Specialized Real-Time Data Analysis & System Development for Advanced Propulsion Systems

NASA has the requirement for Specialized Real-Time Data Analysis & System Development for Advanced Propulsion Systems in support of the Space Launch System (SLS). The required services will consist of technical support for the maintenance, development, and operation of the Real-time Data Monitoring and Data Acquisition system. These support services are required for the performance of detailed and specialized analyses and analysis system development for the diagnostic assessment of dynamic data from ground-test and flight operations of advanced launch vehicle propulsion systems.

NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center intends to negotiate with Optical Sciences Corporation (OSC) on a sole source basis for the following reasons:

OSC developed the RT-Display software as a Graphical User Interface (GUI) and Control Software for the Real-Time Data Monitoring and Data Acquisition systems. The RT-Display is used for behind the scenes configuring and controlling the data systems as well the front end graphical user interface for convenient intuitive interface and control of the high speed data acquisition hardware. OSC is responsible for the maintenance, augmentation, and customization of the Real-Time Data Monitoring and Data Acquisition hardware as well as the software updates, system patches, and driver updates for RT-Display user interface and control software.  The RT-Display software provides for simultaneous real-time acquisition to disk and visualization of high-frequency data at rates greater than 200,000 Samples per Second (SPS) and channel counts up to 256 channels for use in the diagnostic dynamic assessment of engine and component level testing.  OSC is also developing the next generation of GUI and Control software (RT-Display 2 or RTD2) to address aging hardware and supplier obsolescence to ensure seamless interface and control for the next generation of Real-Time Data Monitoring and Data Acquisition systems. Access to OSC’s knowledge and experience of the hardware configuration and software implementation of this specialized system is critical for the successful support of engine ground-test operations of the SLS program.  MSFC is required to maintain this state-of-the-art data acquisition system in support of static hot-fire and development test programs. Similar support is anticipated for SLS engine, booster, and CCP programs. 

OSC personnel have provided support to MSFC in the areas of high-speed data acquisition system hardware and software development and integration of these systems into tests and test areas for over 30 years.  OSC has a complete and unparalleled understanding of the tools, techniques, data formats, and institutional policies used by MSFC to efficiently and effectively provide timely and accurate analysis and reports.  OSC’s unique specialized knowledge of these techniques and tools such as the Fluid Modeling Framework will ensure that support for both data assessment and rapid modifications to software will meet critical test and flight schedules for SLS and Commercial Crew programs.

Please see the attached Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (JOFOC) for complete details of the sole source basis.

The Government does not intend 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 Steven Shaw at steven.s.shaw@nasa.gov not later than 4:00 PM CST on December 12, 2019. 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 thediscretion 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.