Tape-wrapped Carbon Phenolic (TWCP) Heatsheilds

Contract N00178-26-D-4400 is a sole-source Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) award granted to TexTech Engineered Composites, LLC for the fabrication of tape-wrapped carbon phenolic (TWCP) heatshields. This contract supports the certification of heatshield production for existing and future Navy SLMB Reentry Systems, as well as U.S. Air Force strategic reentry programs. The scope of work includes the development and manufacture of advanced thermal protection system components, such as heatshields, control surfaces, and backpacks, along with the acquisition of specialized tooling and the conduct of engineering studies. The award is valued at $76,822,580 with a period of performance spanning 60 months, utilizing a hybrid pricing structure of Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee and Firm-Fixed-Price. The procurement was justified as a sole-source award under 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1) and FAR 6.302-1(a)(2) due to the contractor's unique technical capabilities. Specifically, TexTech Engineered Composites possesses proprietary carbon fabric cleaning processes essential for meeting strict sodium-equivalent contaminant requirements and operates specialized hydroclave manufacturing equipment. Additionally, the contractor maintains a proprietary performance database of flight and ground-test data critical for quality assurance. Performance will be carried out in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, with oversight and technical evaluation conducted by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division in Virginia. Funding is anticipated from Fiscal Years 2025 through 2029 via Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation and Foreign Military Sales appropriations.