SATPC0040823 Tab 07 2 SOW_Redacted.pdf

This Statement of Work (SOW) establishes the requirements for preparation of a Thermal Protection System (TPS) fabrication space at NASA Ames Research Center to support commercial production of MERINO TPS batting materials for future commercial and government missions. The effort is funded by NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) and Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) and derives from Objective 3.1 of the 2022 NASA Strategic Plan to advance transformational space technologies. MERINO (Materials Engineered for Re-entry using Innovative Needling Operations) is an advanced composite of carbon and phenolic fiber/filament designed for 3D additive manufacturing to create low-cost thermal protection systems. The material consists of thin sections of precision-blended carbon and phenolic fibers called "batting," requiring specialized equipment and facilities to prevent material contamination and equipment damage.

The contractor shall provide all labor, materials, facilities, service, equipment, analysis, and management necessary to fabricate four contract line-item numbers (CLINs): installation of an opening and blending line (due July 30, 2026), building an electrical panel for the blending line (due June 30, 2026), rewiring of carding equipment (due June 30, 2026), and re-sizing of a crossslapper for MERINO size batting (due July 30, 2026). The period of performance extends from April 2026 to June 30, 2026. The contractor must demonstrate previous experience fabricating flight-quality TPS and hold ISO 9001 certification or better. No government-furnished property, materials, equipment, or information will be provided, and no travel costs are anticipated.