Printing Processes Development

NASA's National Shared Services Center (NSSC) is seeking to develop printing processes for nanomaterial-based carbon dioxide and methane sensors through a sole-source contract with Nano OPS, Inc. The procurement will be managed by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and focuses on optimizing printing techniques for advanced gas sensors with precise 2-micron alignment capabilities. NASA intends to issue the contract under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), indicating they believe Nano OPS is the only vendor capable of meeting their technical requirements. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications in writing to dorothy.s.baskin@nasa.gov by 11:59 a.m. Central Standard Time on May 12, 2025. The government will evaluate these submissions to determine whether to proceed with a competitive or non-competitive procurement, with the final decision solely at their discretion.

The contract opportunity is set aside for total small business participation and falls under NAICS Code 811210. The proposed two-year project will require Nano OPS to conduct device fabrication, initial sensor characterization, and provide design input for nanomaterial-based sensors meeting NASA's space application standards. Work will be performed at Nano OPS' facility in Burlington, Massachusetts, with all deliverables requiring prior approval from Dr. Ahmed Busnaina. The primary objectives include increasing device yield and reliability for nanomaterials-based sensors. While specific contract value details are not provided, the procurement will be conducted using commercial item acquisition procedures outlined in FAR Part 12 and FAR Part 13, with performance expectations centered on developing innovative sensor printing processes for space exploration applications.