TMD 180 AIRSTART Cart

NASA's Shared Services Center (NSSC) has issued a Special Notice for a TMD 180 AIRSTART Cart required to support the X-59 Project at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center. The agency intends to award a sole source contract to TEXTRON GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT INC. under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), as this vendor has been determined to be the sole provider of the specified equipment. The procurement will be conducted using commercial item procedures under FAR Parts 12 and 13. The NAICS classification for this effort is 335999 (All Other Miscellaneous Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing). Interested organizations have the opportunity to submit written capabilities and qualifications to challenge the sole source determination before the government makes its final decision on whether to proceed with competitive or non-competitive procurement.

The objective of this Special Notice is to acquire one TMD-180 Air Start Unit as a spare for NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center, which currently operates a single unit in support of the X-59 Project. The equipment must feature a Cummins QSX 15 engine with specific performance characteristics (180 lbs/min compressor output at 68°F and maximum discharge pressure of 42 PSI) and comply with NASA Quality Document Q1-C requirements, including manufacturer's Certificate of Conformance. Contractors interested in competing for this contract must submit their capabilities and qualifications in writing by February 5, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Central Standard Time, with no oral communications accepted. The delivery deadline is February 28, 2026, to NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center, Building 4876 Warehouse #6 in Edwards, California, with required advance freight coordination due to the Edwards Air Force Base location. The equipment includes a 24-month/2000-hour warranty, and contractors must comply with all applicable NASA clauses, including the Ombudsman clause (NASA 1852.215-84).