alloy, providing necessary engineering support, machine operation, consumables, and maintenance during a build period of approximately 1,000 hours. The project aims for at least a 20% deposition of the nozzle aft portion within a 7-month timeframe from authorization. Deliverables include a report and setup samples, with all shipping to MSFC's designated address. This project underscores NASA's commitment to advancing manufacturing technologies for aerospace applications while ensuring rigorous specifications and support throughout the process.
    The NASA Shared Services Center recommends negotiating with RPMI Innovations for the Directed Energy Deposition project of a large-scale JBK-75 thin-wall demonstrator, crucial for the Space Launch System (SLS). The estimated cost for this sole source procurement is unspecified, with a performance period of seven months. The request underscores the unique capabilities of RPMI, which employs a proprietary deposition process essential for creating components like the RS-25 nozzle aft end, required to meet stringent safety and mechanical property standards. Previous investments of over $8.75 million into RPMI's technologies necessitate consistency in parameters to ensure compatibility with previously fabricated samples. Using an alternative vendor could compromise safety and project timelines, leading to significant delays in upcoming hot-fire testing at NASA-MSFC. Thus, RPMI's expertise and prior successful collaborations reinforce the necessity of this sole-source procurement to maintain the program's integrity and timeline.
    NASA/NSSC intends to issue a sole source contract to RPM INNOVATIONS INC for the Directed Energy Deposition of a Large Scale Aft End JBK-75 Thin-wall Demonstrator. This procurement, categorized under NAICS Code 332117, will be performed at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. The contract will follow provisions in FAR Part 12 and FAR Part 13. Interested parties are invited to submit their qualifications in writing by 7 a.m. CST on November 18, 2024, which will determine if the procurement will be competitive. The decision to not compete this effort will be at the government's discretion. Communications are limited to written responses with a specified point of contact available for inquiries. This document illustrates NASA’s strategic procurement approach in obtaining specific technical capabilities while ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
    Lifecycle
    Similar Opportunities
    Space Launch System (SLS), Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS) Period of Performance Extension
    Active
    National Aeronautics And Space Administration
    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is seeking to extend the period of performance for the Space Launch System (SLS) Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS) contract with The Boeing Company. This extension, lasting 21 months from December 31, 2024, to September 30, 2026, aims to facilitate the completion of production, delivery, inspection, and all necessary engineering support for ICPS Flight Units 2 and 3, which are critical for the Artemis II and III missions. The contract extension is justified under sole source authority due to Boeing's unique expertise and proprietary knowledge essential for the ICPS, which would be difficult and costly to replicate with another contractor. Interested parties may submit their capabilities and qualifications to the primary contact, Robert A. Schnabel, at robert.schnabel@nasa.gov by November 29, 2024.
    Additive Manufacturing Model-based Process Metrics (AM-PM) (LAR-TOPS-368)
    Active
    National Aeronautics And Space Administration
    Special Notice: NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION is seeking inquiries from companies interested in obtaining license rights to commercialize, manufacture, and market Additive Manufacturing Model-based Process Metrics (AM-PM). This technology enables flexible fabrication of components from various materials and is particularly useful in aerospace parts manufacturing. The AM-PM method, currently at technology readiness level 6, allows for fast and efficient evaluations of additive manufacturing build files and parts. Interested parties can submit a license application through NASA's Automated Technology Licensing Application System (ATLAS). No follow-on procurement is expected from this notice. For more information, visit the NASA Technology Transfer Portal.
    TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OPPORTUNITY: In-situ Characterization and Inspection of Additive Manufacturing Deposits using Transient Infrared Thermography (LAR-TOPS-265)
    Active
    National Aeronautics And Space Administration
    Special Notice: NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION is seeking inquiries from companies interested in obtaining license rights to commercialize, manufacture, and market a technology related to in-situ characterization and inspection of additive manufacturing deposits using transient infrared thermography. This technology provides a more reliable non-destructive evaluation method for measuring material properties and detecting defects during the additive manufacturing process. It has applications in various industries including industrial manufacturing, medical, architecture, aerospace, and automotive. Interested parties can submit a license application through NASA's Automated Technology Licensing Application System (ATLAS). For more information, please visit the NASA Technology Transfer Portal. No follow-on procurement is expected from this notice.
    TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OPPORTUNITY: AERoBOND: Large-scale Composite Manufacturing (LAR-TOPS-357)
    Active
    National Aeronautics And Space Administration
    Special Notice: NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION is seeking inquiries from companies interested in obtaining license rights to commercialize, manufacture, and market the AERoBOND technology for large-scale composite manufacturing. This technology offers a method for manufacturing composites at scale with the reliability of co-cure in a bonded assembly process. It utilizes novel epoxy and barrier ply layers to enable the bonding of large, complex composites without the need for redundant fasteners, reducing assembly time and cost. Interested parties can submit a license application through NASA's Automated Technology Licensing Application System (ATLAS). For more information, please visit the NASA Technology Transfer Portal. No follow-on procurement is expected from this notice.
