CNC Mill to replace a nonrepairable machine

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Shared Services Center is seeking to procure a replacement CNC vertical machining center for the NASA Glenn Research Center's Specimen Machine Shop. The agency requires one VF-1 Vertical machining center with specific technical specifications including X 20" x Y 16" x Z 20" movement capabilities, a 30 hp vector drive capable of 8100 rpm, and a maximum machine footprint of 123" L x 82" D x 112" H. The procurement includes mandatory options such as an oil skimmer, work table, 4-axis capabilities, probing system, programmable coolant, and other specialized machining features. The current mill has failed and is non-repairable, leaving the shop with limited machining capabilities that must be restored for daily operations by the Materials and Structures Division. The solicitation was posted on July 7, 2025, with responses due by July 11, 2025, providing only four days for submission.

This opportunity is designated as a Total Small Business set-aside under NAICS code 333517 for Machine Tool Manufacturing. The Brand Name Justification indicates a preference for a HAAS VF-1 CNC Mill based on controller compatibility with existing equipment, current personnel training on HAAS systems, and physical space constraints that limit options to this specific model. The justification notes that selecting an alternative vendor could result in approximately $20,000 in additional training costs and scheduling delays of weeks to months for personnel to learn new systems. The estimated delivery and performance period is targeted for July 30, 2025, indicating an urgent need for equipment replacement. Performance will take place at the NASA Glenn Research Center's Specimen Machine Shop, where the equipment will be used daily to support the Materials and Structures Division's machining operations.