Correlation of Process-Induced Defects and Detectability Models for Laser-Wire AM

NASA's Shared Services Center seeks correlation of process-induced defects and detectability models for laser-wire additive manufacturing, with a capabilities submission deadline of July 13, 2026. The procurement is sole-source to Carnegie-Mellon University under FAR 12.102(a), though NASA reserves discretion to conduct competitive procurement based on submitted capabilities.

Performance occurs at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The contractor must possess expertise in non-destructive evaluation, statistical modeling, defect characterization, and in-situ monitoring data integration for additive manufacturing. Key technical deliverables include processing multi-modal monitoring signals to extract defect-associated features, performing high-resolution CT scanning and metallography to validate Lack of Fusion defects, developing statistical models to estimate spatial likelihood of defect formation, and developing Probability of Detection models aligned with MIL-HDBK-1823A to quantify in-situ monitoring system detection capability. The contractor receives physical Inconel 625 samples and associated raw in-situ monitoring data from NASA and must grant the Government unlimited rights to all data, reports, and algorithms generated.

The period of performance is approximately six months from contract award. The NAICS code is 611310, Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools. Required deliverables include defect characterization data, processed monitoring-derived feature datasets, spatial defect likelihood and POD models, final test report, technical white paper, and monthly technical and financial status reports. The contractor must coordinate with NASA MSFC personnel for peer review and obtain co-authorship approval prior to any external publication. The procurement uses FAR Part 13 procedures for non-commercial items or services.