IXPE JOFOC FINAL REDACTED REV2 2-9-26_Redacted.pdf

This document is a Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (JOFOC) prepared by NASA's George C. Marshall Space Flight Center for a sole-source contract extension.

The action seeks to extend contract NNM15AA18C with BAE Systems, Inc. for the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) project through March 31, 2029. The current contract period of performance runs from October 1, 2015 through April 1, 2026, which includes Phase E Operations and Sustainment through September 30, 2025 and a Phase F closeout through April 1, 2026. The proposed 3-year extension will incorporate a 12-month Phase E base period extension from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, two 12-month option periods through September 30, 2028, and a 6-month Phase F closeout period from October 1, 2028 through March 31, 2029. This extension was authorized by the Science Mission Directorate on June 25, 2025, following NASA Headquarters approval from the 2025 Senior Review of Operating Missions. IXPE is a small employer class mission launched in December 2021 that studies X-ray production in stellar objects including neutron stars, nebulae, and supermassive black holes. BAE Systems will continue providing mission operations leadership, planning, and execution support. The statutory authority for sole-source award is 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1), justified on grounds that transitioning to a new provider would create unacceptable risks to spacecraft health, mission continuity, and scientific objectives. A pre-solicitation notice was published on the Government Point of Entry website from July 23 through August 7, 2025, with no responses received from other potential sources.