Design Update for Mach 6 Nozzle
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
NASA/NSSC has issued a Presolicitation for a Design Update for the Mach 6 Nozzle. This notice indicates an intent to award a sole source contract to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION, as they have been identified as the sole provider for this design update. The work will be performed at NASA/Langley Research Center (LARC) in Hampton, VA. Interested organizations are invited to submit their capabilities and qualifications by May 26, 2026, to determine if a competitive procurement is viable.
Scope of Work
The primary objective is to modify the existing Mach 6 nozzle design by incorporating "shelf" features on the blade inserts to prevent inward motion, building upon previous NASA-funded work. Key tasks include:
- Designing and modeling Mach 6 nozzle components to add the shelf feature.
- Potentially impacting parts such as MSX-57909, MSX-57931, MSX-57935, MSX-57939, MSX-57933, and MSX-57930.
- Performing hand calculations to assess the strength of the new ledge feature.
- Creating or revising drawings, adding a dash number to original part numbers for new designs, and utilizing existing parts where feasible to expedite turnaround.
- Conducting classical calculations (non-FEA) to compare the strength of modified blade inserts against those from a prior effort, focusing on resistance to inward motion at an assumed temperature.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Presolicitation (intent to sole source)
- NAICS Code: 541330 (Engineering Services)
- Period of Performance: Four months from award.
- Response Due: May 26, 2026, by 12:00 p.m. Central Standard Time.
- Published Date: May 21, 2026
Deliverables & Performance Standards
- Deliverables: 3D models (STEP file), preliminary and final released drawings (PDF), and classical calculations (PDF).
- Timeline: Preliminary drawings due one month from award for fabrication quoting; final released drawings due two months from award.
- Review: An informal tabletop review will be held one month from award.
Set-Aside
This is intended as a sole source contract.
Submission & Evaluation
Interested organizations may submit written capabilities and qualifications to the identified point of contact. Submissions will be evaluated solely to determine if the procurement should be conducted on a competitive basis. The Government reserves the right not to compete this effort. Oral communications are not acceptable.
Contact Information
Primary Point of Contact: Lindsey McLellan (lindsey.m.mclellan@nasa.gov)