2 rolls of ortho fabric styles 116 and TBD

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This notice indicates NASA/NSSC's intent to issue a sole source contract for 2 rolls of ortho fabric styles 116 and TBD. The government intends to acquire these commercial items under FAR Part 12. FABRIC DEVELOPMENT INC (1217 W Mill ST, Quakertown, PA 18951) is identified as the sole provider.

• Procurement of 2 rolls of ortho fabric styles 116 and TBD.

• Contract type: Sole Source

• Performance Location: NASA/ Johnson Space Center (JSC)

• Interested organizations must submit capabilities and qualifications in writing to the identified point of contact.

• Deadline for submission: Not later than 7 a.m. Central Standard Time on 4/10/2026.

• Evaluation: Capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely to determine if the procurement should be competed on a full and open basis. The determination to compete is at the government's discretion.

• Oral communications are not acceptable.

• This is intended as a sole source procurement.

• NAICS Code: 313210

• NASA FAR Supplement Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. A listing of the Center Ombudsman can be found at the provided URL.

• Primary Point of Contact: Shanna Patterson, Procurement Specialist (Shanna.L.Patterson@nasa.gov)

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

Procure two different styles of Ortho Fabric for the development of lunar dust tolerant materials.

• Style #116: ePTFE, Nomex, and Kevlar dual-face weave fabric. Serves as a baseline for testing and is currently certified for the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Suit.
• Second Style: Higher denier ePTFE Ortho Fabric with up to 2 Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) yarns. The pattern (grid or stripe) will be determined based on ongoing testing. The purchase order will include both options, but only one pattern style will be ultimately procured.

Estimated at 12-16 weeks after manufacturer's receipt of raw materials.

• Quantity: 25 yards of the newly developed higher-denier Ortho fabric and 50 yards of Style #116 fabric, totaling 75 yards.

• Delivery: Quantities to be delivered within a 5% specified yardage tolerance. Any deviations outside this tolerance must be communicated to NASA before shipment and invoicing.

• Test Data: Vendor must provide a test data sheet including tensile strength (6 samples per lot) of the material upon receipt of material by NASA.

• The vendor should quote the effort for the highest possible cost between the Grid/Stripe pattern options for the new fabric style.

• Assume separate shipment for the two fabric rolls.

• Line Item 1: Style #TBD Grid or Strip Pattern (25 yards)

• Line Item 2: Style #116 (50 yards)

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Recommendation and Determination to solicit from one source or brand name for the acquisition of "Advanced Textile Custom Development." The government is procuring this specialized fabric due to its critical role in Extravehicular Activity (EVA) suits.

• Acquisition of Ortho Fabric, a specialized textile with specific areal weight, weave pattern, and performance characteristics.

• The fabric must be equivalent to that used in NASA's EVA suits for decades.

• The document recommends negotiating with Fabric Development Inc. (FDI) as the sole source.

• The estimated total cost and period of performance/lead-time are to be determined, but the lead-time is estimated at 12-16 weeks from receipt of raw materials.

• This document is a recommendation for a sole source acquisition, not a solicitation requiring proposal submissions at this stage.

• The justification for sole source is detailed, citing FDI's proprietary knowledge, specialized equipment, and decades of validated performance.

• This is a sole source recommendation, indicating no set-aside or open competition is planned for this specific acquisition.

• The document emphasizes that using an alternate vendor would require significant requalification, leading to substantial cost and schedule impacts, and risking uncontrolled variability in a critical component.

• Continued procurement from FDI is deemed essential for material continuity, reduced integration risk, and maintaining flight-proven performance.