Automated Inspection System
ID: 80LARC25RFI_AFP_AISType: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNASA LANGLEY RESEARCH CENTERHAMPTON, VA, 23681, USA

NAICS

Aircraft Manufacturing (336411)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/6721ec6144084844a6778c62080bd79a/view
Timeline
    Description

    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Langley Research Center is seeking information from potential commercial sources for an Automated Inspection System (AIS) designed for ply-by-ply inspection of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) during the Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) manufacturing process. This initiative is part of the Hi-rate Composites for Aircraft Manufacturing (HiCAM) Project, which aims to enhance manufacturing efficiency and enable high-rate production of aircraft while reducing costs and weight. The project addresses the need for improved inspection technologies to keep pace with advancements in AFP, which is critical for the production of large aerospace composite structures. Interested parties are encouraged to respond to the Request for Information (RFI) by submitting their AIS capabilities, including detection rates and measurement accuracy, to Brian Grimsley at brian.grimsley@nasa.gov, with responses due by the specified deadlines. This RFI is intended for information gathering and not a solicitation for proposals.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Brian Grimsley
    brian.grimsley@nasa.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    HiCAM_GPE-RFI on Auto Insp System__Final 03-31-2025.pdf
    NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) is seeking potential commercial sources for an Automated Inspection System (AIS) to conduct ply-by-ply inspection of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) during the Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) manufacturing process, crucial for aerospace composite production. The Hi-rate Composites for Aircraft Manufacturing (HiCAM) Project aims to enhance manufacturing processes, targeting high-rate production of aircraft while reducing costs and weight. NASA invites responses from diverse organizations, including small businesses and minority institutions, to evaluate competition levels and establish collaboration possibilities. The RFI details standardized inspection requirements for various defects arising during AFP, as well as measurement criteria for specific features. Respondents must populate a provided table with their AIS capabilities, detailing detection rates and measurement accuracy for identified features, contributing to the assessment of existing technologies. The document emphasizes responding accurately to improve NASA’s understanding of potential AIS capabilities. Submission deadlines are provided, with a reminder that this RFI is for information gathering, not a solicitation. This initiative fosters partnerships for developing advanced aerospace manufacturing technologies and inspections.
    NASA HiCAM_ RFI AFP AIS_Features Table_Unpopulated_03-31-2025.xlsx
    The document outlines criteria for assessing various features in a manufacturing context, emphasizing the presence, absence, and measurable dimensions of specific attributes. Key features include continuous measurement for width, edge locations, and defects such as missing or damaged tows. Attributes are categorized by their presence or absence, with detailed specifications for measurement fidelity. The document notes specific features like wrinkles, puckers, and overall layout distortions. Additionally, it identifies factors related to Foreign Object Debris (FOD), distinguishing between surface and buried conditions while highlighting the need for precise data on size, count, and affected areas for various debris types. Measurement accuracy targets are set at varying degrees, ensuring reliability in identifying discrepancies. This analysis appears to support government RFPs and grants aimed at maintaining quality control and safety standards in production environments, emphasizing thorough evaluation to comply with regulatory expectations and operational efficiency.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Automated Inspection System
    Currently viewing
    Sources Sought
    Similar Opportunities
    Materials-Limited Technologies for the Moon and Mars
    National Aeronautics And Space Administration
    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is seeking industry input through a Request for Information (RFI) regarding materials-limited technologies applicable to its Moon and Mars exploration initiatives. The objective is to gather insights on potential technologies that can address NASA's identified Civil Space Shortfalls, particularly those hindered by structural materials challenges, which may include advancements in non-metallic materials or innovative materials processing. This RFI is crucial for informing future opportunities and collaborations, with responses due by 5:00 PM EDT on January 16, 2026, and should be submitted electronically to the designated NASA contacts, including Godfrey Sauti at godfrey.sauti-1@nasa.gov.
    Request for Information (RFI): Optimized Machining Parameters for AerMet 100
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of the Air Force is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to gather insights on optimized machining parameters for AerMet 100, a high-strength alloy critical for aerospace applications. The objective of this RFI is to identify current industry capabilities and solutions that can enhance manufacturing efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure consistent high-quality output, particularly for landing gear components. The USAF is seeking information on company capabilities, recommended machining parameters, tooling solutions, and cost estimates, with responses due by December 22, 2025, and questions accepted until December 8, 2025. Interested parties can contact Randolph Hildebrandt Jr. at randolph.hildebrandt.2@us.af.mil or Andrew Gross at andrew.gross.4@us.af.mil for further details.
    TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: Enhanced Software Suite Maximizes Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) Methods (MSC-TOPS-34)
    National Aeronautics And Space Administration
    NASA's Technology Transfer Program is seeking inquiries from companies interested in obtaining licensing rights for an Enhanced Software Suite designed to maximize Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) methods, specifically the Flash Thermography NDE Technology Suite. This suite, developed by researchers at NASA Johnson Space Center, offers advanced techniques for post-processing flash infrared thermography data, enhancing the detection and characterization of anomalies in composite and metallic structures, thus improving operator accuracy and efficiency. The technology is crucial for various applications in structural assessments, and interested parties can submit a license application through NASA’s Automated Technology Licensing Application System (ATLAS) at https://technology.nasa.gov/patent/MSC-TOPS-34. Please note that NASA provides no funding in conjunction with these licenses, and inquiries can be directed to Agency-Patent-Licensing@mail.nasa.gov for further information.
