NASA/JSC has posted a requirement for rubber aerogels for space suit application.
According to the agency, it needs five square samples of aerogel formulation 050313, and a quantity of one roll sample of aerogel formulation 050313 and it intends to buy these materials from Aspen Aerogels, Inc.
The Minnesota-based firm is the original manufacturer and sole provider of the high performance materials, under a competitively awarded NASA Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II contract, NNX12CE92P, in February 2012.
A study conducted by the Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility (NCTRF) concluded that Aspen Aerogel formulation (physical, thermal and mechanical properties) is best suited for space suit applications.
The US Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12 and has called on organisations to submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact. 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.