TA Instruments Discovery SDT

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Shared Services Center (NASA/NSSC) has issued a Special Notice for a sole source procurement of a TA Instruments Discovery SDT650 thermal analysis system for the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Materials and Processing Laboratory. The procurement is specifically targeting a specialized scientific instrument capable of simultaneous differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) with measurement capabilities up to 1500C. The notice is classified under NAICS Category 334516 for Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing and will be used to support critical research in friction stir welding, additive manufacturing, and thermoelectric applications. The procurement is being conducted under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), indicating a unique source requirement. The total estimated cost and specific details are partially redacted in the supporting documentation.

Interested contractors have until 9:00 a.m. Central Standard Time on May 28, 2025, to submit their capabilities and qualifications in writing to the NASA procurement specialist, Tessa Martinez. The government will evaluate these submissions solely to determine whether the procurement might be conducted competitively, while retaining full discretion in the final decision. The procurement will utilize commercial items and services under FAR Part 12 and Part 13, with TA Instruments - Waters L.L.C. identified as the preferred vendor due to their unique instrument capabilities and standardization potential across NASA laboratories. The procurement includes the SDT650 module, TRIOS software, a five-year furnace warranty, thermal installation, training services, and a Loyalty Support Plan. Contractors responding to the notice should be aware that only written communications will be accepted, and the opportunity is specifically for providing the exact TA Instruments Discovery SDT650 thermal analysis system with its specialized scientific measurement capabilities.