TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: Conventional friction stir extrusion machine (MFS-TOPS-126)
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 NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, has issued a Special Notice for a Technology Transfer Licensing Opportunity related to a Conventional Friction Stir Extrusion (C-FSE) machine (MFS-TOPS-126). NASA is soliciting inquiries from companies interested in obtaining license rights to commercialize, manufacture, and market this technology. Responses are due by March 2, 2027.
Scope of Opportunity
This opportunity involves a new small-scale metal extrusion tool, the C-FSE machine, developed by NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. This machine can be attached to a conventional friction stir welding (C-FSW) system, utilizing its heat generation and plastic deformation processes for metal extrusion instead of joining. Key features include:
- Small-batch extrusion runs with custom geometries via modular extrusion block face plates.
- Reduced preheating requirements for metal billets, saving significant tooling and energy costs.
- Compatibility with any metal alloy amenable to FSW processes, including aluminum alloys and other lightweight or exotic alloys.
Licensing Details
NASA offers license rights on an exclusive or nonexclusive basis, potentially including specific fields of use. NASA provides no funding in conjunction with these potential licenses. This notice serves to promote public awareness of NASA-developed technology and conduct preliminary market research to gauge public interest and future licensing potential. No follow-on procurement is expected from responses to this notice.
Key Dates & Contact
- Response Due: March 2, 2027
- Published: March 3, 2026
- Set-Aside: None specified
- To Express Interest: Submit a license application via NASA’s Automated Technology Licensing Application System (ATLAS) at
https://technology.nasa.gov/patent/MFS-TOPS-126. - Questions: Email
Agency-Patent-Licensing@mail.nasa.govwith the opportunity title and contact information.