Development Builds for Low Overhang Turbine Blades with Minimal Dross and Supports
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), specifically the NASA Shared Services Center (NSSC), intends to issue a sole source contract to ELEMENTUM 3D, INC. for Development Builds for Low Overhang Turbine Blades with Minimal Dross and Supports. This is a Special Notice to inform the public of the agency's intent and to solicit capabilities from other interested organizations. Performance will be at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC).
Scope of Work
NASA MSFC requires precision laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing of Inconel 718 turbine blades with minimal dross and supports. These components are critical test hardware for the InRoDES in-house rotating detonation rocket engine development and test program. The scope includes:
- Providing seven build plates of Low Overhang DOE samples with Inconel 718, varying hatch parameters to minimize dross and improve surface finish.
- Providing three build plates of Low Overhang DOE samples with solid/minimal supports on turbine blade surfaces, using varied hatch parameters.
- Providing one build plate of a turbine blade and shaft with optimized variable parameters for surface finish, minimal dross, and minimal contact supports, including tensile bars, metallurgical witness bars, and high cycle fatigue coupons.
- Providing two build plates, each with two final parts, using optimal locally varying parameters.
- Manufacturing parts using the SLM Solutions 280 machine with Inconel 718 powder bed fusion laser beam method.
- Delivering Qty 5 turbomachinery hardware (turbine and shaft), coupons, and other complex DOE hardware builds.
Performance Standards & Special Requirements
Key performance standards include minimizing dross and contact supports, optimizing surface finish, and providing specific test coupons. The vendor must notify NASA of any errors, ensure no build interruptions for final parts, perform powder removal and inspection, and only remove build plates after stress relief. Special requirements include a pre-build meeting with MSFC, manufacturing per NASA-MSFC drawing MC34120-003 and procedural steps in 34120-MFG-PLAN, providing traceability of manufacturing steps, and submitting a final Build report with powder lot numbers.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Special Notice (Sole Source Intent)
- Authority: FAR 12.102(a) for commercial items/services.
- NAICS Code: 541715
- Period of Performance: July 2026 through November 2026.
- Response Due: June 17, 2026, by 12:00 p.m. Central Standard Time.
- Published Date: June 15, 2026
Evaluation
Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications in writing. These will be evaluated solely to determine whether to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination not to compete is at the government's discretion.
Additional Notes
Oral communications are not acceptable. NASA FAR Supplement Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The primary point of contact is Sara Jusino-Terry at sara.a.jusino-terry@nasa.gov.