Low-Cost Domestic Source for Blended Carbon and Phenolic Felt

This contract seeks proposals to identify or develop a low-cost, U.S.-based source for blended carbon and phenolic felt batting or yarn, materials essential for thermal protection systems used in planetary entry vehicles. The effort is focused on ensuring a domestic supply to support NASA's technical and operational needs. The contract is set as a total small business set-aside under the NAICS code 326199, indicating it targets manufacturers of plastics products, which aligns with the production of these specialized materials. Issued by the NASA Shared Services Center, the solicitation was posted on April 29, 2026, with responses due by May 21, 2026. The contract is structured as a subcontract opportunity, emphasizing the importance of affordable and reliable supply solutions within the United States. While specific details about the place of performance or the point of contact are not provided, the primary goal is to bolster domestic capabilities for producing critical components that contribute to the safety and success of planetary exploration missions.