Design Update for Mach 6 Nozzle

NASA's Shared Services Center intends to award a sole-source contract to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation for design updates to a Mach 6 nozzle, with capability statement submissions due May 26, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Central Standard Time. The Government has determined that Northrop Grumman is the sole provider capable of performing this effort, though NASA reserves the right to make a final determination regarding competitive versus sole-source acquisition based on submitted responses.

Work will be performed at NASA Langley Research Center with NASA's Shared Services Center serving as the procuring office. The four-month effort involves modifying the existing Mach 6 nozzle design by adding shelf features to blade inserts to prevent inward motion observed in the original design, leveraging work from a previous NASA-funded Liner 2 model effort. The performer will deliver 3D models in STEP format, preliminary drawings in PDF due one month from award, final released drawings due two months from award, and classical (non-FEA) calculations evaluating blade insert strength against the original design. Six part numbers are potentially impacted: MSX-57909, MSX-57931, MSX-57935, MSX-57939, MSX-57933, and MSX-57930. An optional analysis task may be funded separately.

The procurement is classified under NAICS 541330 (Engineering Services) and PSC J015 (Maint/Repair/Rebuild Of Equipment—Aircraft And Airframe Structural Components). This is a non-commercial acquisition under FAR 12.102(a). Interested organizations may submit written capabilities and qualifications only; price offers will not be reviewed. NASA FAR Supplement Clause 1852.215-84 (Ombudsman) applies.