Powder Bed Fusion Development and Characterization of Specialty Ni Alloys

Background
NASA/NSSC has a requirement for Powder Bed Fusion Development and Characterization of Specialty Ni Alloys. The contract will be issued to North American Manufacturing Pros LLC, which is determined to be the sole provider for this service. NASA's mission includes enhancing high-temperature mechanical performance in extreme environments, particularly for propulsion systems.

Work Details
The contract involves advanced process development and parameter optimization for laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) of commercially pure Ni (Ni-201), specialty oxide dispersion strengthened alloys, and nickel-based alloys such as GRX-810, alloy 625, and Haynes 230. Key tasks include:

1. Providing access to an EOS M280 laser powder bed fusion system dedicated for Ni-201 development;
2. Implementing and validating proprietary parameter sets to achieve ≥99.9% relative density;
3. Developing new parameter sets based on NASA specifications;
4. Performing a minimum of fifty mechanical tests on fabricated specimens;
5. Supplying a minimum of 200 kg of powder for L-PBF trials;
6. Documenting all anomalies and maintaining build records;
7. Shipping all deliverables to specified NASA locations.

Period of Performance
Six months from authority to proceed (ATP).

Place of Performance
NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), Huntsville, AL.

Bidder Requirements
The vendor must provide access to specific equipment (EOS M280), demonstrate capability in advanced process development, and ensure compliance with NASA technical standards. Certifications for powder traceability and proper handling during the contract period are required.

Incumbent Analysis (see Incumbents section for more detail)
The solicitation for Powder Bed Fusion Development and Characterization of Specialty Ni Alloys shows a closely related prior contract history with North American Manufacturing Pros, including 80NSSC26P0368 ($349,840; 03/20/26–12/20/26) and 80NSSC26P0683 ($177,455; 05/20/26–08/20/26), both described as powder bed fusion development of oxide dispersion strengthened alloys. The current effort similarly focuses on L-PBF process development and characterization for nickel-based specialty alloys, indicating continuity in alloy class and technical scope (powder bed fusion parameter development and testing) rather than a substantially different line of work.