RCS measurement facility to provide RCS measurements

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Shared Services Center (NASA/NSSC) has issued a Special Notice announcing its intent to award a sole source contract to Ohio State University for Radar Cross Section (RCS) measurement facility services. The contract will support RCS measurements of calibration objects supplied by NASA, with work to be performed at NASA Johnson Space Center. The procurement falls under NAICS code 611310 for Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools and will utilize commercial item procedures under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Parts 12 and 13. The sole source justification is being made under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), with Ohio State University identified as the sole capable provider for these specialized services. The Special Notice is seeking to determine if a competitive procurement might be warranted through potential alternative contractor submissions.

The primary objective of this Special Notice is to obtain RCS measurements of various calibration objects including tapped spheres, cylinders, plates, rods, and other materials such as aluminum, carbon fiber, stainless steel, copper, and printed circuit board substrates. Interested organizations can submit their capabilities and qualifications in writing to the designated point of contact, Cara Craft, by December 6, 2024, at 1 p.m. Central Standard Time. The measurements will be conducted from 2-18 GHz, collecting full polarization matrix data at specified azimuth and elevation angles. NASA requires vendors to demonstrate experience with similar measurements, provide evidence of past performance, and maintain scheduling flexibility. Deliverables will include polarization matrix data, converted backscatter field components, test setup documentation, and a summary report. Oral communications will not be accepted in response to this notice, and the government retains final discretion in determining procurement approach.