SATPC0039331 Tab 06 RDSS..pdf

Page 1 V2.0 3-15-2017

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 Sauer Engineering only for Tecnar High-Speed Particle Tracking System. The total estimated cost of this effort is and the estimated period of performance or lead-time for delivery is 8 weeks ARO.

OR

Brand Name Justification:

☐I recommend that NASA, NASA Shared Services Center negotiate only with vendors who can provide the subject band name from . 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 required system offers a particle diagnostic solution capable of simultaneously measuring particle temperature, velocity, and size for high-speed particles within plasma spray chambers operating under vacuum conditions. To the best of our knowledge, Tecnar's DPV Evolution system with CPS 2000 laser is the only commercially available solution that integrates both laser and optical measurement methods specifically designed for in-flight particle characterization in plasma and cold spray environments.

Notable features include dual-speed configuration capabilities (5-400 m/s and 400-1200 m/s) with 2% accuracy, allowing comprehensive analysis across the full spectrum of particle velocities encountered in plasma spraying. The system uniquely facilitates measurement of particle temperatures ≥1050°C with 3% accuracy, while concurrently capturing data on velocity and particle diameter (5-300 µm), providing critical real-time characterization essential for quality assurance. Additionally, the integrated Accuraspray

4.0 option enables spray plume cross-sectional intensity profiling with an accuracy of ±0.6 mm and plume angle measurement precision of 0.2 degrees. Market research indicates that over 1,000 scientific papers have been published using data from the DPV system, establishing it as a recognized standard in advanced in-flight particle characterization research. Currently, no other vendor offers this combination of simultaneous temperature, velocity, and size measurements with the required precision and vacuum compatibility for plasma and cold spray applications.

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

The OEM does not do business directly with the Government and has authorized only one re-seller, therefore Sauer Engineering is deemed the sole source for this requirement as no other vendors are authorized to sell this equipment. Selecting an alternative vendor could result in considerable operational and technical challenges. Most alternative particle measurement systems typically measure only a single parameter—either velocity or temperature—rather than providing simultaneous multi-parameter analysis.

This

Page 2 V2.0 3-15-2017 necessitates the use of multiple separate instruments, thereby substantially increasing acquisition costs and operational complexity. The absence of vacuum-compatible dual-speed measurement capability in competing systems would hinder the accurate characterization of high-speed plasma and cold spray particles, potentially affecting the validity of research outcomes. Additionally, schedule impacts may include extended evaluation periods to identify suitable alternatives that meet technical specifications, potential costs associated with custom development, and delays to ongoing research programs. Without integrated spray plume profiling capabilities, separate instrumentation would be required, leading to higher costs and workflow inefficiencies. Systems lacking established scientific validation—evidenced by the absence of over 1,000 published papers—may require extensive in-house validation efforts, significantly increasing time and resource commitments. Furthermore, the specialized 100mm working distance and precise measurement volume specifications are uncommon in alternative solutions, which could necessitate facility modifications or result in compromised measurement capabilities—factors that could negatively impact research quality and the operations of NASA’s plasma spray facility.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

7/17/2025 Technical User Name Date

Title