Laminar Differential Pressure Mass Flow Controllers for HYMETS

NASA's National Space Science Center (NSSC) has issued a Special Notice for a sole source procurement of Laminar Differential Pressure Mass Flow Controllers for the Hypersonic Materials Environmental Test System (HYMETS) at NASA Langley Research Center. The agency intends to award this contract directly to Alicat Scientific, Inc. under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), having determined that Alicat is the only provider capable of meeting the specialized requirements. The procurement involves replacing 28 existing MKS brand Mass Flow Controllers with new Alicat Scientific units, including 25 nitrogen-based controllers and 3 argon-based controllers. This replacement initiative addresses critical operational issues including poor calibration stability, obsolete measurement technology, and frequent out-of-tolerance problems that have negatively impacted research data quality and facility operations. The procurement falls under PSC code 6640 for Laboratory Equipment and Supplies and will utilize commercial item procedures from FAR Parts 12 and 13.

The primary objective of this Special Notice is to inform potential contractors of NASA's intent to proceed with a sole source award while providing an opportunity for other qualified organizations to demonstrate competitive capabilities. Interested parties must submit written capability statements and qualifications by 4:00 p.m. Central Standard Time on August 6, 2025, with oral communications explicitly not acceptable. NASA will evaluate these submissions solely to determine whether the procurement could be conducted competitively, though the final procurement decision remains at the government's discretion. The procurement is scheduled for delivery within 30 business days plus shipping time after final approval. Organizations considering participation should note that NASA has already validated Alicat's Mass Flow Controllers through internal testing and metrology review, and the Statement of Work strongly indicates that Alicat's Laminar Differential Pressure technology and specific technical capabilities are uniquely suited to restore HYMETS facility functionality and research data confidence.