Purchase of feedbox card line and machine rigging for TPS Materials production.
ID: 80NSSC25896221QType: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

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

NAICS

Nonwoven Fabric Mills (313230)

PSC

GENERAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY R&D SERVICES; GENERAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; APPLIED RESEARCH (AJ12)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/48a1f663b0064cdcbb1f17e0e5e980ea/view
Timeline
    Description

    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ames Research Center is seeking to procure a feedbox card line and machine rigging for the production of Thermal Protection System (TPS) materials, specifically for the PICA-Flex material used in Mars exploration missions. This procurement aims to automate the manufacturing process, significantly reducing production costs and time by integrating advanced technology that replaces manual processes with automation. The project is crucial for enhancing NASA's capabilities in materials science, ensuring efficient and cost-effective production for future space missions. Interested parties may submit their qualifications by 2:00 p.m. CST on March 5, 2025, with the potential for a competitive procurement process, although the final decision rests with the government. For further inquiries, Laura Quave is the primary contact for this opportunity.

    Point(s) of Contact
    No information provided.
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    SATPC0037672 Tab 04 4 SOW_Redacted.pdf
    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ames Research Center has initiated a project focused on upgrading the PICA-Flex Thermal Protection System (TPS) production line for Mars exploration. The project aims to automate the manufacturing process for PICA-Flex material, a flexible ablative TPS that can endure specific Mars entry missions at lower costs and with greater efficiency. Unlike traditional materials, the new method blends carbon and phenolic fibers early in production, eliminating lengthy carbonization processes and reducing costs by 3-4 times as well as cutting production time by over 50%. The Statement of Work (SOW) outlines the integration of a new feedbox carding line at AFFCO, the sole producer capable of R&D scale production of PICA-Flex batting, replacing current manual processes with automation. The proposed timeline spans from March to September 2025 for procurement and installation activities. The project demonstrates NASA's commitment to advancing materials science for future space missions, using existing vendor partnerships to enhance capabilities through technological upgrades in manufacturing processes.
    SATPC0037672 Tab 07 Capability Statement Commercial.pdf
    NASA's Ames Research Center (ARC) requires the procurement of a feedbox card line and machine rigging for Thermal Protection System (TPS) materials production. The agency plans to issue a sole source contract to American Felt and Filter Company Inc., determined as the only qualified provider for this equipment, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i). This procurement will comply with commercial item acquisition procedures outlined in FAR Part 12 and FAR Part 13, classified under NAICS Code 313230. Interested parties may submit their qualifications to NASA by 2:00 p.m. CST on March 5, 2025, for evaluation to potentially shift the procurement toward a competitive approach. However, the decision to do so rests solely with the government. Interested organizations are advised that oral communications are not accepted in response to this notice. Laura Quave serves as the primary contact for this procurement effort. The document specifies applicable clauses and provides an Ombudsman link for further inquiries.
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    Purchase of feedbox card line and machine rigging for TPS Materials production.
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