Vacuum Induction melting of recycled shape memory alloy compositions

NASA Shared Services Center has issued a Request for Quotation for vacuum induction melting services to process experimental shape memory alloy compositions, specifically targeting recycled NiTiHfZr alloys. The procurement requires a qualified vendor to perform vacuum induction melting on two distinct alloy compositions: Alloy 1 (Ni50.3Ti29.7Hf5Zr15 at.%) and Alloy 2 (Ni54Ti45Hf1 at.%), with NASA providing master alloy billets while the contractor supplies additional elemental materials. The vendor must produce clean, homogeneous cylindrical ingots measuring 4 inches in diameter with strict quality specifications including minimal impurities, no ceramic or metal inclusions, and no structural cracks. Evaluation will follow a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) approach, with technical acceptability determined by the vendor's demonstrated ability to meet all solicitation requirements. Quotes are due by June 20, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. Central Time, and all vendors must be registered in SAM.gov.

This solicitation is designated as a Total Small Business set-aside under NAICS code 331529 (Other Nonferrous Metal Foundries). No incumbent contractors or specific award values are mentioned in the available documentation. The contract requires production of two substantial ingots with approximate total weights of 45 kilograms for Alloy 1 and 40 kilograms for Alloy 2, representing a significant materials processing undertaking. The timeline appears compressed with only seven days between posting and quote submission deadline. The solicitation does not specify a particular place of performance, suggesting vendors may perform the work at their own qualified facilities capable of vacuum induction melting operations.