Open Forum Meeting Concerning NASA’s Procurement Policies

General Information

Document Type: Special Notice

Solicitation Number: NASA-SNOTE-020723-001

Posted Date: Jul 23, 2002

Original Response Date:

Current Response Date: null

Original Archive Date: Jul 23, 2003

Current Archive Date: Jul 23, 2003

Contracting Office Address

NASA/Ames Research Center, JA:M/S 241-1, Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000

Description

SUMMARY: NASA will conduct an open forum meeting to solicit questions, views and opinions of interested persons or firms concerning NASA’s procurement policies, practices, and initiatives. The purpose of the meeting is to have an open discussion between NASA’s Assistant Administrator for Procurement, industry, and the public. Note: This is not a meeting about doing business with NASA for new firms, nor does it focus particularly on small businesses or specific contracting opportunities.

DATE: Thursday, August 8, 2002, from 10AM to 11:30AM ADDRESS: The meeting will be held at the NASA Ames Research Center, Bldg. 201 Auditorium, Moffett Field, CA 94035.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Basta, NASA Ames Research Center, Mail Code 241-1, Moffett Field, CA 94035, (650) 604-4010.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Format: There will be a presentation by the Assistant Administrator for Procurement, followed by a question and answer period. Procurement issues will be discussed, including NASA newest initiatives used in the award and administration of contracts. Admittance: Doors will open at a half-hour prior to the presentation. Adequate availability of seating is expected; therefore, reservations are not required nor are requests for reservations being accepted. Questions for the open forum should be presented at the meeting and should not be submitted in advance. Position papers are not being solicited. Visitors who do not currently have NASA-ARC badges will be required to obtain visitor badges at the front gate visitor center the morning of the conference; therefore, early arrival is advised for those who need visitor badges. In order to obtain a visitor badge, at least 3 days’ advance notice will be required; proper identification (e.g., valid driver’s license) will be need to be presented upon issuance of a visitor badge, which will be available only to U.S. citizens. Advance notice of the need for a visitor badge must be provided to Carole Wilson, at (650)604-3773; FAX (650)604-4646, no later than 10AM, August 5, 2002. Innovations: In addition to the general discussion mentioned above, NASA invites comments or questions relative to its ongoing Procurement Innovations, some of which include, but are not limited to, the following: Competitive Sourcing. This initiative is part of the President’s Management Agenda. The process of competition provides a focus on continuous improvement of government functions and can remove roadblocks to better performance and greater efficiency. At NASA, it includes, but is not limited to, considering exposing government activities to competition with the private sector. Focus on Safety & Health. This ensures that contractors take all reasonable safety and occupational health measures in performing NASA contracts. Risk-Based Acquisition Management.

This initiative seeks to integrate the principles of risk management throughout the acquisition process by purposefully considering the various aspects of risk when developing the acquisition strategy, selecting sources, choosing contract type, structuring fee incentives, and conducting contractor surveillance. Performance Based Contracting. This initiative is focused on structuring an acquisition around the purpose of the work to be performed rather than using broad, imprecise statements or prescribing how the work is to be performed. Award Term Initiative. This initiative will test a non-traditional method of motivating and rewarding contractor performance. Contractors will receive periodic performance evaluations and scores, which can result in an extension of the term of the contract in return for excellent performance.

Email your questions to Michael R. Basta at mbasta@mail.arc.nasa.gov

Email your questions to Michael R. Basta at mbasta@mail.arc.nasa.gov