NASA DFRC Solicitation: Telescope Assembly Support

Synopsis – Feb 01, 2007

General Information

Solicitation Number: NND07AA29C_CMG
Posted Date: Feb 01, 2007
FedBizOpps Posted Date: Feb 01, 2007
Original Response Date: Feb 16, 2007
Current Response Date: Feb 16, 2007
Classification Code: 16 — Aircraft components and accessories
NAICS Code: 541710 – Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences

Contracting Office Address

NASA/Dryden Flight Research Center, Code A, P.O. Box 273, Edwards, CA 93523-0273

Description

NASA/DFRC intends to award a sole source contract to Universities Space Research Association (USRA) of Columbia, MD, 21044-3405, for support in the development and performance testing of the platform Telescope Assembly (TA) portion of the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). The SOFIA program consists of an airborne observatory platform (a Boeing 747-SP aircraft) arrayed with a 2.5 meter infrared telescope, as well as other scientific instruments capable of infrared and sub millimeter observations. The SOFIA observatory is being developed by NASA and its partner the DLR (German Aerospace Center). The SOFIA observatory will be the world’s largest and most sensitive airborne observatory. The aircraft will operate at a ceiling of 45,000 feet. The telescope will look out of an open cavity in the side of the aircraft and allow astronomers to obtain sharper infrared images than ever before. The objective of the TA development and performance testing is to increase the TAs measured performance to meet defined metrics for the SOFIA full operational environment. This includes mirror coating of the telescope and possible integration and integration testing of the Mission Control System. The authority for other than full and open competition is: only one responsible source, no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements, FAR 6.302-1(a)(2).

USRA is the only responsible source to provide the needed support since approximately 20% of the development and performance testing has been previously accomplished by USRA. As a result, they are uniquely and intimately familiar with the TA performance and integration characteristics, particularly as they apply to the evolving SOFIA project. Due to the complexities of the SOFIA project and the interrelationships of Government and contractor participants, the time needed to gain this knowledge and expertise would cause unacceptable disruptions to the program. 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 2:00 p.m. local time on February 16, 2007. 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.

Point of Contact

Name: Kari M Alvarado
Title: Contracting Officer
Phone: (661) 276-2559
Fax: (661) 276-2904
Email: Kari.M.Alvarado@nasa.gov

Name: Richard M. Swanson
Title: Contracting Officer
Phone: (661) 276-7473
Fax: (661) 276-2904
Email: Richard.Swanson@mail.dfrc.nasa.gov