JOFOCFinal80JSC021P0021.pdf

Rev.:01/2021

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA)

LYNDON B. JOHNSON SPACE CENTER (JSC)

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION (JOFOC)

For Custom Desiccators (Isolators) for Mars 2020 Contamination Knowledge Collection

1. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.303-2(b)(1) – Identification of the agency and the contracting activity, and specific identification of the document as a “Justification for other than full and open competition.”

This document is a Justification for other than full and open competition prepared by NASA JSC, Houston, TX.

The procuring agency is National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the contracting activity is JSC.

2. 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 to award a sole-source purchase order to Germfree Laboratories, Inc. for nine (9) custom-made gaseous nitrogen desiccators (isolators).

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

The required desiccators are custom-made gaseous nitrogen isolators which are critical for the long-term preservation and storage of the contamination knowledge (CK) sample collection from the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover assembly, test, and launch operation (ATLO) activities and future CK generated by the international Mars Sample Return Campaign. CK is the information gained from studying the collected/curated spacecraft hardware, reference materials, and witness plates in conjunction with returned astromaterials. The ability to differentiate between terrestrial contamination and extraterrestrial material is paramount when Martian samples return to Earth in 2031. These CK samples must be stored in an inert environment with minimal exposure to particulate shedding and outgassing materials over a long period.

The estimated period of performance is May 6, 2021 through May 5, 2023, at an estimated value of $440,000.

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 for acquisitions using the procedures in FAR subpart 13.5 is 41 U.S.C. 1901.

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:

Germfree was previously contracted to develop a prototype desiccator where the JSC Mars 2020 curation team collaborated for two years to develop a custom positive pressure gaseous nitrogen desiccator that could meet strict sample safety requirements, reducing particulate and outgassing loads to very low levels (JETS Contract:NNJ13HA01C; Task Order #378 for FY20).

Germfree is the only vendor to conduct an initial engineering design review, provide detailed fabrication drawings for a custom build, and outline physical tests for post-fabrication inspection of the integrity of the custom isolator (i.e., pressure test, leak test, and CMRTs for all raw materials). In the extensive search for such a unique product, it was determined that Germfree is the only company able to provide a custom-built isolator that meets all the necessary material requirements for MSR curation.

Critical attention was given to design a desiccator with minimal low organic outgassing gaskets.

Electropolished Stainless steel 316L was used throughout the build to reduce particulate shedding, organic outgassing, and meet ISO Class 5 cleanroom requirements. SS316 plumbing was oxygen cleaned and will be able to accept high purity nitrogen. Flow meters and pressure gauges were specially chosen to reduce organic loads. The ACME FKM (Viton) door gaskets were also custom procured and NASA JSC tested their outgassing levels at NASA WSTF as well as pressure decay tested for meeting the required leak rate on the doors.

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:

A pre-solicitation special notice will be issued as required by FAR subpart 5.2.

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. The Contractor shall be required to submit a proposal to be evaluated and negotiated by the Government. Prior to execution of the contractual instrument, a proposal analysis will be performed. The proposal analysis will ensure that the final agreed-to price for the contract action is fair and reasonable.

A review and analysis of historical data will be performed to determine that pricing is fair and reasonable. This will be determined once the Government receives a quote from the vendor.

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

Market research was not conducted because Germfree was previously contracted to develop a prototype desiccator that could meet strict sample safety requirements, reducing particulate and outgassing loads to very low levels. If Germfree was not selected as sole source, a similar designed desiccator with another vendor would require a duplication of cost for a prototype and at least two more years of development and design. Any delay in the acquisition of the desiccators puts the CK collection at risk.

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

Not applicable.

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

See section six (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.