SATPC0041650 Tab 10 BNJ_Redacted.pdf

This is a Recommendation and Determination to Solicit from One Source or Brand Name form from NASA's Shared Services Center.

The document presents a brand name justification for a sole source acquisition of Cadence Microwave Office and Visual System Simulator software. NASA proposes to negotiate exclusively with vendors capable of providing this specific brand, with an estimated performance period of one year from the delivery date (estimated July 20, 2026 through July 19, 2027). The justification supports this single-source approach based on the unique characteristics and proprietary nature of the software required for the Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) communications subsystem design and link simulations. Intuitive Machines Inc., the prime contractor for the PPE, currently uses Cadence software to generate design files and simulations that are contractually required deliverables to NASA. The NASA PPE communications team relies on these files to verify, validate, and update design inputs for the independent modeling of the communications subsystem. The acquisition is critical to supporting the aggressive timeline of the SR-1 Freedom mission, targeting a November 2028 launch, as major design changes are underway and this software is essential for characterizing system performance. The document notes that the file formats are proprietary with no alternative applications available to open the files and run simulations, making substitution with another brand impractical and creating significant compatibility and cost impacts if an alternative vendor were used.