Testing and Reports of Composite Panel specumens
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 Department of the Navy / NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER AIR DIV has issued an Award Notice for a Justification and Approval (J&A) for a sole-source contract. This contract is for Testing and Reports of Composite Panel Specimens to qualify production prepreg material for the Naval Air Command (NAVAIR). The award is intended for The National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University.
Scope of Work
NIAR will conduct material testing services for the qualification of a common composite repair material, AMS 3970. This effort aims to improve the availability and readiness of repair materials at Navy facilities and reduce logistical burdens. Fleet Readiness Center - East (FRCE) will fabricate the material from purchased stock and ship it to NIAR. NIAR's deliverables include test reports with qualification data and analysis for material allowable calculations.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sole Source Contract (Justification & Approval for Other Than Full and Open Competition)
- Awardee: The National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR), Wichita State University
- Duration: Two years from contract award
- Funding: FY25 RDTE funds will be obligated
- Lead Time: Approximately 6-9 months for testing from material receipt
- Published: February 11, 2026
Justification for Sole Source
NIAR was identified as the only responsible source capable of performing this work due to their unique qualifications, historical data, and possession of the original qualification data for AMS 3970. Pursuing competition was determined to result in significant delays (over four years), unacceptable technical risk, and duplication of costs. A Sources Sought (Request for Information) was posted on SAM.gov from April 9 to April 28, 2025, which yielded five responses, but only NIAR was deemed fully capable of meeting the requirement.
Future Outlook
The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) currently has no plans to compete future contracts for these specific services but will assess feasibility if another potential source emerges. The Contracting Officer has determined the anticipated cost to be fair and reasonable.