NASA Interdisciplinary Mars Study Entitled “Mars Now”

Synopsis – Apr 10, 2014

General Information

    Solicitation Number: NNM14502281Q1

    Posted Date: Apr 10, 2014

    FedBizOpps Posted Date: Apr 10, 2014

    Recovery and Reinvestment Act Action: No

    Original Response Date: N/A

    Current Response Date: Apr 16, 2014

    Classification Code: 76 — Books, maps and other publications

    NAICS Code: 611310

Contracting Office Address

NASA/George C. Marshall Space Flight Center, Procurement Office, Marshall Space Flight Center, AL 35812

Description

**********PLEASE CONTACT DENECE NORRIS(ARCS), ONLY, IN WRITING TO denece.a.norris@nasa.gov or FAX (256)-961-9604, WITH ANY CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. CONTACT INFORMATION IS ALSO IN THE BODY OF THIS SOLICITATION*************

NASA/MSFC intends to purchase this service from The International Space University (ISU) on a sole source basis.

Competition is impractical for the following reasons:

NASA/MSFC has a requirement for an Interdisciplinary Mars Study completed within the past 3 years that adequately addresses the impacts of unanticipated breakthroughs in biotechnologies and the non-engineering aspects such as the ethics of Mars exploration, colony/settlement governance, the legal regimes in which such exploration and settlement may occur, how mission goals (one way versus round trip) may affect crew selection, and how one-way or round trip missions might best engage the public to maintain their interest and engagement – all addressed from a non-USA centric point of view; that is, an international point of view.

NASA is studying alternative mission concepts and architectures for potential future human missions to Mars. Many technical studies have been performed, focusing on the science and engineering aspects of such a mission however, the International Space University (ISU) Interdisciplinary Mars Study entitled “Mars Now” is the only known source for the described government requirement. The interdisciplinary aspects of the mission study documented in the ISU report are unique in content. No other source is known for a completed comprehensive study report that includes but is not limited to these described concepts.

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 Denece A. Norris(ARCS) by email, denece.a.norris@nasa.gov or fax (256)961-9604 no later than 4:30 p.m. CDT on April 14, 2014. 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.

NASA Clause 1852.215-84(NOV 2011), Ombudsman, is applicable.

The official point of contact is Artra C. House; however, all questions/offers shall be submitted to Denece A. Norris (ARCS) at Denece.a.norris@nasa.gov, or faxed to (256)961-9604.

Point of Contact

    Name: Artra C House

    Title: Contract Specialist

    Phone: 256-544-3507

    Fax: 256-544-6560

    Email: artra.c.house@nasa.gov

    Name: Jeannette S. Swearingen

    Title: Contract Specialist

    Phone: 256-544-1395

    Fax: 256-544-5028

    Email: jeannette.s.swearingen@nasa.gov