Professor of Physics & Astronomy, to participate in the Lightning Advisory Panel (LAP) and further development and evaluation of the Lightning Launch Commit Criteria (LLCC).

NASA's Shared Services Center is conducting a sole source solicitation for a Professor of Physics & Astronomy to serve on the Lightning Advisory Panel and support development of Lightning Launch Commit Criteria, with capabilities statements due June 30. The procurement targets the University System of New Hampshire and Dr. Joseph R. Dwyer specifically, based on specialized expertise in lightning physics and rocket-triggered lightning that the agency states cannot be substituted without risking inaccurate and delayed safety-critical criteria development.

Place of performance is Kennedy Space Center, Florida. The NAICS code is 611310, Universities and Colleges; PSC is R699, Support-Administrative: Other. The one-year contract comprises three separately priced tasks: core LAP member responsibilities including one three-day face-to-face or virtual meeting at Kennedy Space Center (tentatively Summer/Fall 2026), 12–22 teleconferences of approximately 1.5 hours each, and participation in at least one LAP sub-committee; travel expenses for the Kennedy Space Center meeting; and LAP Chair duties including serving as primary point-of-contact to NASA and United States Space Force, managing agendas, and tracking action items. Panel membership requires an earned PhD in atmospheric electricity, lightning physics, radar meteorology, cloud physics, statistics, or closely related STEM disciplines with demonstrated expertise through highly impactful peer-reviewed publications.

The procurement is classified as non-commercial items under FAR Part 13. NASA FAR Supplement Clause 1852.215-84 (Ombudsman) applies. The government reserves the right to proceed with sole source award or open the procurement to full and open competition. Interested organizations must submit capabilities and qualifications to Procurement Specialist Shanna L. Patterson at Shanna.L.Patterson@nasa.gov by 7:00 a.m. Central Standard Time on June 30.