Notice of Intent to Sole Source: Synopsis for 40K Ormond Stand Replacement Load Cells

NASA/GRC has a requirement for the repair/replacement of certain components of the nearly 30 year old Ormond Inc MCT-87-129-40K Thrust Measurement System located at NASA Glenn Research Center’s Propulsion Systems Laboratory.  This system is capable of measuring absolute thrust of a turbine engine in multiple directions simultaneously. The multi-axis capability of the Ormond 40K Multi-axis Thrust Stand is required by a Fiscal Year 2021 test program in the Propulsion Systems Laboratory (PSL) at NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, OH.

The required parts are out of specification, thus making the 40K Ormond stand incapable of meeting the multi-axis requirements of the test program. These parts need to be repaired/replaced to bring the multi-axis capability back into specification. 

This contract shall be for the repair and/or custom fabrication of replacements for the parts listed below.

NASA will remove the old parts and ship the old parts to the contractor.

The contractor shall evaluate the old parts for repair and/or replacement and ship all new/repaired parts back to NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH. 

NASA PSL mechanics will replace the new/repaired parts back onto the Ormond 40K stand.

The parts needed are as follows:

1. Ormond Inc. Part #: BUL-MML-49-OD-20K-89-129
   • Quantity: 3
   • Load Cell Replacement: 20K Dual Bridge Load Cell, Vented. Possibly one of the existing load cells can be repaired.
2. Ormond Inc. Part #: FUL-PP49-20K-89-129-1
   • Quantity: 6
   • Load Cell Replacement: 20K Dual Bridge Load Cell with Integrated Flexures, Vented
3. Ormond Inc. Part #: FUL-PP49-20K-89-129-2
   • Quantity: 2
   • Load Cell Replacement: 20K Dual Bridge Load Cell with Integrated Flexures, Vented
4. Ormond Inc. Part #: BUL-MML-49-OD-10K-89-129
   • Quantity: 1
   • Load Cell Replacement: 10K Dual Bridge Load Cell, Vented (Replacement based on Mike Oliver Evaluation, FMS not able to evaluate due to the non-standard connector on the load cells. Recommend replacing the connectors on these load cells with the standard for the TMS. Repair cost for each load cell includes recalibration.
5. Ormond Inc. Part #: BUL-MML-49-OD-10K-89-129
   • Quantity: 4
   • Load Cell Replacement: Cost for replacing the load cell connectors with PT02E-12-10P connectors, the standards for the thrust stand. Price includes re-calibration.
6. Ormond Inc. Part #: FUL-PP49-OD-30K-89-129
   • Quantity: 3
   • Load Cell Replacement: 30K Dual Bridge Load Cell with Integrated Flexures, Vented. Possibly one of the existing load cells can be repaired.

NASA/GRC intends to purchase the parts from Force Measurement Systems.  This stand was determined to be on the test readiness critical path for this 2021 test program.  The manufacturer of the 40K Ormond thrust stand conducted verification testing to determine if the stand was still within manufacturer’s specification and met stated customer requirements.  The manufacturer determined that several of the load cells are out of specification and need replaced.  In order to bring the thrust stand back into specification and meet the customer stated requirements the manufacturer presented a list of components needing replacement or repair.   Since these parts are custom, made to order, OEM parts with a long lead-time; they cannot be obtained from any other company than Force Measurement Systems. 

The statutory authority for other than full and open competition is 10 USC 2304 (c) (1), only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.  There is a lack of competition in the area of manufacturing the custom parts needed for the Thrust Measurement System.  A change in manufacturer would impact future testing milestones and require costly delays.

The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12.   

Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing via email to the identified point of contact not later than 4:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday, May 27, 2020.  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/pub_library/Omb.html