Design, fabrication, and delivery of custom carbon fiber propellers

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Shared Services Center (NASA/NSSC) has issued a Special Notice for the design, fabrication, and delivery of custom carbon fiber propellers. The notice indicates NASA's intent to issue a sole source contract to MEJZLIK PROPELLERS S.R.O., a company based in Brno, Czechia, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i). NASA has determined that MEJZLIK PROPELLERS S.R.O. is the sole provider capable of meeting their specific requirements for these custom propellers. The performance of this contract will be located at NASA's Glenn Research Center, and the procurement falls under the NAICS Code 336413 for Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing. The government intends to acquire these commercial items using provisions outlined in FAR Part 12 and FAR Part 13.

The primary objective of this Special Notice is to procure two identical 1-meter diameter carbon fiber propellers for testing icing scaling methods in NASA's Icing Research Tunnel. Interested organizations must submit their capabilities and qualifications in writing by 12 p.m. Central Standard Time on March 6, 2025. The propellers must meet specific technical requirements, including three removable blades per propeller, a variable pitch hub, and a carbon fiber spinner. Contractors must provide detailed specifications, including CAD models and test reports, with all deliverables to be completed within 3-4 months of contract award. The propellers must operate safely at 3500 RPM with a 1.5 safety factor and pass rigorous testing, including a 30-minute overspin test and a centrifugal load test to failure. The government will cover shipping costs from the contractor's facility to NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, OH. NASA notes that any evaluation of submitted capabilities will solely determine whether the procurement will be conducted on a competitive basis, with the final decision remaining at the government's discretion.