UNL_JOFOC.pdf

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA)

LYNDON B. JOHNSON SPACE CENTER (JSC)

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION (JOFOC)

Pursuant to 10 United States Code (U.S.C.) 2304(c)(1) and Federal Acquisition Regulation

(FAR) 6.302-1

For the Laser Processed Condensing Heat Exchanger (CHX)

1. FAR 6.303-2(b)(2) – The nature and/or description of the action being approved:

This justification provides the rationale for contracting by other than full and open competition with the University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL) for the acquisition of laser processed condensing heat exchanger (CHX) components for NASA’s Advanced Thermal Technology Development Project. The estimated total value of this procurement is XXXX.

2. FAR 6.303-2(b)(3) – A description of the supplies or services required, to meet the Agency’s needs (including the estimated value):

This contract is for the development of optimization techniques which are required to reduce the laser processing time of prototypic silver air channels and delivery of laser processed silver materials for a ¼ scale CHX. The proposed technology will utilize a femtosecond laser to develop a state-of-the-art CHX which does not utilize hydrophilic or biocide coatings, but rather uses a laser-processed surface to achieve hydrophilic and bio-growth and siloxanes resistance. Phase 1 involves the development of optimization techniques which are required to reduce the laser processing time of prototypic silver air channels. Phase 2 will apply the optimization techniques to silver material for a ¼ scale CHX. Phase 3 is the completion of laser processing the silver material required for a ¼ scale CHX.

The Condensing Heat Exchanger (CHX) can be considered a critical function of closed-loop life support due to its inherent ability to reclaim water within the system. A CHX is also essential to cooling cabin air and removing humidity to ensure the astronaut’s cabin environment is maintained at a comfortable level. In order to remove humidity, cool the air, and collect condensation, the CHX is highly dependent on hydrophilic coatings and biocide coatings which minimize microbial growth. The old coatings have been used since the Apollo-era and are not viable options for future deep-space missions and closed-loop life support systems.

The estimated total value of this firm fixed price procurement is $XXXX.

3. FAR 6.303-2(b)(4) – An identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition:

The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition for this action is FAR 6.302-1(a)(2)(ii)(A) which states that “supplies may be deemed to be available from the original source in the case of a follow- on contract for the continued development or production of a major system or highly specialized equipment, including major components thereof, when it is likely that award to any other source would result in substantial duplication of cost to the Government that is not expected to be recovered through competition.”

4. FAR 6.303-2(b)(5)&(9) – A demonstration that the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited and any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition such as:

Given the critical nature of the CHX components provided by UNL and their unique qualifications, equipment, and facilities, UNL is the only vendor that NASA is aware of that is capable of performing dual pulse femtosecond laser processing. UNL was awarded two previous sole source NASA contracts related to the silver laser processed CHX project (XXXX & XXXX). These contracts totaled XXXX. It would be detrimental to the development of a laser processed CHX if laser processing is completed at another location as this initial investment in technology development would have to be repeated at another institution or business.

5. FAR 6.303-2(b)(6) – A description of the efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable, including whether a notice was or will be publicized as required by Subpart 5.2 and, if not, which exception under 5.202 applies:

Synopsis number 80JSC018Q0016 was publicized on the Government wide point of entry website http://www.fedbizopps.gov on 03/26/2018. The synopsis closed on 03/30/2018 and one response to the synopsis was received. Due to the unique dual pulse femtosecond laser processing techniques performed by UNL, no further actions to foster competition were taken.

6. FAR 6.303-2(b) (7) – A determination by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

In the previous contract XXXX, UNL processed XXX square inches of silver at XXX per square inch. The new ¼ scale unit will have approximately XXX square inches which would cost XXX. UNL has proposed a cost of XXXX for this entire effort which includes developing optimization techniques, applying the optimization techniques to the silver material, and the laser processing of the silver material. The lower cost is due to UNL’s technology development that has already taken place to optimize the laser processing methods. The CO concluded that the order represents the lowest overall cost to meet the Government's needs.

7. FAR 6.303-2(b)(8) – Description of the market survey conducted, and the results, or a statement of the reasons a market survey was not conducted:

A market survey was performed by the Thermal System Branch to understand any establishment having the expertise and facilities to laser process the large surface area required for processing of a ¼ scale silver CHX. The market survey revealed numerous femtosecond lasers available for purchase. However, commercial vendor expertise to operate the lasers and produce the patterns needed for the CHX is not commercially available.

Specifically, these businesses do not have the capability or experience using dual pulse laser processing of silver. In researching various university laboratories that have such facilities, http://www.fedbizopps.gov/

University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is the only lab with expertise in using dual pulse femtosecond lasers to laser process silver.

8. FAR 6.303-2(b)(10) – A listing of the sources, if any, that expressed an interest in writing in the acquisition:

Synopsis Number 80JSC018Q0016 was posted on 03/26/18 and closed on 03/30/18. NASA did receive one response to the synopsis, however it was determined that they were proposing to do the design work and subcontracting out the laser processing. The Government’s requirement does not include design work; therefore, it was determined they would not be able to fill the requirement.

9. FAR 6.303-2(b)(11) – A statement of actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required:

NASA’s technical organization, along with procurement, will continue to research and assess any new requirements in addition to monitoring the market environment in an attempt to overcome any barriers that preclude the agency from meeting the requirements before any subsequent acquisition for the aforementioned support services are made.