SATPC0042319 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 Linde Advanced Material Technologies Inc, only for Linde TAFA 1264WL Power Feeder. The total estimated cost of this effort is and the estimated period of performance or lead-time for delivery is 2 Months ARO.

OR

Brand Name Justification:

☐I recommend that NASA, NASA Shared Services Center negotiate 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.

The Linde/TAFA 1264WL Weight‑Loss Powder Feeder is the only feeder compatible with NASA’s existing IMPACT vacuum plasma spray (VPS) system. The IMPACT rig was originally designed and integrated around TAFA/Linde powder‑delivery hardware, and the 1264WL is the direct replacement/upgrade for the legacy feeder currently installed. No other vendor manufactures a powder feeder that interfaces with the TAFA control architecture, carrier‑gas plumbing, electrical connectors, HMI, or safety interlocks without significant redesign.The 1264WL provides unique capabilities required for VPS operation, including: weight‑loss feed‑rate control, which is essential for accurate mass‑flow measurement under vacuum conditions; compatibility with TAFA/IMPACT carrier‑gas and pinch‑valve systems, allowing seamless integration without modifying the VPS chamber or gas‑delivery manifold;

interchangeable hopper assemblies that expand the usable particle‑size range, enabling testing of fine, standard, and coarse powders for NASA’s materials development campaigns; and validated performance under vacuum plasma spray conditions, where stable powder flow is critical for coating uniformity and repeatability.Market research confirms that other powder feeders (e.g., Praxair/Metco, Sulzer Metco, or generic weight‑loss feeders) are not compatible with the TAFA VPS system without major mechanical, electrical, and software modifications. These alternatives would require redesign of the powder‑injection port, carrier‑gas plumbing, control logic, and safety systems, and would void the existing system warranty. Because the 1264WL is the only feeder designed to directly integrate with the IMPACT VPS system, it is the only product that meets NASA’s technical, safety, and operational requirements.

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

Using a different brand of powder feeder would result in major technical, schedule, and cost impacts.

Non‑TAFA feeders are not compatible with the IMPACT VPS system’s control architecture, carrier‑gas delivery, or vacuum‑rated powder‑injection hardware. Attempting to integrate another brand would require: redesign of the powder‑injection assembly, including custom adapters for the VPS chamber;