Space Launch System (SLS) Tail Service Mast Umbilical (TSMU) Cryogenic Flexible Hoses for the Mobile Launcher 2 (ML2)

THIS IS A NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD A SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT AND IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE QUOTES.

Space Launch System (SLS) Tail Service Mast Umbilical (TSMU) Cryogenic Flexible Hoses and Pipe Spools for the Mobile Launcher 2 (ML2)

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Kennedy Space Center (KSC) intends to award a Firm-Fixed-Price sole source contract under the authority of FAR 6.302-1(a)(2)(ii)(B) – "Supplies may be deemed to be available only from the original source in the case of a follow-on contract for the continued development or production of a major system or highly specialized equipment, including major components thereof, when it is likely that award to any other source would result in unacceptable delays in fulfilling the agency’s requirements." to:

Ability Engineering Technology, Inc.

16140 South Vincennes Avenue

South Holland, Illinois 60473, United States

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this requirement is 332999 with a size standard of 750 employees.

The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 13.5.

NASA KSC has a requirement for Cryogenic Flexible Hoses that will be made to match the previous two sets obtained from AET for Mobile Launcher 1 (ML1) to ensure compatibility and allow interchangeability of the ML2 and ML1 TSMU hardware and avoid lengthy testing and recertification efforts which would be in addition to the fabrication time.

NASA intends to issue a sole source contract to acquire Cryogenic Flexible Hoses from Ability Engineering Technology, Inc. in order to maintain the integrity, pedigree and interchangeability of the flex hoses and the Mobile Launcher (ML) cryogenic system.

This notice does not constitute a solicitation. However, if any interested party believes they can meet the above requirement it may submit a capabilities statement. The capabilities statement must be submitted via email in either Word or PDF, and must contain clear and convincing evidence that competition for this requirement would be advantageous to the Government. If parties choose to respond, any cost associated with preparation and submission of data or any other cost incurred in response to this announcement are the sole responsibility of the respondent and will not be reimbursed by the Government.

Interested organizations may submit their capabilities statements to perform the effort electronically via email to Kristal Kerr at Kristal.kerr@nasa.gov no later than 1:00 pm EDT on July 31, 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