Liquid-Oxygen (LOX)/Methane Explosive Testing

Introduction/Statement of Intent

The FAA intends to award a single source contract to BANGHAM ENGINEERING INC. (BEI), 1300 MERIDIAN ST HUNTSVILLE, Alabama. A competitive solicitation is not available for this procurement. The FAA Acquisition Management System (AMS) authority for the planned single source, AMS policy section 3.2.2.4 Single-Source Selection (Revised 7/2023) and 3.2.1.3.7, Single-Source Approval (Revised 9/2020) is the FAA’s authority to single source.

1. Description of Supplies/Services

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to acquire services associated with the design, development, and execution of low-impact velocity LOX-LCH4 Explosive Yield drop tests specifically analyzing the explosive yield of 20,000-lb pressurized and 500-lb pressurized LOX-LCH4 rocket propellant tanks. The execution of the tests is required to support FAA’s Commercial Space Transportation (AST) Office in advancing the state-of-the-art modeling of LOX-LCH4 rocket propellant explosions. As the FAA is responsible for evaluating license applications for LOX-LCH4 vehicles, AST is tasked to execute a well-designed LOX-LCH4 test program using a variety of masses, and lessons learned from prior tests, to resolve uncertainty and provide information for accurate license analyses. The acquisition will utilize single source procedures.

2. Total Estimated Value and Period of Performance

The total estimated value of the planned single source contract inclusive of all options is $10,692,716.92 The period of performance inclusive of all options is May 9, 2025 through June 8, 2026.

3. Single Source Rationale

In accordance with the FAA Acquisition Management System, AMS 3.2.2.4, the purpose of this announcement is to inform industry of the basis of the FAA's decision to contract with a selected source when it is determined to be in the best interest of the FAA. The current contractor, BEI, has supported the FAA in its mission in pursuing state-of-the-art modeling combinations of liquid oxygen and liquid methane rocket propellant explosions to ensure public safety. BEI has performed several LOX-LCH4 Explosive Yield drop tests. The results of the test data are being used to support FAA licensing requirements with respect to rocket launch operations to ensure commercial launch providers meet public safety requirements. Additional time is required to allow BEI time to conduct final remaining tests in the series and perform the requisite data analysis to validate the existing criteria for commercial launch providers. Allowing BEI to continue current performance will assist the FAA in meeting the requirements of The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 14 CFR § 450.137 Far-field overpressure blast effects analysis and § 450.135 Debris risk analysis. As such, BEI is the only known source that is capable of meeting the FAA’s need. This announcement is for informational purposes only and not a Solicitation/Request for Proposal. This requirement will be awarded to BEI and is not available for full and open competition. All questions pertaining to this announcement should be addressed in writing to 9-AFN-AWA-AAQ460-Contracting-Team@faa.gov no later than 12 pm (EST) on May 12, 2025.