Safety and Mission Assurance Upgrades for the production of MERINO TPS
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)/NSSC has issued a Presolicitation for Safety and Mission Assurance Upgrades for the production of MERINO TPS. While the opportunity is designated as a Total Small Business Set-Aside, NASA/NSSC currently intends to issue a sole source contract to American Felt and Filter Co. (AFFCO). Interested organizations are invited to submit capability statements to determine if the procurement should be competed. Submissions are due by June 3, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
The objective is to perform upgrades to the MERINO TPS processing facility to improve Safety, Quality, and Mission Assurance in the production of MERINO materials, bringing the facility up to AS9011 / Aerospace standards. The contractor shall provide all necessary labor, materials, facilities, service, equipment, analysis, and management to fabricate hardware. The effort is divided into four Contract Line-Item Numbers (CLINs):
- CLIN 1: Quality and Mission Assurance Facility Improvements
- CLIN 2: Inspection System and Cutting Table Improvements
- CLIN 3: Safety and Security Improvements to MERINO Facility
- CLIN 4: Technological Modernization & Upgrades to MERINO Facility
Key Requirements
Vendors must have previous experience with the fabrication of flight quality TPS and be certified to ISO 9001 or better.
Contract Details & Timeline
- Type: Presolicitation (currently intended as a sole source)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- NAICS Code: 313230
- Period of Performance: June 2026 to September 30, 2026
- Place of Performance: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
- Response Due: June 3, 2026, by 4:00 p.m. Central Standard Time
- Published Date: June 1, 2026
Submission & Evaluation
This is not a request for quote, and price offers will not be reviewed or accepted at this time. Interested organizations may submit capabilities and qualifications in writing. Submissions will be evaluated solely to determine if the procurement should be competed. The determination to compete or not compete is at the government's discretion. All correspondence must reference ID 80NSSC934785Q in the subject line.
Contact Information
Primary Point of Contact: Lindsey McLellan (lindsey.m.mclellan@nasa.gov)