SATPC0036388 Tab 06 RDSS..pdf

Page 1 V2.0 3-15-2017

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

NASA SHARED SERVICES CENTER

RECOMMENDATION AND DETERMINATION TO SOLICIT FROM ONE SOURCE

OR BRAND NAME

PICK ONE

Sole Source:

☒I recommend that NASA, NASA Shared Services Center negotiate with Kimball Physics only for a new electron source system. The total estimated cost of this effort is and the estimated period of performance or lead-time for delivery is 24-26 weeks from initiation.

OR

Brand Name Justification:

☐I recommend that NASA, NASA Shared Services Center negotiate with only with vendors who can provide the subject band name from Manufacture Name for Enter Supply or Service to be procured. The total estimated cost of this effort is Enter Dollar amount and the estimated period of performance or lead-time for delivery is Date.

This recommendation is for the acquisition of supplies or services determined to be reasonably available from only one source/only one manufacture. Competition is impractical for the following reasons (please answer the questions below):

1. What are the reasons for soliciting only the suggested source/suggested brand name? Please provide the unique characteristics of the items or services along with the supporting rationale and the market research performed to substantiate your reason for the suggested source/brand name.

This procurement is for a highly specialized electron gun system required for the calibration of space plasma analyzers at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. The specific electron source, provided by Kimball Physics Inc., includes a unique low flux modification that was similarly implemented 10+ years ago for the MMS FPI project. This modification is critical to ensure compatibility with our current systems and to replicate the successful calibration process previously established. No other vendor offers an electron source with these exact specifications and modifications, making Kimball Physics Inc. the only viable source for this equipment. Market research has confirmed that no alternative suppliers can provide an electron source that meets these specialized requirements.

2. What is the impact to the government if another vendor/brand is used? Include any dollar, schedule, or compatibility impacts if possible.

Using a different vendor or brand would result in significant risks to the project, including potential incompatibility with our existing systems and the inability to replicate the calibration process used in the MMS FPI project. This could lead to delays in the calibration schedule, increased costs due to troubleshooting and potential rework, and ultimately jeopardize the accuracy and reliability of the plasma analyzers. The use of an unproven electron source would introduce uncertainty into the calibration process, potentially leading to incorrect measurements and compromised mission objectives. The financial impact could be substantial, including the cost of procuring and modifying a different electron source, as well as the time and resources required to validate and integrate it into our systems.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: