Rayon Felt for Fabrication of CPICA for Starfall 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
NASA/NSSC intends to award a sole source contract to AMERICAN FELT AND FILTER COMPANY INC for Rayon Felt for Fabrication of CPICA for the Starfall Mission. This procurement is under an 8(a) Sole Source set-aside. Interested organizations can submit capabilities by April 29, 2026, to potentially challenge the sole source determination.
Purpose
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Shared Services Center (NSSC) has a requirement for Rayon Felt for Fabrication of CPICA for the Starfall Mission. NASA/NSSC intends to issue a sole source contract to AMERICAN FELT AND FILTER COMPANY INC, citing FAR 12.102(a) and identifying them as the sole provider of this material. This acquisition will involve commercial items or services.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for Rayon Felt specifically for the Fabrication of CPICA (Carbon Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablator), which is critical for the Starfall Mission. Performance of this effort will be located at NASA/Ames Research Center (ARC).
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Intent to Sole Source (Commercial Items/Services under FAR Part 12)
- Set-Aside: 8(a) Sole Source (FAR 19.8)
- NAICS Code: 313230 (Fabric Mills)
- Product Service Code (PSC): 9390 (Miscellaneous Fabricated Nonmetallic Materials)
- Procuring Office: NASA Shared Services Center (NSSC)
Submission & Evaluation
Interested organizations are invited to submit their capabilities and qualifications in writing to the identified point of contact. These submissions will be evaluated solely to determine if the procurement should be conducted on a competitive basis. The government retains sole discretion regarding the decision to compete this effort.
- Response Deadline: April 29, 2026, by 3:00 p.m. Central Standard Time
- Submission Method: Written response to the Primary Point of Contact. Oral communications are not acceptable.
Additional Notes
NASA FAR Supplement Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman information is available on the NASA website.
- Primary Point of Contact: McKenzie Hanson, Procurement Specialist, McKenzie.M.Hanson@nasa.gov