Capture, Containment and Return System (CCRS), Lid Release System (LRS) and Capture Lid Mechanism

NASA/GSFC intends to issue a sole source 8(a) contract to Newton, LLC.  In accordance with 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1), as implemented by Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302-1, “Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements,”  Newton, LLC has experience in the engineering development and design, manufacturing and assembly, space flight qualification and performance testing, and delivery of mechanical, mechanisms, electromechanical, and/or deployment system hardware. 

Newton’s unique knowledge, experience and expertise gained on NASA’s various missions has qualified them to perform the requirements of the CCRS  contract. 

Only an experienced contractor with extensive,  engineering knowledge will meet the required elements of the contract statement of work needed to meet the mission requirements within the defined mission timeline.  Newton is the only known source that has the expertise to successfully achieve the challenging objectives of the design, fabrication.

The principal purpose of this requirement is for the design, fabrication, assembly, testing and delivery of Mars Sample Return (MSR) Capture Containment and Return System (CCRS), Lid Release System (LRS) and the Capture Lid Mechanism.

The Government does not intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR part 12.    

This 8(a) sole source procurement will result in a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract.   

The NAICS Code and Size Standard are 334511 and 1,250 employees, respectively.

Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort electronically via email to Ronda Stone at Ronda.R.Stone@nasa.gov not later than September 18, 2021.  Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this acquisition on a competitive basis.  A determination by the Government not to compete this acquisition on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government.

NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable.  The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at https://prod.nais.nasa.gov/pub/pub_library/Omb.html

The solicitation and any documents related to the procurement will be available over the internet.  These documents will reside on a World Wide Web (WWW) server, which may be accessed using a WWW browser application.   

It is the offeror's responsibility to monitor this Internet site (www.fbo.gov) for the release of the solicitation and amendments (if any). Potential offerors will be responsible for downloading their own copy of the solicitation and amendments (if any).