FY26 MTS Purchase

NASA's Shared Services Center seeks an FY26 MTS purchase under sole source authority, with written capability statements due June 26 by 7:00 a.m. CST. The procurement is for an MTS FlexTest 40 controller system, hydraulic grips, and related services under FAR 12.102(a) commercial item procedures.

Place of performance is NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia. The scope includes a FlexTest 40 controller with Windows 11 desktop workstation (32GB RAM, dual 512GB drives), MTS MultiPurpose TestWare (MPT) software with one-year support, 500 kN hydraulic wedge grips with intensifier, and onsite MTS Field Service Engineer support comprising 40 hours of installation, commissioning, basic operator training, axial force calibration (0–5000 kN range, up to two ranges), LVDT/TEMPO displacement transducer calibration per ASTM E2309, and estimated seven days of travel. Period of performance is 14 months from award.

The justification establishes that MTS is the exclusive developer of the MTS Multipurpose Testware software operating the majority of NASA's servohydraulic load frames. Only trained MTS technicians are authorized to perform controller installation, compatibility verification, and system calibration. The failing predecessor unit (FlexTest SE) and the proposed FlexTest 40 utilize identical software, minimizing operator transition requirements. Alternative selection would incur substantial retraining costs on competing software (Bluehill Universal), reduced proficiency retention, and potential testing schedule delays. NAICS code is 541511, Custom Computer Programming Services; PSC is 7A20. NASA FAR Supplement Clause 1852.215-84 (Ombudsman) applies. The Government reserves discretion to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis based on capability statements received.