(50) spools of Hi-Nicalon™ high-performance, continuous silicon carbide fiber (equivalent to 5. 5 kg of fiber). Manufacturer Part # is NLH107.

NASA's Shared Services Center seeks procurement of 50 spools of Hi-Nicalon high-performance, continuous silicon carbide fiber (5.5 kg total, manufacturer part number NLH107), with proposals due June 30, 2026. This is a sole source procurement for which COI Ceramics, Inc. has been determined the only capable supplier.

Place of performance is NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia. The procurement will be conducted as a commercial item acquisition under FAR 12.102(a) and FAR Part 12. The NAICS code is 336413, Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing; PSC is 6695, Combination And Miscellaneous Instruments.

COI Ceramics holds sole source justification based on unique characteristics of Hi-Nicalon fiber—high strength, corrosion, and heat resistance required for nuclear reactor core environments—and its exclusive access to the Defense Logistics Agency's strategic materials stockpile, which achieves delivery in weeks rather than months or years. The direct manufacturer currently quotes end of calendar year 2027 for direct orders. COI Ceramics also provides NASA a direct-sale discount unavailable through alternative vendors. The estimated period of performance is 5 to 6 weeks from receipt of order, contingent on Defense Logistics Agency stockpile release approval.

The fiber will support the SR1-Freedom nuclear electric propulsion vehicle program, specifically for manufacturing encapsulating structures for moderating materials in non-space flight ground testing. Delivery targets summer 2026 to enable structure winding by late summer, with testing and integration into the DOE VALKRE reactor scheduled for end of calendar year 2026 and spring 2027 validation testing.

Interested organizations may submit written capabilities and qualifications to Shanna L. Patterson (Shanna.L.Patterson@nasa.gov), Procurement Specialist, by 7:00 a.m. Central Standard Time on June 30, 2026, for evaluation solely to determine whether to conduct the procurement competitively. NASA FAR Supplement Clause 1852.215-84 (Ombudsman) applies.