National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Glenn Research Center) Presolicitation Notice for Neutron Irradiation of NASA SiC Piezoresistive Pressure Sensors, Electronics, Detectors, and Physical Sensors

NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC)has a requirement for Neutron Irradiation of NASA SiC Piezoresistive Pressure Sensors, Electronics, Detectors, and Physical Sensors. The objective of this work is to perform neutron and gamma irradiation of selected GRC sensor and electronics technologies in a reactor for the purpose of technology readiness level baselining relative to the FSP operational specifications.

• Selected samples shall be tested under neutron irradiation in a reactor. The irradiations will take place in the 3GV facility that provides 1.2x1013 n/cm2s thermal flux, approximately 3x1010 n/cm2s fast flux, and near-core-intensity gamma field.
• The sensors shall be integrated into the experiment vehicle and assembled into a steel pressure housing (via swaged fittings or welding) with lead-outs attached for on-line interrogation.
• Perform the 2PH1 pneumatic rabbit system for 3 weeks to achieve ~0.1 DPA SiC,
• Utilize the 3GV6 reflector position for 3 weeks to perform lead-out tests under neutron irradiation with real-time gas control, and a dry in-core capsule for drop-in materials exposure for one reactor cycle.
• Reactor will be conditioned and ramped up at incremental orders of magnitude (1kW > 10kW > 100kW > 1MW > full power).
• Perform Post Irradiation Examination using scanning electron microscopy, and FIB-Cut high resolution transmission electron microscopy.
• During irradiation the sensors shall be interrogated in real-time via electronics supplied to NRL by the Principal Investigators. In addition, we request that datasets related to the experiment vehicle and reactor variables (temperatures, average reactor power, flow rates, pressures, and gas composition) be provided to the PI.

NASA GRC intends to issue a sole source contract to acquire the services from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) per FAR 6.302-1.

The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12.

Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort electronically via email to Kevin Carroll (Kevin.M.Carroll@nasa.gov) not later than 5:00 PM EST on June 10, 2024.  Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this acquisition on a competitive basis.  A determination by the Government not to compete this acquisition on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government.

NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at : https://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/regs/Procurement-Ombuds-Comp-Advocate-Listing.pdf