Notice of Intent to Sole Source Hi-Nicalon fiber from COI Ceramics

NASA LaRC intends to purchase 100 kg of Hi-NicalonTM silicon carbide 1800 denier fiber Tow from COI Ceramics, Inc. as a sole source procurement. Over the last 8 years, NASA LaRC investigated commercially available very high temperature high strength fibers that can withstand temperatures of at least 1500 Degrees C and heat fluxes of at least 50 Watts/cm2 for a flexible thermal protection for space vehicle entering planets with atmospheres, primarily Earth and Mars. Research at LaRC under the HIAD project included analysis, testing, and evaluation of various fibers and concluded that Hi-NicalonTM fiber is the only commercially available fiber that meets the extreme thermal and manufacturing requirements for this application. NASA LaRC has invested a significant amount of time and funds for design, analysis, material fabrication, small scale F-TPS fabrication demonstrations, arc jet thermal tests, and packing tests to develop and analyze this fiber for inflatable aeroshells. It would take substantial duplication of resources and time for another source to provide the required item and this additional expense is not expected to be recovered through competition. The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 1:00 p.m. eastern standard time on 08/20/2020. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed effort on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. All responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency.