Advanced Material Testing and Quality Validation

NASA Shared Services Center is seeking a qualified contractor to perform independent testing on aerogel-embedded fabric to validate its performance under extreme thermal conditions, specifically measuring thermal conductivity, density, porosity, and durability across cryogenic-to-elevated temperature cycling. The work is critical for demonstrating material suitability in aerospace applications where thermal stability and structural integrity are paramount. Testing protocols must adhere to industry-standard methodologies and yield quantifiable, reproducible data to support certification for use in space systems. This is an 8(a) Sole Source subcontract, indicating the award will be made to a business certified under the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) program, with no competitive solicitation. The opportunity, classified under NAICS code 541380 for other scientific and technical consulting services, was posted on July 20, 2026, with a response deadline of July 23, 2026. The contract scope centers exclusively on material validation testing with no requirement for design, manufacturing, or system integration. Performance is expected to be delivered without specifying a location, implying flexibility in test facility placement, provided all required environmental and analytical capabilities are met.