A--HIGH BARRIER EPOXY-CLAY NANOCOMPOSITES FOR LIGHTWEIGHT LIQUID HYDROGEN/OXYGEN FUEL TANKS

NASA/GRC has a requirement for the manufacture and evaluation of high barrier clay nanocomposite films for application in liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen fuel tanks. The nanocomposite films need to significantly reduce gas permeability (at least 100 fold reduction) and shall be applied to a carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composite. NASA/GRC intends to contract with and acquire the nanocomposite films and test data from Claytec, Inc.,of East Lansing, MI. Lack of competition is that Claytec, Inc. is only known source for this high barrier nanocomposite film which is proprietary to Claytec. Only Claytec has optimized the nanocomposite chemistry to engineer a high barrier film specifrically for our cryo-tank application. The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 4:30 p.m. local time on January 27, 2006. 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. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. All responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency. An Ombudsman has been appointed. See NASA Specific Note "B". Any referenced notes may be viewed at the following URLs linked below.