NASA MSFC Solicitation: J-2X Design, Development, Test and Evaluation

Synopsis – Mar 31, 2006

General Information

Solicitation Number: NNM06EL02
Posted Date: Mar 31, 2006
FedBizOpps Posted Date: Mar 31, 2006
Original Response Date: Apr 14, 2006
Current Response Date: Apr 14, 2006
Classification Code: A — Research and Development
NAICS Code: 541710 – Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences

Contracting Office Address

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

Description

NASA/MSFC has a requirement for the design, development, test, and evaluation (DDT&E) of an engine to support the Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV) Upper Stage and the Cargo Launch Vehicle (CaLV) Earth Departure Stage (EDS). The engine, a J-2 (Saturn Heritage engine) derivative, will be a 250,000 pound thrust class human-rated engine and is planned to support a human launch of the CLV in 2012. The baseline DDT&E effort will require the delivery of seven development and qualification engines with two spares, two development test flight engines, and one human flight engine.

Pursuant to FAR 6.302-1, NASA/MSFC intends to purchase this requirement from Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne (PWR) Inc., 6633 Canoga Avenue, Canoga Park, California, 91309-7922. PWR designed and developed the original J-2 series of engines and has been responsible for its production, refurbishment, and improvements. PWR’s unique capabilities with design, fabrication, production, and testing of the turbomachinery for the J-2 series was proven most recently on NASA’s X-33 program. The J-2 design is the only engine ever produced in the United States that possesses the performance capabilities required and currently has a sufficient Technology Readiness Level (TRL) to fulfill agency requirements. In addition, PWR has recent experience on other major engine development activities such as the RS-83, RS-84, and COBRA. Any attempt to procure this requirement from another vendor would make fielding the CLV improbable within the planned timeframe. The production effort for the engine beyond the requirements of the DDT&E effort will be a separate procurement.

The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. See Note 26.

Interested organizations may submit their capabilities, qualifications and approach to produce the engine in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 4:30 p.m. local time on April 14, 2006. 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. Companies interested in subcontracting opportunities should contact PWR directly. 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: Jennifer B McCaghren
Title: Contracting Officer
Phone: (256) 544-5189
Fax: (256) 544-6062
Email: jennifer.b.mccaghren@nasa.gov

Name: Hervie B. Williford
Title: Contracting Officer
Phone: (256) 544-0373
Fax: (256) 544-6062
Email: hervie.b.williford@nasa.gov