3 low AC loss MgB2 specimens for AC loss testing

NASA/NSSC has published a Special Notice for the procurement of 3 low AC loss MgB2 specimens for AC loss testing, classified under NAICS code 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing). This is a sole source procurement set aside for small businesses, with NASA intending to award the contract directly to Hyper Tech Research, Inc., having determined they are the sole provider of these specialized superconducting specimens. The procurement will utilize commercial item acquisition procedures under FAR Parts 12 and 13, with performance to be conducted at NASA Glenn Research Center. The opportunity was posted on August 6, 2025, with a submission deadline of August 8, 2025.

The purpose of this procurement is to acquire specialized MgB2 superconducting specimens for AC loss testing in support of NASA's electric machine propulsion research for aircraft applications. The specimens must meet stringent technical requirements, including specific heat treatment, low AC loss design under time-varying conditions, and high-quality MgB2 with appropriate critical current density. Interested organizations must submit their capabilities and qualifications in writing by 4:00 p.m. Central Standard Time on August 8, 2025, with oral communications not being acceptable. The vendor will be required to install each specimen into NASA-provided G-10 coil packs using cryogenic-temperature-tolerant adhesive and ensure precise geometry specifications. NASA will evaluate submitted capabilities solely to determine whether to conduct the procurement on a competitive basis, though the agency has already identified Hyper Tech Research, Inc. as the intended sole source provider.