JOFOC FAB BPA-stoKtr.pdf

Rev.:5/2024

4. 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 is 10 U.S.C.

2304(c)(1), as implemented by FAR 6.302- (1) Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements (10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1)).

5. FAR 6.303-2(b)(5) – A demonstration that the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited:

The rationale for supporting the use of 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1) is described below:

The objective of these blanket purchase agreements (BPAs) is to secure support services and supplies which are necessary for the fabrication of hardware requirements across various NASA project missions, specifically for the AMB, Code 547. The vendors offer specialized expertise in machining, including multi-axis and computer numerical control (CNC) machining, as well as wire and electrical discharge machining. Their services encompass grinding, sheet metal work, welding (including certified and electron beam welding), anodizing, chemical edge finishing, dye processes, inspection support, material cutting, raw material supply, rapid prototyping, assembly, chemical analysis, facility maintenance, plating processes and coatings, fasteners, heat treatment, specialty tooling, and thin metal fabrication.

The fabrication and assembly services of flight and non-flight components for the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope (RST), Dragonfly, and DAVINCI projects are critical to the Goddard Space Flight Center and NASA in order to meet mission objectives. Furthermore, BPAs have an integral role in the AMBs ability to support external partnerships. Our collaboration with the Naval Architecture and Engineering Department of the Naval Surface Warfare Center, (Carderock Division), for fabrication support services has been vital to the stability of the organization. As a result, it is essential that these services continue uninterrupted.

Without an extension to the FAB BPA’s period of performance NASA GSFC would be precluded from continuing current ongoing support requirements and issuing new calls/orders for services under the BPAs. This extension allows the multiple BPA vendors to continue performing services without requiring a startup period and/or the normal learning curve typically encountered by new incoming vendors. More specifically, such learning curves can pose a risk to projects like RST that are on a mission critical path and cannot afford to experience any delays in obtaining components being ordered under the FAB BPA’s multiple vendors. Should these services be interrupted, NASA will be unable to perform and fulfill critical services that are required by NASA missions such as RST, Dragonfly, and DAVINCI.

In addition, allowing a short contract extension will avoid a substantial duplication of costs to the Government that would need to be incurred if a new contractor was brought onboard for this short timeframe. The additional and significant administrative costs of soliciting, negotiating, and awarding a short- term interim contract cannot reasonably be expected to be recovered through competition, especially when the competition process for the follow-on is already underway. This is unacceptable to the Government given that the duration of the performance for this interim contract extension is only seven (7) months. For the Government to avoid a substantial duplication of costs, as well as an unacceptable delay in performance of critical requirements, a seven (7) month contract extension of the FAB BPAs is required.

6. 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:

The Contracting Officer has determined that a notice to the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) website is not required in accordance with FAR 5.201(b)(1)(i), because the proposed contract action does not meet the threshold in 5.101(a)(1).

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

The Contracting Officer’s signature on this document indicates that the Contracting Officer has determined that the anticipated cost to the government will be fair and reasonable. This proposed extension does not require a proposal/quote due to this being a multiple award BPA. All calls will be competed amongst multiple vendors to be evaluated by the Government. Prior to the execution of a call, an analysis will be performed to ensure that the final agreed upon cost for the call is fair and reasonable.

8. FAR 6.303-2(b)(8) – Description of the market research conducted, and the results, or a statement of the reasons market research was not conducted (e.g., urgent, and compelling requirement):

Given the urgency of the need, strategic market research which was conducted continuously throughout the acquisition process, the COR’s knowledge and experience indicate that no other entities possessing the required knowledge and expertise necessary to perform these services currently exist within this limited time frame for implementing this BPA extension.

As such, NASA GSFC does not believe any alternate sources can take on full contract responsibility without risk of an unacceptable delay to critical milestones. The Government would unnecessarily incur significant additional cost if another contractor were to perform this effort. A competitive FAB BPA is expected to be awarded by December 2025. An assessment of other existing current GSFC contract vehicles was made with the conclusion that no viable contract vehicle exists that could reasonably support the requirement. The requirement for the FAB BPA continuity of operations and the need to meet critical mission milestones for flight project missions leaves no feasible alternative except to extend the period of performance of the FAB BPA.

9. FAR 6.303-2(b)(9) – Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition:

None

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

A notice of NASA’s intent to award this sole-source action was not synopsized on the GPE website (Sam.gov) per FAR Subpart 5.2 (See Section 6 above).

11. 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:

The Agency will continue to examine the market in the future for alternative solutions or new sources before executing any subsequent acquisitions for the same requirements. The government is in the process of conducting a competition for the follow-on acquisition.