NASA/Glenn Research Center, 21000 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, OH 44135

A -- BRAIDING STUDY DUE 062000 POC Gloria J. Rhyner, Contract Specialist, Phone (216) 433-2794, Fax (216) 433-5489, Email Gloria.J.Rhyner@grc.nasa.gov WEB: Click here for the latest information about this notice, http://nais.msfc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/EPS/bizops.cgi?gr=D&pin=22#3-152952. E-MAIL: Gloria J. Rhyner, Gloria.J.Rhyner@grc.nasa.gov. NASA/GRC plans to issue a Request for Quotation (RFQ) to identify and develop improved fiber-coating and fiber-handling methods that will successfully enable 3D braiding of small-diameter high-modulus SiC fibers for the fabrication of complex-shaped CMC components. This procurement is being conducted under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). NASA/GRC intends to purchase the items from Foster-Miller 303 Bear Hill Road, Waltham, MA 02451, under the authority of 10 U.S.C.2304(c)(1) only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. Foster-Miller is uniquely suited to perform this effort because of their experience in materials issues related to coating the fiber as well as the possession and operation of proprietary equipment cable of processing ceramic fibers into a preform for high temperature CMC applications. Foster-Miller's Materials Technology Group has a staff with the materials science expertise necessary to implement a sizing or coating onto the Sylramic fiber. Foster-Miller also posseses extensive experience in braiding with high modulus fiber. The specially developed machinery is state-of-the-art and provides many approaches to structural preform fabrication. The Foster-Miller custom fiber carriers were designed specifically to minimize the fiber fray during the handling of brittle ceramic fibers. The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 4:30 p.m. local time on June 20, 2000. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed effort on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. All responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency. OMBUDSMAN STATEMENT REQUIRED] An Ombudsman has been appointed. See NASA Specific Note "B". Any referenced notes can be viewed at the following URL: http://genesis.gsfc.nasa.gov/nasanote.html Posted 06/15/00 (D-SN465201). (0167)

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