SATPC0041934 Tab 06 RDSS..pdf

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 Equity Engineering only for ASME B31.3 Process Piping training. The total estimated cost of this effort is and the estimated period of performance or lead-time for delivery is August 3-7, 2026.

OR Brand Name Justification:

☐I recommend that NASA, NASA Shared Services Center negotiate with only with vendors who can provide the subject brand 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.

The Government requires a virtual training course covering the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) B31.3 Process Piping Code that is specifically tailored to NASA's Ground Based Pressure Systems Working Group and its pressure relief system requirements. The training must provide approximately 24 hours of live virtual instruction, electronic course materials, attendance tracking, Certificates of Completion, and 24 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours for each attendee.

Market research identified Equity Engineering Group as the only known source that offers ASME B31.3 Process Piping training customized to NASA's specific pressure system applications and operational requirements. While other organizations offer general ASME B31.3 training, no other source was identified that provides a course specifically focused on NASA's pressure-relieving system requirements while incorporating the level of technical expertise required by the Agency.

Equity Engineering's instructors are practicing professional engineers with more than 20 years of experience in pressure systems engineering, ASME B31.3 code implementation, and pressure relief system design and evaluation. The Office of Safety and Mission Assurance (OSMA) Pressure Systems Delegated Discipline Lead previously attended this training and determined that the course content, technical depth, and instructor expertise met NASA's mission requirements. Based on the market research performed, no other vendor was identified that can provide the same customized instruction and subject matter expertise required to satisfy the Government's minimum needs.

2. What is the impact to the government if another vendor/brand is used? Include any dollar, schedule, or compatibility impacts if possible. Using another vendor would increase the risk that the training would not adequately address NASA's specific pressure system and pressure relief requirements. Most commercially available ASME B31.3 courses provide general code instruction and are not tailored to NASA's operational environment or the technical needs of the Agency's Ground Based Pressure Systems Working Group. Obtaining training that does not address NASA's mission-specific requirements could require supplemental training, additional technical support, or future retraining, resulting in increased costs, schedule delays, and inconsistent application of ASME B31.3 requirements across NASA personnel. Procuring the customized training from Equity Engineering ensures that attendees receive instruction directly applicable to NASA's pressure system program, promoting consistent code interpretation and supporting safe and compliant pressure system operations throughout the Agency.

7/6/2026

Date

Technical User Name

Title

Office