SOLICITATION NOTICE
A -- COMPLETION OF STRATOSPHERIC OBSERVATORY FOR INFRARED ASTRONOMY_SOFIA_CAVITYDOOR DRIVE SYSTEM_CDDS
- Notice Date
- 9/23/2009
- Notice Type
- Presolicitation
- NAICS
- 336413
— Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
- Contracting Office
- NASA/Dryden Flight Research Center, Code A, P.O. Box 273, Edwards, CA 93523-0273
- ZIP Code
- 93523-0273
- Solicitation Number
- NND06PS01C
- Response Due
- 9/30/2009
- Archive Date
- 9/23/2010
- Point of Contact
- Kari M Alvarado, Contracting Officer, Phone 661-276-2559, Fax 661-276-2904, Email Kari.M.Alvarado@nasa.gov
- E-Mail Address
-
Kari M Alvarado
(Kari.M.Alvarado@nasa.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- NASA DFRC intends to award a sole source contract extension for the completion ofthe Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) Cavity Door Drive System(CDDS) to Woodward MPC, Inc. The period of performance of this extension is approximatelytwo years, October 1, 2009 through September 15, 2011.The SOFIA Program consists of an airborne observatory platform (a Boeing 747-SP aircraft)carrying a 2.5 meter infrared telescope, as well as other scientific instruments capableof infrared and sub millimeter observations. The SOFIA observatory is being developed byNASA and its partner the DLR (German Aerospace Center). The SOFIA observatory will bethe worlds largest and most sensitive airborne observatory. The aircraft will operateat a ceiling of 45,000 feet. The telescope will look out of an open cavity in the side ofthe aircraft and allow astronomers to obtain sharper infrared images than ever before. The CDDS opens and closes the door over the telescope cavity. The estimated life of theoperational program is 20 years. The highly unique and complex deliverables under subject contract include 2 CDDSship-sets and subsystem support equipment. One ship-set consists of 2 actuators, a cavitydoor drive system controller computer, including software, and associated supportequipment. The first ship-set was intended to be a prototype for test and improvement. Ithas been delivered and tested. During the anticipated extension WMPC will provide updatesto hardware and software which correct functional integration issues expected duringinitial SOFIA door-open flight tests; update ship-set one to a fully functional andflight worthy ship-set; and deliver a fully-functional flight-worthy second ship-set withsubsystem support equipment.NASA DFRC intends to procure supplies and services from Woodward MPC, Inc. of Skokie, IL60077. There is no other source capable of performing this complex effort. WMPC hascompleted a significant portion of the work. As a result, they are uniquely andintimately familiar with CDDS development and characteristics. Due to the complexities ofthe SOFIA project, the time needed to gain required knowledge and expertise with adifferent company would cause unacceptable disruptions, particularly since the CDDS iscurrently on the program schedule Critical Path. Any other contractor, selected in acompetitive procurement, would need to gain sufficient project knowledge and technicalexpertise to ensure continued CDDS progress. This would cause a minimum of 2 years delayand would impact the program by at least $24 million in delay costs alone. Additionally,another contractor would have to engage an inspection processes to determine whether workpreviously performed by WMPC should be accepted or rejected. It is likely that questionsof attribution and possible disputes would arise over the quality of such work, requiringtime consuming resolution and settlement.These reasons justify procuring the workexclusively from MPC.The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12.See Note26.Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform theeffort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 2:00 p.m. local timeon September 30, 2009. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for thepurpose 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 opencompetition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretionof 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.An Ombudsman has been appointed. See NASA Specific Note "B".Any referenced notes may be viewed at the following URLs linked below.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/NASA/DFRC/OPDC20220/NND06PS01C/listing.html)
- Record
- SN01966843-W 20090925/090924000332-7429f2a54c1a8f8f759d0254300331a8 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
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