Astral Materials TechLeap Orbital Mission
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) / NASA Shared Services Center (NSSC) intends to award a sole source contract to Astral Materials, Inc. for the Astral Materials TechLeap Orbital Mission. This notice serves as an intent to award, with interested organizations invited to submit capabilities to determine if a competitive procurement is feasible. Submissions are due by April 20, 2026, 3:00 p.m. Central Standard Time.
Opportunity Details
NASA/NSSC has determined that Astral Materials, Inc. is the sole provider for this requirement, justifying the sole source award under FAR 12.102(a) for commercial items or services. The procuring center is NASA/NSSC, with performance located at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). The NAICS Code for this procurement is 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)). No set-aside is specified for this notice.
Scope of Work
The mission involves developing a ground-based prototype of a microgravity-assisted crystal growth furnace to enable the first-ever on-orbit silicon crystal growth. This effort supports NASA's In-Space Manufacturing (ISM) portfolio and advances semiconductor manufacturing techniques consistent with the CHIPS and Science Act of 2021. Key tasks include:
- Verifying the specialized crystal-growth furnace's ability to survive re-entry and recovery.
- Supporting post-mission evaluation of flight samples and terrestrial control samples.
- Developing a terrestrial analog of the flight unit for ground-based evaluation.
- Compiling a report correlating process conditions with material quality.
- Arranging for an independent entity to evaluate pre- and post-flight silicon samples.
Period of Performance & Milestones
The anticipated period of performance is from award through September 2028. Key milestones include a Kickoff Meeting (ATP + 15 Days), Flight-Unit Environmental Testing Report (ATP + 60 Days), Science Requirements Document for Ground Unit (ATP + 120 Days), Test Plan (ATP + 180 Days), initial and optimized Ground Qualification Samples, Mission Update Report, Post-Mission Summary Report, and a Final Report & Flight Sample(s) delivered by December 1, 2027. Quarterly reports are required.
Submission Requirements & Contacts
Interested organizations believing they can perform this effort must submit their capabilities and qualifications in writing to the primary point of contact by April 20, 2026, 3:00 p.m. CST. Submissions will be evaluated solely to determine if a competitive procurement is warranted. The Government retains discretion regarding competition. Oral communications are not acceptable.
Primary Point of Contact: Cody Guidry, Procurement Specialist, cody.d.guidry@nasa.gov Secondary Point of Contact: Shari Trigg, Contracting Officer, shari.trigg@nasa.gov