Scintillation Prediction Observation Research Task (SPORT) Program

Added: May 15, 2017 4:45 pm

MSFC proposes to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, for technical expertise and assessment in support of the Scintillation Prediction Observations Research Task (SPORT) and adaptation of the CubeSat Ion Velocity Meter (cs-IVM).

The contemplated award of this procurement to the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) allows MSFC to acquire the specialized and historical experience of UTD in areas of plasma density, plasma temperature, and plasma motion.  This decision is made pursuant to FAR 6.302-1, only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements, which implements the authority for 10 U.S.C. § 2304 (c)(1). Competition is impractical for the following reasons:

Only the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) is capable of meeting the needs of the agency, due in part to the historical research and development experience with the specific disciplines required for this effort.

Other potential, domestic sources cannot, with reasonable effort and cost, provide the level of expertise that will be required in the timeframe for this CubeSat mission, given that the cs-IVM was developed by UTD, and is an adaptation of sensors that have flown on previous satellite missions.  Moreover, UTD has had a long term collaboration with MSFC in the development and execution of SPORT procedures and test.

Given their specific collaborative and developmental experience, UTD can provide these services at a far lower cost than other options.  Other options would cause a delay in delivery of the instrument for integration which makes such an approach unfeasible and not in the best interest of the Government.

The Government does not intend to pay for any information provided under this announcement. Contractors must have a current registration with the System for Award Management (SAM) http://www.sam.gov.

Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than the identified response date.  Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purposes 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.