Aheadd CP-1 NXG Build

Statement of Work (SOW)

To manufacture Aheadd CP-1 material testing and characterization specimens using a Nikon SLM Solutions NXG additive manufacturing machine. This is to evaluate the viability of using this platform for cryogenic fluid management (CFM) components and to better characterize material produced on large-scale laser powder bed fusion machines.

• The vendor must have experience manufacturing Aheadd CP-1 with laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF).
• Develop a build layout, specimen matrix, and build files, and review with NASA prior to manufacturing.
• Process provided build files using best practices to ensure the highest feasible resolution, adding sufficient stock material for build plate removal.
• Print labels on all specimens with build and specimen numbers.
• De-powder specimens and remove them from the build plate using wire EDM or bandsaw in the as-built condition.
• NASA will provide the detailed specimen matrix, specimen files, and discuss as necessary.

The document details various specimen types including Tensile Specimens, HCF, LCF, Metallography and Thermophysical, Thin sections, Laser Quality, Challenge Parts, Powder Cups, Cryo CTE, and Fatigue Crack Growth, along with their quantities, contents, and associated files/geometries.

• Printed Aheadd CP-1 specimens as per the specimen matrix.
• Documentation on the build pedigree, including:
  • Powder certificate of conformance with material composition.
  • Laser assignment and parameters (potentially in a standard job report).

Ten (10) weeks from the contract award date.

All deliverables and returned samples shall be shipped to: Marshall Space Flight Center Central Receiving, Huntsville, AL 35812.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Recommendation and Determination to solicit from one source or brand name. It recommends negotiating with Nikon AM Synergy Inc. to provide an Aheadd CP-1 Specimen NXG Build.

• Manufacturing of Aheadd CP-1 specimens using a Nikon SLM Solutions NXG additive manufacturing (AM) machine.

• The purpose is to evaluate the properties of this alloy for potential use in producing hardware demonstrators.

• The estimated period of performance is 8 weeks.

• The document references an existing contract with Nikon AM Synergy (formerly Morf3D) for material evaluation.

• Not applicable, as this is a sole source recommendation.

• This is a sole source recommendation, indicating competition is deemed impractical.

• The rationale for sole source is that Nikon AM Synergy is identified as the only commercial vendor currently installed, qualified, and printing on the specified Nikon SLM Solutions NXG machine.

• Using another vendor/brand would result in an inability to adequately represent the process, comparability of material performance, potential shortfalls in evaluating the NXG platform, additional costs, and schedule delays impacting FY26 milestones.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

NASA/NSSC has a requirement for an "Aheadd CP-1 NXG Build." The government intends to issue a sole source contract to NIKON AM SYNERGY INC. for this effort, citing FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) and determining NIKON AM SYNERGY INC. as the sole provider. Performance will be at NASA/ Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). The procurement will acquire commercial items and services under FAR Part 12 and FAR Part 13.

• The core requirement is for an "Aheadd CP-1 NXG Build."

• The contract will be sole source to NIKON AM SYNERGY INC.

• The NAICS Code for this procurement is 334519.

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

• Submission deadline: Not later than 7 a.m. Central Standard Time on 3/12/2026.

• Submitted capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely to determine if the procurement should be competed on a competitive basis. The government reserves the sole discretion to determine whether to compete this proposed effort.

• Oral communications are not acceptable.

• This notice is for a sole source determination, with potential for full and open competition based on submitted capabilities.

• NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. Information on the Center Ombudsman can be found at http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/pub/pub_library/Omb.html.

• Primary Point of Contact: Shanna Patterson, Procurement Specialist, Shanna.l.Patterson@nasa.gov.