MTS FlexTest 40 Controller and Card

NASA's Shared Services Center has issued a Special Notice for the sole source procurement of MTS FlexTest 40 Controller and Card equipment. This acquisition is being conducted under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) and is intended for NASA Langley Research Center's Materials Research Lab within the Durability Damage Tolerance and Reliability Branch. The notice identifies MTS Systems Corporation of Eden Prairie, Minnesota as the sole provider for this specialized testing equipment. NASA has determined that this contractor is the only source capable of providing the required components that are compatible with existing MTS hardware and software systems. The procurement falls under NAICS Code 334519 for Computer Terminal and Other Computer Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing.

The purpose of this acquisition is to replace a failed controller with new equipment that includes two MTS FlexTest 40 Controllers and one MTS Eight Channel Analog Input Board, along with comprehensive installation and training services. Interested organizations may submit capability statements and qualifications in writing to the contracting officer by 7:00 AM Central Standard Time on September 22, 2025, with oral communications not being acceptable. The government will evaluate submissions solely to determine whether the procurement should be conducted competitively, though the final determination remains at NASA's discretion. The equipment is critical for materials research testing and analysis, with delivery scheduled for 155 days after receipt of order, and any alternative vendor selection could negatively impact scheduled work and critical flight-related activities. NASA has justified the sole source approach based on the need for manufacturer-specific parts, specialized equipment knowledge, and warranty requirements that only MTS Systems Corporation can provide.