    Mechanical and Composite Hardware Fabrication Support Services 2 (MCHFSS 2)
    Active
    National Aeronautics And Space Administration
    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Langley Research Center (LaRC) is preparing to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Mechanical and Composite Hardware Fabrication Support Services (MCHFSS 2). This procurement aims to secure a contractor capable of designing and fabricating unique aerospace research hardware, including flight test articles and ground support equipment, primarily within government-provided facilities at NASA LaRC in Hampton, Virginia. The selected contractor will be responsible for various fabrication processes, including mechanical machining, welding, and composite fabrication, while adhering to ISO 9001 and AS9100 quality standards. Interested parties should note that the RFP is anticipated to be released within 45 days, with proposals due approximately 30 days thereafter, and the contract award expected around April 17, 2025. For further inquiries, potential offerors can contact Michael J. Miltner or Daphne Darden via email at larc-mchfss2@mail.nasa.gov.
    TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OPPORTUNITY: Assembly for Simplified Hi-Res Flow Visualization (LAR-TOPS-348)
    Active
    National Aeronautics And Space Administration
    Special Notice: NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION is seeking inquiries from companies interested in obtaining license rights to commercialize, manufacture, and market a simplified hi-res flow visualization assembly. This assembly, developed by researchers at NASA's Langley Research Center, is a compact and easy-to-use optical system that enables focusing schlieren imaging. It reduces complexity and alignment time compared to conventional systems, and is self-aligned, compact, and cost-effective. The assembly can be attached to a commercial-off-the-shelf camera and is capable of fields-of-view of 10 and 300 millimeters. Interested parties can submit a license application through NASA's Automated Technology Licensing Application System (ATLAS). For more information, visit the NASA Technology Transfer Portal. No follow-on procurement is expected from this notice.
    TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OPPORTUNITY: Large Area Structural Damage Nondestructive Evaluation (LAR-TOPS-247)
    Active
    National Aeronautics And Space Administration
    Special Notice NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION is seeking inquiries from companies interested in obtaining license rights to commercialize, manufacture, and market a technology for Large Area Structural Damage Nondestructive Evaluation (LAR-TOPS-247). This technology provides a methodology to measure damage onset and growth in composite structures during fatigue loading. It combines thermal and acoustic emission nondestructive evaluation techniques to detect damage formation and growth. The technology can be used for improved safety and performance of composite structures during their life cycle. Interested parties can submit a license application through NASA's Automated Technology Licensing Application System (ATLAS). For more information, visit the NASA Technology Transfer Portal. No follow-on procurement is expected from this notice.
    Continuous Wave Laser Source for Injection Seeding (LAR-TOPS-331)
    Active
    National Aeronautics And Space Administration
    Special Notice: NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION is seeking inquiries from companies interested in obtaining license rights to commercialize, manufacture, and market a Continuous Wave Laser Source for Injection Seeding. This technology, developed by NASA's Langley Research Center, is capable of generating a continuous wave laser source with agile wavelength switching capabilities. It is suitable for injection seeding high-energy pulsed lasers and is used for scientific applications such as atmospheric active remote sensing. The CW laser source provides multiple wavelengths suitable for single and multi-pulsed lasers, making it compact, lightweight, and suitable for airborne and space-borne applications including Lidar applications, atmospheric observation instruments, and optical signal generators. Interested parties can submit a license application through NASA's Automated Technology Licensing Application System (ATLAS). No follow-on procurement is expected from this notice. For more information, please visit the NASA Technology Transfer Portal.
    Renewal of CodeSonar software
    Active
    National Aeronautics And Space Administration
    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is seeking to renew its CodeSonar software through a sole source contract with CodeSecure, Inc. This procurement is essential for maintaining the software that supports NASA's operations at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). The renewal of CodeSonar software is critical for ensuring the continued effectiveness of NASA's software development and analysis processes. Interested organizations must submit their capabilities and qualifications in writing to the designated contact, Monica Wilson, by 11:00 a.m. Central Standard Time on November 19, 2024, to be considered for this opportunity.
    Pathfinder Technology Demonstrator (PTD) Project - Notice of Intent to Modify the Contract
    Active
    National Aeronautics And Space Administration
    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is seeking to modify Contract No. NNA17BF41C for the Pathfinder Technology Demonstrator (PTD) Project, currently held by Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems, Inc., on a sole-source basis. The modification aims to enhance Mission Operations Support for the PTD-R and PTD-4 missions and to incorporate an additional energy experiment into PTD-4, addressing delays that have impacted previous launch opportunities. This project is critical for testing novel satellite technologies in low Earth orbit, which will significantly improve the performance of small spacecraft. Interested organizations are invited to submit their capabilities and qualifications to the Contracting Officer, Tiffany Goodwin, via email by 12 PM PDT on November 29, 2024, to determine the potential for competitive acquisition. Further details can be found on NASA's procurement website.