Purchase of feedbox card line and machine rigging for TPS Materials production.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Shared Services Center (NASA/NSSC) has issued a Special Notice announcing its intent to award a sole source contract to American Felt and Filter Company Inc. for the purchase of a feedbox card line and machine rigging for Thermal Protection System (TPS) Materials production. The procurement is specifically related to upgrading the PICA-Flex production line at NASA Ames Research Center to support Mars Exploration program material development. NASA is citing Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) as the authority for the sole source award, having determined that American Felt and Filter Company is the sole provider for these specialized equipment and services. The contract will fall under NAICS code 313230 for Nonwoven Fabric Mills and will utilize commercial item procedures outlined in FAR Parts 12 and 13. NASA/NSSC will serve as the procuring center, with performance located at NASA Ames Research Center.

Interested organizations have until 2:00 p.m. Central Standard Time on March 5, 2025, to submit written capabilities and qualifications for evaluation. The government will review submissions solely to determine whether to conduct the procurement on a competitive basis, with the final competitive determination remaining at the government's discretion. Contractors should note that oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice, and all submissions must be in writing to the primary point of contact, Laura Quave. The project objectives include procuring a feedbox capable of blending carbon and phenolic yarns to produce 48-inch nominal width batting for PICA-Flex TPS material, which is critical for Mars mission thermal protection systems. Potential contractors should have experience fabricating flight-quality PICA-Flex TPS material and possess ISO 9001 certification. The initiative aims to reduce manufacturing costs by 3-4 times and production schedules by over 50% compared to traditional rigid PICA systems, representing a significant technological advancement in space exploration materials.