Shock Testing of GFE Reefing Line Cutters at Element US Space & Defense.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Shared Services Center is seeking a small business contractor to perform shock testing on Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) Reefing Line Cutters at Element US Space & Defense in Houston, Texas. The solicitation (Tracking Number 80NSSC25904501Q) requires conducting comprehensive shock tests on pyrotechnic parachute reefing line cutters, specifically testing ten 8-second and ten 16-second RLCs using a half-sine wave pulse shock environment with 1412g peak acceleration and 2ms pulse duration. The contract will be awarded using a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) methodology, with vendors required to demonstrate full compliance with all solicitation requirements. Quotes must be submitted via email to Shanna Patterson by June 9, 2025, at 7 a.m. CT, with vendors needing to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) and provide specific details including CAGE/UEI code and point of contact information. Contractors must also adhere to strict safety protocols due to the explosive nature of the test articles and provide a detailed test report within two weeks of test completion.

This opportunity is set aside exclusively for small businesses in the Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences category (NAICS 541715), with the place of performance located in Houston, TX 77058. The contract involves testing up to six test articles simultaneously using a NASA-provided test fixture, with each Reefing Line Cutter containing a delay cartridge with 80 ± 2 mg of Hi-Temp Propellant. While specific award value is not explicitly stated, the technical complexity and safety requirements suggest a specialized procurement. The test articles will be delivered to the contractor in late June or early July 2025, with the testing involving comprehensive pre- and post-test visual inspections and data acquisition. Contractors will need to demonstrate technical capability to handle sensitive pyrotechnic equipment and perform precise shock testing using mechanically and electrically filtered shock accelerometers, with NASA potentially witnessing the testing process.