Reglink regolith - afsd material behavior study

NASA's National Shared Services Center announced on August 30, 2026, a sole-source contract intent to the University of Alabama for REGLINK REGOLITH, an Additive Friction Stir Deposition material behavior study, with a capability statement deadline of September 2, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Central Standard Time. The procurement will be conducted as non-commercial under FAR Part 13 and FAR 12.102(a) sole-source authority, with performance at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. NASA determined that the University of Alabama is the sole provider of the required REGLINK-REGOLITH capability.

The effort supports NASA's In-Space Manufacturing project by quantifying how regolith simulant characteristics influence AFSD processing behavior and material properties. The University of Alabama's work encompasses seven tasks: preparing and classifying regolith simulant feedstock; executing AFSD trials across a defined parameter matrix; producing test coupons for mechanical and microstructural evaluation; conducting advanced analysis (SEM, XRD, XCT, microscopy); correlating simulant properties with layer quality; participating in monthly technical meetings; and delivering a consolidated technical report. Deliverables include monthly progress updates, processing logs, mechanical property datasets, microstructure analysis packages, and a final technical report, with performance expected to complete by Fall 2026.

Interested organizations may submit capability statements (not quotes or oral communications) to Fredrick N. Michael, Ph.D., fredrick.n.michael@nasa.gov, with the special notice number in the email subject line. The Government reserves discretion to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis based on received responses.