NASA MSFC Solicitation: RS-68B Design Development Test and Evaluation
Synopsis – Feb 13, 2007
General Information
Solicitation Number: NNM07RS01
Posted Date: Feb 13, 2007
FedBizOpps Posted Date: Feb 13, 2007
Original Response Date: Feb 27, 2007
Current Response Date: Feb 27, 2007
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 Core Stage of the Ares V Cargo Launch Vehicle (CaLV). The RS-68 engine was selected for this DDT&E effort because it is a high-performance, simple gas generator cycle engine utilizing liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen as propellants. The end item deliverable will be a certified engine design for the RS-68B. NASA will develop the RS-68B jointly with the United States Air Force (USAF).
Pursuant to FAR 6.302-1, NASA intends to purchase this requirement from Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne (PWR) Inc., 6633 Canoga Avenue, Canoga Park, California, 91309-7922. PWR designed and developed the RS-68 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 RS-68 series are presently employed on the USAF’s Delta IV program. NASA performed an assessment of available engines for this application as part of the Exploration Systems Architecture Study (ESAS).
Through the ESAS, NASA determined that the only US manufactured rocket engines that possess the performance capabilities required with a sufficient Technology Readiness Level (TRL) to fulfill agency requirements were the RS-25 and RS-68 (both developed and manufactured by PWR). A further analysis showed a potential for significant cost savings by utilizing the RS-68 engine. In addition, PWR has recent experience on other major engine development activities such as the RS-83, RS-84, and COBRA. 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 and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 4:30 p.m. local time on February 27, 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. 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: Hervie B. Williford
Title: Contracting Officer
Phone: (256) 544-0373
Fax: (256) 544-6062
Email: hervie.b.williford@nasa.gov
