PROBLEM STATEMENT
A graphite-epoxy Nomex honeycomb panel exhibits low transmission loss due to its lightweight and high stiffness. The primary contributor to the poor transmission loss characteristics is the supersonic speed of the panel's shear wave with an associated low critical frequency typically in the hundreds of Hertz. The honeycomb sandwich panel is an efficient radiator.
An open question is whether the transmission loss of a honeycomb panel can be increased without sacrificing its structural integrity. Stated another way, can the honeycomb panel constituent components or archetecture be modified to achieve lower wave speeds while maintaining load bearing and fatigue characteristics?
TASK STATEMENT
NASA/LaRC has a requirement for a detailed finite element model of a honeycomb panel that is able to predict the panel's transmission loss dependence on the properties of the panel's constituent materials and methods of fabrication. The model shall be built and analyzed using the STARS analysis capability developed by the Naval Research Laboratory for NASA. The baseline panel shall be composed of aluminum core with aluminum face sheets so that transmission loss figures can be compared to physical models already built and tested by NASA. Small scale panels and/or beams may have to be modeled to aid the verification effort. Once verified, the panel model will be used to search the multi-dimensional design space, and to determine the model parameters' effect on transmission loss. If a positive dependency is found, an optimal design(s) shall be defined such that a physical test model can be built. As appropriate, Modern Design of Experiment techniques will be adapted to define the models and measurements for numerical and/or experimental tests.
NASA/LaRC intends to purchase the items from Metron, Inc., the only known source capable of performing this research and development effort. Metron, Inc. has unique experience in constructing and analyzing models using the STARS analysis system that was developed by the Naval Research Laboratory for NASA. Metron, Inc. has been used exclusively by the Naval Research Laboratory to develop and run the STARS software. Thus, Metron, Inc. is the only known entity that can operate this software. The Authority For Other Than Full and Open Competition is 6.302-1.
The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. See Note 26.
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 June 14, 2004. 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.
