Pathfinder Technology Demonstrator (PTD) Project - Notice of Intent to Modify the Contract

NASA/ARC intends to modify Contract No. NNA17BF41C, titled Pathfinder Technology Demonstrator (PTD) with Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems, Inc. (Tyvak) on a sole-source basis pursuant to 10 U.S.C 3204(a)(1), and FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. PTD supports spaceflight missions, which are managed by the Small Spacecraft Technology Program (SSTP) Level II office located at Ames Research Center. The PTD Project was awarded for the development, integration, and delivery of one 6U nano-satellite spacecraft plus five spare (optional) spacecraft. PTD will test the operation of a variety of novel satellite technologies in low Earth orbit, providing significant enhancements to the performance of these small and effective spacecraft. The current scope of work includes primary ground station support and spacecraft operations support.

The proposed modification will add additional Mission Operations Support to PTD-R and PTD-4 and add an additional energy experiment to PTD-4.  Due to a variety of factors, unforeseen delays have contributed to missed launch opportunities. The additional mission support will allow the project to complete all the remaining technology demonstrations. 

Because of the spacecraft requirements identified above, the current contractor is considered the only contractor that can meet ARC’s needs. As the satellite provider and developer, Tyvak possesses proprietary knowledge of the operation and nominal performance of its satellite bus. This knowledge is key to the objective and success of the PTD Project. Awarding a new contract to another source for the remaining requirements would result in substantial duplication of costs and unacceptable delays in fulfilling the Governments requirements, thereby affecting the continuity of services, and causing unacceptable 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 electronically via email to the Contracting Officer Tiffany Goodwin at tiffany.n.goodwin@nasa.gov not later than 12 PM PDT on November 29, 2024. 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://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/regs/Procurement-Ombuds-Comp-Advocate-Listing.pdf.

Information about major upcoming ARC procurement actions is available at  https://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/forecast/