Directed Energy Deposition JBK-75 Representative Process Samples and Component Builds

NASA's Shared Services Center (NSSC) has issued a Special Notice for Directed Energy Deposition JBK-75 Representative Process Samples and Component Builds. The agency intends to award a sole source contract to RPM INNOVATIONS INC, which has been determined to be the sole provider capable of delivering this specialized service. The procurement is being conducted under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) authority and will be managed by NASA/NSSC with performance at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). The government plans to treat this as a commercial item acquisition under FAR Parts 12 and 13. This Special Notice provides other interested organizations with an opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities before the final sole source award decision is made.

The objective of this procurement is to obtain large-scale manufacturing technology demonstration services using Laser Powder Directed Energy Deposition (LP-DED) to fabricate representative process samples and component builds in JBK-75 and NASA HR-1 Fe-Ni alloys. Interested contractors must submit written capabilities and qualifications by 12 p.m. Central Standard Time on March 16, 2026, and responses will be evaluated solely to determine whether the procurement should proceed on a competitive basis rather than as a sole source award. The Statement of Work requires the vendor to demonstrate capability to manufacture an RS-25 nozzle aft end exceeding 90 inches in height with 1 mm wall thickness and integral channels, complete the work within 75 consecutive days, and deliver 332 total sample builds across multiple component categories. The contract specifies a 6-month period of performance, with the vendor responsible for providing engineering services, machine operators, consumables, and comprehensive inspection and reporting. Eligible contractors must possess expertise in advanced additive manufacturing, large-scale printing capabilities with a minimum 60-inch diameter by 72-inch build volume, and experience with complex aerospace component fabrication.