Matchbox lasers from RPMC for SCALPSS 2. 0 flight projects on CS-8 payloads

NASA's Shared Services Center issued a sole source Special Notice on July 28, 2026, for the procurement of Matchbox high-power diode lasers from RPMC Lasers Inc. to support the SCALPSS 2.0 flight projects on CS-8 payloads; the deadline for interested organizations to submit written capabilities and qualifications is July 30, 2026 at 7:00 a.m. Central Standard Time.

The procurement covers 36 units of the 0638L-36A-NI-NT-NF Matchbox Series High Power Laser Diode Module and 2 units of AM-C11 USB DC Breakout Box. Specifications include 638 nm wavelength, minimum 250 mW measured optical output power, 50 micron core fiber diameter, and modulatability via programmable TTL input pulse up to 10 kHz. Hardware delivery to NASA Langley is required no later than October 2026, with flight payload assembly scheduled to begin in Q4 2026.

NASA justifies sole source acquisition on the basis of RPMC's prior demonstrated compliance with NASA procurement standards, extensive testing and validation at NASA Langley including vacuum chamber and thermal vacuum testing, and technical collaboration between the SCALPSS engineering team, RPMC, and the original manufacturer (Integrated Optics) that has customized specifications for mission requirements. The determination notes that substituting an alternative vendor would require a minimum six-month delay for re-specification and testing, creating unacceptable schedule impacts and increased costs.

The procurement will be conducted as a commercial items acquisition under FAR Part 12, NAICS 334413, PSC 6695. Performance location is NASA Langley Research Center. Responses must be written; oral communications are not acceptable. The primary point of contact is Shanna L. Patterson, Procurement Specialist, at Shanna.L.Patterson@nasa.gov.