SATPC0041557 Tab 06 RDSS..pdf

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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 MTS Systems Corporation only for MTS FlexTest 40 Controller Upgrade for the 600-kip load frame and MTS Hydraulic Grips for a 100-kip load frame. The total estimated cost of this effort is and the estimated period of performance is 14 months ARO.

OR

Brand Name Justification:

☒I recommend that NASA, NASA Shared Services Center negotiate with only 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.

Only two vendors were considered for the 600-kip load frame controller upgrade: MTS and Instron. The MTS FlexTest 40 controller enables the use of the same software used to operate the majority of the servohydraulic load frames in our laboratory. MTS is the developer and exclusive vendor of the MTS Multipurpose Testware (MPT) software. Additionally, choosing the MTS FlexTest 40 controller enhances capability beyond that of an Instron controller by offering 8 analog input channels, 8 output channels, and 5 conditioned channels suitable for connecting and powering LVDTs from the FlexTest controller. An Instron controller would require new software—Bluehill Universal—which may not be familiar to current operators. Furthermore, MTS personnel are exclusively qualified to install the controller, verify its compatibility with the load frame, and perform system calibration. Only trained MTS technicians are authorized to carry out these tasks with the FlexTest 40 Controller, as other vendors are not trained in its installation and setup.

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

The potential impact of switching to another vendor or brand is not fully predictable. However, since the MTS 793 Multipurpose Testware (MPT) software is exclusively available from MTS and is compatible only with MTS controllers, utilizing a controller from a different vendor would incur additional costs for the government. This would include expenses related to training operators on the new software and ensuring consistent usage to maintain proficiency. Both the training process and the time required to achieve and sustain proficiency would lead to added costs. Currently, operators are already trained on the MTS MPT software, which is widely used in the majority of load frames within NASA’s Langley Research Center’s structures labs. Furthermore, because operators regularly utilize this software when operating other load frames, the time needed to remain proficient is reduced. The FlexTest 40 Controller serves as a replacement for a failing FlexTest SE controller, and both models utilize the same software.

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Training would be necessary for multiple operators to become proficient with the software, resulting in additional costs and potential delays to testing schedules as personnel learn and verify the new system.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

Technical User Name Date

Title

Office