AuSIM3D Software Service Renewal

NASA's Shared Services Center has issued a Special Notice regarding a sole-source procurement for AuSIM3D Software Service Renewal. The notice announces NASA's intention to award a contract exclusively to AuSIM, Inc. for software maintenance and support services at NASA Langley Research Center. This is a presolicitation synopsis filed under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), which permits sole-source procurement when only one contractor can satisfy the government's requirements. The software supports the Exterior Effects Room (EER) psychoacoustic test laboratory and is classified under NAICS Code 513210 (Software Publishers) and PSC DA10 (IT and Telecom – Business Application/Application Development Software as a Service). The notice was posted on March 9, 2026, and applies to a civilian agency within the federal government.

The procurement covers a 36-month service period from April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027, providing software updates, priority support, and maintenance for AuSIM's proprietary server software suite and compatible modules across three AuSIM GoldMiner systems. NASA justifies the sole-source determination based on AuSIM, Inc.'s exclusive control of the proprietary software and refusal to license source code to third parties, combined with the absence of alternative commercial software capable of performing the required functions. The agency notes that developing alternative software would require two or more years of development time and would negatively impact NASA's support for Executive Order 14307 regarding American drone dominance initiatives. Interested organizations have until 7 a.m. Central Standard Time on March 11, 2026 to submit written capabilities and qualifications challenging the sole-source determination to procurement specialist Shanna Patterson (Shanna.l.Patterson@nasa.gov). Eligible contractors must demonstrate that the procurement should proceed on a competitive basis; however, the government reserves the right to make the final determination at its sole discretion, and oral communications will not be accepted.