Measurement of protein crystal growth rates and apparatus maintenance

****THE POINT OF CONTACT FOR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS JOSH STILES/ARCS FOR ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS REGARDING THIS NOTICE PLEASE CONTACT JOSH AT JOSHUA.B.STILES@NASA.GOV****

NASA/MSFC has a requirement for services in the maintenance and use of a protein crystal growth rate measurement and protein crystal solubility apparatus.

NASA/MSFC intends to purchase the services from IXPRESSGENES, INC. Market Research shows that IXPRESSGENES has successfully developed and implemented specialized equipment for monitoring Protein Crystallization and subsequent Growth Rate. Only members of IXPRESSGENES currently have requisite Tooling, proven Knowledge, and Experiences needed to measure Protein Crystal Growth Rates on an Apparatus of their design. Only IXPRESSGENES currently has Proteins specifically from Hyperthermophiles that are considered requisite test materials for the completion of equipment verification. Only IXPRESSGENES currently is situated in the locality of George C. Marshall Space Flight Center to perform required equipment maintenance, calibration, and testing without undue burden to the Government.

The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12.

Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 4:30 p.m. C.S.T on 06/03/2014. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed effort on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government.

Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.

All responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency.

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