NASA Presolicitation Notice: Chandra X-ray Observatory Science and Operations Support Center
General Information
- Document Type: Presolicitation Notice
- Solicitation Number: 8-1-2-FC-50116
- Posted Date: Aug 16, 2002
- Original Response Date: Sep 16, 2002
- Current Response Date: Sep 16, 2002
- Original Archive Date: Aug 16, 2003
- Current Archive Date: Aug 16, 2003
- Classification Code: A — Research & Development
Contracting Office Address
NASA/George C. Marshall Space Flight Center, Procurement Office, Marshall Space Flight Center, AL 35812
Description
This procurement is for mission operations and data analysis for the Chandra X-ray Observatory (CXO). The contract will provide the Chandra X-ray Center (CXC) functions comprised of the CXO Operations Control Center and the Science Center. The functions include science system engineering, ground system development and maintenance, mission operations, science and operations planning, science research, science dissemination, general observation program and outreach support for the CXO Program.
The contract that will result from this action is a follow-on contract to the existing contract with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) in Cambridge MA. The period of performance for the proposed contract is from September 1, 2003 through August 31, 2009. MSFC intends to award the follow-on contract to SAO. SAO has performed the functions described above since launch of the CXO in July 1999. With its elite collection of astrophysicists and experience attained on x-ray missions, SAO has a unique and demonstrated capability in x-ray astronomy. SAO’s technical expertise and knowledge has been utilized extensively in developing the Chandra operations concepts, toools, processes, software, and ground systems that have been successfully implemented on the CXO Program. SAO and its team have demonstrated their capabilities and utilization of their skills in keeping the CXO successful in accomplishing its mission, satisfying the global x-ray astronomy community, and staying in the vanguard of the x-ray science frontier. As a result of SAO’s expertise and capabilities in fulfilling the requirements for the CXC contract, the CXO has achieved unparalleled success in x-ray astronomy since its launch in July 1999.
The government believes that competing this requirement will result in significant added risk, substantial duplication of cost to the government that is not expected to be recovered through competition, and unacceptable delays in fulfilling the agency’s requirements. NASA/MSFC intends to execute the resulting contract with SAO under the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c)(1) as implemented by FAR 6.302-1.
Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform this effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 4:30 p.m. local time on September 16, 2002. 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 effort on a competitive basis based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.
All responsible sources may submit a proposal which will be considered by the Government. See note 22. The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. See note 26.
An Ombudsman has been appointed, see NASA Specific note B. Any referenced notes can be viewed at the following URL: http://genesis.gsfc.nasa.gov/nasanote.html .
Original Point of Contact
Steven D. Morris, Contracting Officer, Phone (256) 544-0380, Fax (256) 544-9354, Email steven.morris@msfc.nasa.gov – Harry B. Craig, Contracting Officer, Phone (256) 544-0515, Fax (256) 544-4401, Email harry.craig@msfc.nasa.gov
Email your questions to Steven D. Morris at steven.morris@msfc.nasa.gov
Current Point of Contact
Steven D. Morris, Contracting Officer, Phone (256) 544-0380, Fax (256) 544-9354, Email steven.morris@msfc.nasa.gov – Harry B. Craig, Contracting Officer, Phone (256) 544-0515, Fax (256) 544-4401, Email harry.craig@msfc.nasa.gov
Email your questions to Steven D. Morris at steven.morris@msfc.nasa.gov
