Operation of the infrared telescope facility

NASA/HQ has a requirement to maintain and operate the Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF) and to develop and implement a science strategy that will support NASAs science and mission goals. NASA/HQ intends to purchase these services from the University of Hawaii, Institute for Astronomy with an anticipated period of performance of five (5) years. The University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy has over three decades of experience operating the IRTF and managing the science and instrument development strategy in support of NASAs science and mission objectives. The University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy is the only source that can seamlessly continue the facility operations, science planning, and instrument development that is critical for supporting NASAs science and mission objectives and upcoming Science Mission Directorate mission encounters (e.g. Mars Science Laboratory landing and operations on Mars, Dawn operations at Vesta, Juno operations at Jupiter). 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 to the identified point of contact not later than 4:30 p.m. local time on December 20, 2012. 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 .