Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) Procurement of an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) Flight Unit

NASA JSC has a requirement for The Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) Flight Spare, which is an integrated sensor that provides 3-axis rotation rate sensing and 3-axis translational acceleration measurement. The IMU output data will be used primarily as an attitude and position reference when fed into the rover’s onboard Extended Kalman Filter (EKF). The IMU must have sufficient measurement accuracy and repeatability for long duration use, and suitability for Lunar (e.g. deep space) robotics application. The Contractor shall provide the facilities, personnel, services, tools, equipment, and materials necessary to deliver one (1) Flight Unit (FU) Inertial Measurement Unit and documentation and deliverable data.

NASA JSC intends to issue a sole source contract to acquire an IMU from Northrop Grumman.  Under the authority of FAR 6.302, The VIPER mission has selected the LN-200S based on mission requirements and has already obtained a primary flight unit. The purpose of this acquisition is to procure a second flight unit as a spare (i.e., drop-in replacement with identical form, fit, and function to the primary flight unit). Northrup Grumman is the only source for the LN-200S and no other compatible equipment exists that will satisfy NASA requirements.  The LN-200S is a commercially available off the shelf item, as defined in FAR 2.101.

The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12.          

Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort electronically via email to Yaranet Marquez, at yaranet.marquez-1@nasa.gov, and Amanda Graziosi, at amanda.l.graziosi@nasa.gov, no later than 5:00 PM Central Time on November 3, 2020.  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 http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/pub/pub_library/Omb.html