Final Preparation and Installation of HYPERFIRE for HLS PSI Testing

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Shared Services Center (NASA/NSSC) has issued a Special Notice for a sole source contract opportunity related to the Final Preparation and Installation of HYPERFIRE for Human Landing System (HLS) Plume Surface Interaction (PSI) Testing. The notice indicates NASA's intent to award a contract directly to Purdue University under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), based on the university's unique expertise and extensive history with the HYPERFIRE system. The contract is specifically for modifying and preparing the HYPERFIRE system for subscale PSI testing, which was originally conceived by NASA but designed, built, and tested at Purdue. The procurement will be conducted using commercial item acquisition procedures under FAR Part 12 and Part 13, with performance to take place at NASA Stennis Space Center. The NAICS category for this opportunity is Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310).

The primary objective of this Special Notice is to modify the HYPERFIRE system for simulating rocket plume aerodynamics using heated ethane propellant, with key modifications including changes to ethane tubing, electrical interfaces, emergency stop systems, and Pebble Bed 3 design. Contractors interested in challenging NASA's sole source determination must submit their capabilities and qualifications in writing to Tessa Martinez by 9:00 a.m. Central Standard Time on May 19, 2025. NASA will evaluate these submissions solely to determine whether the procurement should be conducted competitively, with the government retaining full discretion in this decision. The contract performance period will span from award through July 31, 2025, with a requirement to deliver a modified HYPERFIRE system and updated documentation by May 31, 2025. Purdue University is currently deemed the only viable contractor due to its extensive familiarity with the system's design, existing test facilities, and six-year history of HYPERFIRE research and development. Oral communications are not acceptable, and NASA Clause 1852.215-84 regarding the Ombudsman is applicable to this acquisition.