SATPC0042657 Tab 06 BNJ_Redacted.pdf

This is a Recommendation and Determination to Solicit from One Source or Brand Name document issued by NASA's Shared Services Center, dated August 13, 2026, with contracting officer signature dated January 18, 2023.

NASA seeks to acquire a closed-cycle pulse tube cryocooler system to support testing of resource extraction from lunar regolith and In-Situ Resource Utilization Modeling efforts. The specific system components required include: (1) PT815 Cryocooler with Bolt Style NW160 Flange, (2) PT815 Cold head, (3) CPA1110W Compressor (200/230V, 3PH, 60Hz), (4) 66-foot Stainless Steel Low Noise flex lines (1" ID), (5) 66-foot Motor Cord, and (6) Installation tool kit and associated flex lines. The recommendation is for a brand name justification to procure exclusively from Cryomech (Bluefors CTI) for the PT815 Cryocooler. Market research conducted in June/July 2026 by Annie Meier and Mai Harrison determined that the PT815 is the only brand/model capable of meeting NASA's technical requirements, specifically requiring 22W @ 20K, 100W @ 80K cooling capacity with a base temperature of 10K. The PT815 uniquely provides the exact cooling curve required without introducing excessive thermal noise and integrates directly into the C3-PO Cryodistillation Design with NW160 Bolt Style Flange. Alternative vendors lack the dual pulse capability, 66-foot line compatibility, and specific cooling capacity without extensive custom engineering, which would result in an estimated additional $50,000 in costs, schedule delays of at least six months, and unacceptable proof testing and certification delays. The justification is submitted under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) for open market purchases where the acquisition of the referenced brand name is hereby justified, with the contract action exceeding $25,000 requiring Government-wide Point of Entry (GPE) posting and attachment of the brand name justification.