SATPC0037455 Tab 06 RDSS..pdf

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NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

NASA SHARED SERVICES CENTER

RECOMMENDATION AND DETERMINATION TO SOLICIT FROM ONE SOURCE

OR BRAND NAME

PICK ONE

Sole Source:

☒I recommend that NASA, NASA Shared Services Center negotiate with Babbit Bearing Company Inc.

only for 1936028 Sting Detail manufacturing. The total estimated cost of this effort is and the estimated period of performance or lead-time for delivery is 18 weeks after order placement

OR

Brand Name Justification:

☐I recommend that NASA, NASA Shared Services Center negotiate with only with vendors who can provide the subject band name from Manufacture Name for Enter Supply or Service to be procured. The total estimated cost of this effort is Enter Dollar amount and the estimated period of performance or lead-time for delivery is Date.

This recommendation is for the acquisition of supplies or services determined to be reasonably available from only one source/only one manufacture. Competition is impractical for the following reasons (please answer the questions below):

1. What are the reasons for soliciting only the suggested source/suggested brand name? Please provide the unique characteristics of the items or services along with the supporting rationale and the market research performed to substantiate your reason for the suggested source/brand name.

The NASA Glenn Research Center 10- by 10-Foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel (10x10 SWT) has a 96-inch Translation System which allows for a sting to travel forward and aft in the test section. Higher model loads require a new sting to be fabricated from stronger material per stress analyses completed by engineering design. The sting shall be made from 17-4 H900 to the same specifications as the original drawing with care taken to ensure it fits within the existing bearings and bearing housing sub-assembly.

Our engineering team was having difficulties finding a manufacturer with the capabilities to machine this sting with a length of 148.5 inches out of 17-4 H900 stainless steel. We talked to several companies that specialized in large parts like this requiring large lathes, deep hole drilling, and grinding capabilities. None of them were interested in manufacturing this part because of its length, material, and tolerances required. Additionally, these companies found it difficult to find the material required to make the part in this length. It can take 8-10 months to order custom pieces of material in these sizes.

Through networking with other NASA centers and researching manufacturers, we found that Babbitt Bearing Company Inc. has the capabilities and experience to manufacture this hardware. They have worked in the past with NASA Ames and Langley Research Centers to make wind tunnel parts like this with good results. After reaching out to them and having technical discussions, we found they have the required manufacturing resources and technical knowledge to manufacture a part of

Page 2 V2.0 3-15-2017 this size and precision. They have located a source for the material that has it currently in stock which will save several months in the schedule. They have provided a delivery date that meets the projects schedule and a cost that fits within our budget. Due to Babbitt Bearing Company Inc. being able to meet the difficult technical specifications of the part, technical/manufacturing capabilities, meeting schedule and budget requirements, history of manufacturing with NASA centers and ability to source available material, we believe this is strong justification for sole source manufacturing of the hardware. We would like to move forward with the purchase request quickly to minimize any delays in the delivery date of the hardware.

2. What is the impact to the government if another vendor/brand is used? Include any dollar, schedule, or compatibility impacts if possible.

New vendor may not have the technical understanding, capabilities, and experience to manufacture the part. They schedule of the program could be set back months by bringing another vendor up to speed and it could take them weeks to get material.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

Richard Kelsch 1/24/2025 Technical User Name Date

Manufacturing Engineer Title NASA Glenn Research Center Manufacturing Division Office