Physics-Informed Particle Impact Ignition Model

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Shared Services Center (NASA/NSSC) has issued a Special Notice for a Physics-Informed Particle Impact Ignition Model procurement. The agency intends to issue a sole source contract to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), citing MIT as the sole provider of this specialized model. The contract will be performed at NASA's White Sands Complex, with a NAICS Code of 541715 for research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. NASA has determined that MIT is uniquely qualified to develop this experimentally calibrated tool for predicting particle impact ignition risks in high-pressure oxidizing environments. The procurement is being conducted with the intent to potentially limit competition based on the unique capabilities of the proposed contractor.

Interested organizations are invited to submit their capabilities and qualifications in writing by March 3, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. Central Standard Time to be considered for potential competitive evaluation. The purpose of the Special Notice is to develop a comprehensive model that incorporates experimental findings from previous research years, focusing on predicting particle impact ignition risks through deterministic and probabilistic approaches. Eligible contractors can respond in writing, with oral communications explicitly not acceptable. The government retains full discretion to determine whether to proceed with full and open competition based on the responses received. Key deliverables will include test data reports, review slides, model drafts, a usage plan, and final documentation, with performance periods extending through February 2026. The contract includes specific milestones such as a Technical Interchange Meeting, mid-point review, and completion of various modeling phases, with opportunities for collaboration across NASA facilities.