SATPC0041538 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 the Univeristy of New

Hampshire only for Dr. Joseph R. Dwyer’s participation in the Lightning Advisory Panel (LAP). The total estimated cost of this effort is and the estimated period of performance or lead-time for delivery is 1-year after award.

OR

Brand Name Justification:

☐I recommend that NASA, NASA Shared Services Center negotiate with only with vendors who can provide the subject brand 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.

At any time, the LAP as a whole must have membership that includes expertise in all of the following disciplines: meteorology, cloud physics, radar meteorology, sensor meteorology, statistics, advanced mathematics, and other remote or in situ observational techniques relevant to studies of atmospheric electricity and lightning. Dr. Dwyer’s educational and research experience helps to partially fulfill the expertise in lightning physics and rocket-triggered lightning. He continues to be actively involved in research, which includes his most recent co-authorship of several published lightning research articles in

2025 and 2026. In addition, Dr. Dwyer’s previous research experience at the International Center for

Lightning Research and Testing (ICLRT), an outdoor lightning research laboratory in the United States used to study rocket-triggered and nearby natural lightning, will likely be beneficial in the application of current research findings and methods in operational applications, like the avoidance of lightning events during vehicle ascent for human space flight. He has authored or co-authored over 160 peer-reviewed publications and non-refereed publications on atmospheric and space electricity and high energy atmospheric physics, with more than 50 of these publications on lightning, terrestrial gamma-ray flashes, and x-rays from lightning. Dr. Dwyer is also a recipient of the Karl Berger award, which recognizes individuals for their “distinguished achievements in the science and engineering of lightning research, developing new fields in theory and practice, modeling, and measurements.” This background is critical in assisting with the development and modification of the Lightning Launch Commit Criteria (LLCC) and in providing guidance using expertise derived from the research in which Dr. Dwyer is involved, as well as the existing literature he is exposed to in his other professional positions. The high quality and value of Dr. Dwyer’s contributions to the science community’s understanding of Earth and space sciences, including lightning physics, is recognized by his peers through their approval of his research for publication; their public recognition of his notable achievements through prestigious awards, such as

American Geophysical Union Fellow, as well as the University of New Hampshire 2021 Excellence in

Research Award, which acknowledges and honors a member of the faculty who has demonstrated superior creativity and success in their research; and their confidence in his ability to effectively educate

Page 2 V2.0 3-15-2017 the general public about the basics of lightning and lightning safety through different media, such as news, documentaries, and web-based question and answer sessions. Dr. Dwyer also joined the LAP in

February 2020 and immediately immersed himself in the LLCC history and relevant literature at a time where institutional continuity is an emerging issue for the LAP. His substantive experience on the LAP includes at least several collaborative roles to either help address current questions from LLCC users or to give new perspective based on his expertise. These roles have involved (1) reviewing and modifying a specific LLCC rule, and its associated rationale, (2) drafting a new rule and/or rule exceptions, and their associated rationale, for potential incorporation into the LLCC, (3) participating in the update of the

LLCC rationale document as lead editor of one appendix and a reviewer of at least two additional appendices, (4) providing subject matter expertise related to potential hazards above thunderstorms, and

(5) helping to plan and moderate the NASA sponsored Cloud Electrification and Lightning Physics

Technical Meeting in June 2026 that was aimed at improving the LLCC. Given Dr. Dwyer’s prior experiences as a university department chair, overseeing graduate students, and president of a research committee, Dr. Dwyer took over the role of LAP Chair in Sept 2025. Based on Dr. Dwyer’s background and recent LAP performance, the KSC Weather Office and management recommend we continue to support his participation in the panel for another year.

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

The government is unaware of any other vendor/individual that possesses the expertise, skills, and experience required of LAP members. If another vendor were utilized, lack of expertise may result in inaccurate, and slow, LLCC development, which could hinder the operational effectiveness, safety, and launch availability that the criteria are meant to provide. Ultimately, the potential would exist for a launch vehicle to intercept or trigger lightning during ascent, posing a danger to space flight. Additional labor hours will be required for the LAP member who also functions as the LAP Chair, in order to give them the necessary time to fulfill the responsibilities associated with managing the panel.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

The LAP are world-recognized experts on atmospheric electricity and other fields (i.e., lightning physics, radar meteorology, cloud physics, and statistics). The contributions of the selected vendor/individual to the LAP is critical as their expert knowledge in lightning physics and rocket-triggered lightning is required for further developing and evaluating the LLCC. The LAP defines and recommends the LLCC and associated rationale, which ensure launch vehicles do not trigger lightning or intercept natural lightning. The LLCC support NASA, Department of Defense (DoD), and Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA) licensed launches in the United States to assure safety and, to the maximum extent possible, provide launch availability. The LLCC are found in the NASA Standard for Lightning Launch

Commit Criteria for Space Flight, NASA-STD-4010. The purpose of this NASA Technical Standard is to establish common LLCC for avoidance of natural and triggered lightning to launch vehicles during ascent that are developed and recommended by the LAP for United States space launch. This NASA

Technical Standard is the definitive document for the most up-to-date LLCC in support of launches and will be updated periodically as the rules are revised. This NASA Technical Standard provides mission assurance requirements for NASA Programs, in addition to public safety requirements, so that intercepting natural or triggered lightning does not result in the loss of another payload or launch vehicle, like Atlas/Centaur-67. This NASA Technical Standard has been adopted for use by other Federal

Government agencies involved with spaceflight operations, including the DoD and FAA. Without the participation of lightning experts in the LAP, like the vendor/individual, the LLCC would become more conservative in a launch environment that is demanding greater launch availability amidst an increasing launch cadence.

6/18/2026

Technical User Name Date

Title