Plan and Fabricate Truss Elements for Thermoplastic Development of Exploration Applications.

NASA/NSSC has a requirement for Plan and Fabricate Truss Elements for Thermoplastic Development of Exploration Applications. 

NASA/NSSC intends to issue a sole source contract to WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY (National Institute of Aviation)1845 Fairmount ST# 38, Wichita, Kansas 67260-9700 under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i). It has been determined that WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY is the sole provider of Plan and Fabricate Truss Elements for Thermoplastic Development of Exploration Applications. 

The National Institute of Aviation Research (NIAR) has developed thermoplastic composites manufacturing processing with NIAR unique facilities for the Thermoplastic Development for Exploration (IDEA) project.

This procurement expands on that previous manufacturing development work, utilizes lessons learned and engineering test data in thermoplastic processing. For continuity of the processes and the data, it is critical that NIAR continues this IDEA manufacturing and testing series.

Changing manufacturing process will require repeating several process tests already performed by NIAR, at a cost of 3-4 months. That time would prevent IDEA from completing planned work in FY 2024

NASA/NSSC will be the procuring center for this effort.  Performance will be located at NASA/ Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC).

The Government intends to acquire commercial items and services using the provisions, clauses and procedures prescribed in FAR Part 12 and FAR Part 13.

The NAICS Code for this procurement is 611310

Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 11:59 a.m.  Eastern Standard Time on 6/15/2023. 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.

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 .

Primary Point of Contact:

Kathi Thomas

Purchasing Agent

katheryn.a.thomas@nasa.gov

Secondary Point of Contact:

Tiffany Neal

Contracting Officer

tiffany.neal@nasa.gov