Rubber aerogel material for space suit glove applications

NASA/JSC has a requirement for rubber aerogels for space suit application: a quantity of 5 square samples of aerogel formulation 050313, and a quantity of 1 roll sample of aerogel formulation 050313. NASA/JSC intends to purchase these items from Aspen Aerogels, Inc. of Northborough, MA, as the original manufacturer and sole provider of the products. The high performance material was developed by Aspen Aerogels, Inc, under a competitively awarded NASA Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II contract, NNX12CE92P, in February 2012. The results of the Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility (NCTRF) study concluded that the Aspen Aerogel formulation (physical, thermal and mechanical properties) is best suited for space suit applications. Since Aspen Aerogels, Inc. developed the rubber aerogel formulation under a NASA SBIR Phase II, the specific recipe and fabrication processes are proprietary to Aspen Aerogel, Inc. The Government intends 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 the date listed above. 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 .