Perform on lightning advisory panel

NASA's Shared Services Center has issued a Special Notice regarding a sole source contract award to Duke University for participation on a Lightning Advisory Panel. The procurement is valued for services related to lightning safety research and advisory functions that will support NASA, Department of Defense, and Federal Aviation Administration launch safety efforts. The contract will be awarded under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) authority, with Duke University identified as the sole provider of these specialized services. Performance will be conducted at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, and the procurement follows commercial item acquisition procedures under FAR Parts 12 and 13. The NAICS code 611310 indicates this falls under educational institution services, specifically colleges, universities, and professional schools.

The Lightning Advisory Panel contract spans one year and requires participation in face-to-face meetings at Kennedy Space Center, attendance at 12-22 teleconferences, and engagement in sub-committees focused on Lightning Launch Commit Criteria development. Key activities include reviewing worldwide lightning research, providing expert guidance on criteria modifications, and completing post-meeting deliverables such as analyses and research recommendations. Organizations interested in demonstrating their capabilities may submit written qualifications to the identified points of contact by 3:00 p.m. Central Standard Time on July 18, 2025. These submissions will be evaluated solely to determine whether the procurement should be conducted on a competitive basis, though the government retains full discretion over this determination. The contract includes two separately priced tasks covering panel activities and travel expenses, with a tentative meeting scheduled for Summer/Fall 2025.