Perform on lightning advisory panel

NASA's National Aeronautics and Space Administration Shared Services Center (NSSC) has issued a Special Notice announcing its intent to award a sole source contract to AMITABH NAG of White Rock, New Mexico for participation on a lightning advisory panel. The procurement will be conducted under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) authority, with NASA determining that AMITABH NAG is the sole provider capable of performing this specialized service. The contract will support lightning safety efforts at NASA's Kennedy Space Center and falls under NAICS code 541715 for research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. The agency intends to acquire these services as commercial items using FAR Part 12 and Part 13 provisions and procedures.

The Lightning Advisory Panel contract is designed to support NASA, Department of Defense, and Federal Aviation Administration launch safety efforts related to lightning risks through expert consultation and research review. The one-year contract requires participation in a 3-day face-to-face or virtual meeting at Kennedy Space Center during Summer/Fall 2025, attendance at 12-22 teleconferences, and engagement in sub-committees focused on Lightning Launch Commit Criteria development and modification. Interested organizations have until 12 p.m. Central Standard Time on July 16, 2025, to submit written capabilities and qualifications statements to demonstrate their ability to perform the work. NASA will evaluate these submissions solely to determine whether to conduct the procurement competitively rather than as a sole source award. The contractor will be required to review worldwide lightning research, provide expert guidance, complete post-meeting action items, and submit Required Deliverable Documents describing their contributions to the panel's objectives.