Zylon Poly-Benzobisoxazole (PBO) Yarn with linear density of 278 dtex AS-13 and 1110 dtex AS-13

NASA's National Aeronautics and Space Administration Shared Services Center (NASA/NSSC) has issued a Special Notice for the procurement of Zylon Poly-Benzobisoxazole (PBO) Yarn with two specific linear densities: 278 dtex (105 kg) and 1110 dtex (20 kg). The agency currently intends to award this requirement as a sole source contract to TEIJIN FRONTIER (U.S.A.), INC., based on a determination that this vendor is the exclusive provider of the specified material. The procurement will be managed by NASA/NSSC with performance occurring at NASA Langley Research Center, and the government will utilize commercial item acquisition procedures under FAR Parts 12 and 13. This Special Notice falls under NAICS Code 313110 (Fiber, Yarn, and Thread Mills) and PSC Code 9390 (Miscellaneous Fabricated Nonmetallic Materials).

The primary objective of this Special Notice is to notify the market of NASA's intent to conduct a sole source procurement while simultaneously inviting other qualified organizations to demonstrate their capabilities and qualifications as an alternative to the proposed sole source award. Interested contractors must submit written capabilities statements and qualifications to the primary point of contact, Laura Quave, no later than 12:00 p.m. Central Standard Time on January 12, 2026. The government will evaluate all submissions solely to determine whether conducting a full and open competition is warranted, though the final decision to compete or proceed with the sole source award remains entirely within the government's discretion. The Zylon yarn is intended for use in NASA's Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (HIAD) technology for spacecraft atmospheric reentry, and the selected contractor must deliver the material within ten weeks of contract award, accompanied by Material Certification Data Sheets for each lot. No oral communications will be accepted in response to this notice, and the NASA Ombudsman clause applies to this acquisition.