    Environmental Test and Integration Services (ETIS) IV Draft RFP
    National Aeronautics And Space Administration
    NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center is seeking proposals for the Environmental Test and Integration Services (ETIS) IV through a Draft Request for Proposal (DRFP) designated as 80GSFC24R0012. The procurement aims to secure contractor support for environmental testing, mechanical and optical integration, and operational support for spacecraft and flight experiment components, with a focus on maintaining high standards of safety and quality. This contract is critical for NASA's mission in space science and technology development, ensuring robust testing and integration processes are in place. Interested vendors must submit their comments and questions regarding the DRFP by September 18, 2024, and are encouraged to participate in an Industry Day scheduled for September 16, 2024, to gain further insights into the project requirements.
    Testing and Reports of Composite Panel specumens
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), is seeking to negotiate a sole source contract with the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) for testing and reporting of composite panel specimens. The primary objective of this procurement is to conduct coupon testing for the qualification of the AMS 3970 composite material system under conditions relevant to Naval Aviation, which includes conditioning, testing, and analyzing the materials, as well as compiling comprehensive reports with statistical analysis and test plans. This testing is crucial for establishing composite repair standards for NAVAIR, ensuring the reliability and safety of aviation components. Interested parties may submit their capabilities and interest by December 26, 2025, to Lyle Kralle at lyle.a.kralle.civ@us.navy.mil, noting that the procurement will be processed on a sole source basis, and the Government will not compensate for any information provided.
    High-Performance 3D Digital Image Correlation (DIC) System
    Commerce, Department Of
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking information on potential sources for a High-Performance 3D Digital Image Correlation (DIC) System. This system is intended for precise, in-situ measurement of displacement and strain under various thermal and mechanical loading conditions, which is crucial for developing advanced testing methodologies and accurate failure prediction models in electronic packaging. The DIC system will play a vital role in addressing new failure mechanisms in 3D integrated devices, supporting the CHIPS Metrology program's objectives. Interested parties should contact Nina Lin at nina.lin@nist.gov for further details, and responses to this sources sought notice should be submitted promptly, as there is no solicitation available at this time.
    SOURCES SOUGHT SPECIAL NOTICE 2025
    National Aeronautics And Space Administration
    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ames Research Center is issuing a Sources Sought Special Notice for potential partners interested in developing competitive proposals for various NASA Announcements of Opportunity (AOs) and Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs). The primary objective is to identify partners capable of conducting scientific investigations, research activities, and technology demonstrations that align with NASA's goals, as well as providing necessary flight hardware for these missions. This initiative is crucial for advancing NASA's exploration and research capabilities, particularly in areas such as planetary exploration and space science. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their responses, including relevant capabilities and partnership interests, to the designated contact at ARC-Sources-Sought@mail.nasa.gov, with responses accepted at any time and maintained for three years after receipt.
    Research Opportunities for International Space Station (ISS) Utilization
    National Aeronautics And Space Administration
    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is seeking proposals for research opportunities related to the utilization of the International Space Station (ISS). This initiative aims to enhance exploration technology demonstrations and National Lab utilization, as outlined in NASA Research Announcement (NRA) NNJ13ZBG001N, which remains open for submissions. The awarded contracts may vary in type, including commercial contracts, cooperative agreements, and grants, depending on the proposal's scope. Interested parties should contact Colleen Corbett or Audrey Montgomery for further information and are encouraged to monitor the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) for updates on submission deadlines and additional documents.
    Common Automation Platform - Request for Information
    Transportation, Department Of
    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking information through a Request for Information (RFI) regarding the development of a Common Automation Platform (CAP) aimed at modernizing the Air Traffic Control System (ATC). This initiative intends to replace outdated systems such as ERAM and STARS with a cohesive, state-of-the-art platform, focusing on aspects like integration, reliability, and user experience while aligning with the FAA's Automation Evolution Strategy (AES). Responses to the RFI, which is not a commitment for proposals but may lead to an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA), are due by December 19, 2025, and interested vendors should direct their inquiries to David L. Reynolds at david.l.reynolds@faa.gov.
    LaRC Abaqus Software Renewal
    National Aeronautics And Space Administration
    NASA's National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is seeking to renew its contract for Abaqus software, a critical tool used for advanced engineering simulations. The procurement is justified as a limited source acquisition, indicating that the software is essential for NASA's operations and that only specific vendors can provide the necessary support and updates. The renewal of this software is vital for maintaining the integrity and efficiency of NASA's engineering processes. Interested parties can reach out to Caitlin Poulton at caitlin.m.poulton@nasa.gov or call 228-813-6211 for further details regarding this opportunity.