NASA Solicitation: Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy
Synopsis – Oct 07, 2011
General Information
Solicitation Number: NND07PS02C
Posted Date: Oct 07, 2011
FedBizOpps Posted Date: Oct 07, 2011
Recovery and Reinvestment Act Action: No
Original Response Date: Oct 22, 2011
Current Response Date: Oct 22, 2011
Classification Code: A — Research and Development
NAICS Code: 336413 – Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
Contracting Office Address
NASA/Dryden Flight Research Center, Code A, P.O. Box 273, Edwards, CA 93523-0273
Description
NASA/DFRC intends to issue a contract performance schedule extension in-order to complete developmental efforts for the SOFIA B747SP Platform Project awarded under contract number NND07PS02C to L-3 Communications Integrated Systems, Waco, TX. The current contract performance schedule ends on December 31, 2011. The schedule extension will be for a period of not-to-exceed thirty-six (36) months and will be in-conjunction with the overall SOFIA Program Master Schedule. The majority of the remaining requirements scheduled to be completed are associated with the development and testing of the SOFIA Mission Controls and Communications System (MCCS). It is anticipated that completion of the MCCS requirement will lead to a declaration of Full Operational Capability (FOC) for the SOFIA platform to include full functionality of airborne, instrument, and ground systems. Note: It is noted that at the time of initial contract award that not all of the developmental requirements were fully known and/or clearly defined. As development work has progressed there have been various engineering change notices (ECN’s) and revised performance work statements (PWS’s) issued by the Government. These changes, along with budgetary and other unanticipated schedule impacts have had the effect of requiring more schedule time (as opposed to cost) to complete the SOFIA platform technical requirements. As a result, the current developmental schedule for contract NND07PS02C is considered to be on programmatic schedule while incurred cost and contract funding have been significantly under running the negotiated contact value. Based on current estimates, the Government believes that the remaining technical effort required for completion of the programmatic requirements can be completed within the current estimated cost ceiling with adjustments made to the award fee performance pool for new work requirements identified in the latest changes to the SOFIA PWS.
The SOFIA program is a cooperative effort between NASA and DLR, the German Aerospace Agency. The SOFIA observatory consists of a 2.7-meter (2.5-meter useable) diameter Telescope Assembly (TA) mounted inside a modified Boeing 747SP aircraft. The primary goal of the SOFIA program is to further scientific knowledge in the field of astronomy and astrophysics.
Authority is FAR 6.302-1 – Only one responsible source. Justification is based upon the following facts: 1) the performance schedule extension (FAR 42.302(b) (3) and NFS 1817.204(e) (2)) is required for completion of program Phase D (system assembly, integration, testing, and launch phase); 2) L-3 Communications is the only responsible source since they have already completed a significant portion of the contractual effort. As a result, they are uniquely and intimately familiar with the Airborne System development and characteristics, particularly as they apply to the evolving SOFIA project. Due to the immense complexities of the SOFIA project, and the interrelationships of Government and contractor participants, the time needed to gain this knowledge and expertise would cause unacceptable disruptions to that progress, particularly since the Airborne System is currently on the program schedule “Critical Path.” As a result, award of a new contract to any other contractor for completion of the requirements would likely result in: a) Substantial duplication of cost to the Government that is not expected to be recovered through competition due to replication of development and test facilities; b) unacceptable delays in fulfilling the agency’s requirements; and c) design and integration issues resulting from having multiple contractors involved with systems development issues.
The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12.
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 October 22, 2011. 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, Ombudsman, is applicable. The installation Ombudsman is Mr. Patrick Stoliker (661) 276-2706.
Point of Contact
Name: Jim Kitahara
Title: Contracting Officer
Phone: 661-276-5355
Fax: 661-276-3374
Email: James.E.Kitahara@nasa.gov
