Perform cryogenic mechanical testing for composite materials needed to move project forward.

NASA's Shared Services Center intends to award a sole source contract to Composite Technology Development, Inc. for cryogenic mechanical testing of composite materials, with the capability challenge period closing June 18, 2026. The procurement is being conducted as a commercial item acquisition under FAR 12.102(a), foreclosing full and open competition unless the Government determines to proceed competitively based on capability statements submitted by the deadline.

Place of performance is NASA Glenn Research Center. The work involves mechanical testing of two composite systems—a thermoplastic T1100 carbon fiber/TC1225 Low-melt polyaryletherketone and a thermoset T1100/3960 epoxy resin, both sourced from Toray—at three temperature conditions: room temperature, 20 Kelvin (liquid hydrogen temperature), and 111 Kelvin (liquid natural gas temperature). Testing encompasses 104 coupons across three blocks using ASTM standards D3039, D638, Modified D5335, and D5045, including laminate tension testing, neat resin tension and thermal expansion testing, and fracture toughness testing. Composite Technology Development, Inc. is responsible for receiving panels and plaques fabricated by NASA GRC, cutting and preparing all coupons per detailed specifications including photographic documentation and tabbing requirements, and completing all testing. Deliverables include complete test reports with raw data in Excel or .csv format, fractured specimens, and a summary report due within 6–8 weeks of material receipt. Payment is structured in three milestone-based blocks corresponding to completion of each testing phase. The NAICS code is 541380, Testing Laboratories and Services. Interested organizations must submit written capabilities and qualifications to Laura Quave, laua.a.quave@nasa.gov, no later than 1:00 p.m. Central Standard Time on June 18, 2026. Oral communications are not acceptable. NASA FAR Supplement Clause 1852.215-84 (Ombudsman) applies.