SATPC0041871 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 Tekna Plasma Systems Inc. only for the ceramic tubes, quartz components, supersonic nozzle, and associated hardware required for plasma system modernization listed on the attached quote. The total estimated cost of this effort is and the estimated period of performance is 07/31/2026.

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.

NASA requires modernized plasma gun components that are fully compatible with an existing Tekna vacuum plasma spray system. Tekna Plasma Systems Inc. is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and the only source capable of providing components that meet the precise specifications and compatibility requirements. The unique characteristics include: proprietary PN070-12H thick-ended ceramic tube design with specific dimensional tolerances essential for plasma containment, custom supersonic nozzle engineered specifically for the PN070 plasma torch model that cannot be replicated by other manufacturers, the custom PN070-B7-DC-BB torch component, custom supersonic nozzle engineered specifically for the PN070 plasma torch model at LaRC, and specialized material compositions and manufacturing processes that ensure thermal and mechanical compatibility with existing Tekna infrastructure. Additional components such as the PS070‑11A quartz tubes with shoulder, the SG792‑260A0 sheathed probe, the PS070‑10C2 brass anti‑arc ring, the Series 192 EMI shield female contact rings, and the SL‑70 O‑ring also require Tekna‑specific tolerances and manufacturing processes that cannot be replicated by alternative vendors. These parts must integrate seamlessly with Tekna’s proprietary control systems, power delivery architecture, and cooling assemblies, making OEM sourcing essential to ensure operational compatibility, safety, and performance. Market research confirms that alternative vendors cannot provide equivalent components due to proprietary designs, manufacturing processes, and material specifications that are exclusive to Tekna. The components require precise integration with existing Tekna control systems, power supplies, and cooling systems, making OEM sourcing essential for operational compatibility.

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

Selecting an alternative vendor would create substantial operational and financial impacts. Non-OEM components would likely be incompatible with existing Tekna plasma systems, potentially causing