NASA/MSFC has a requirement for an automated scanning phased array upgrade immersion tank system.
NASA/MSFC intends to purchase the system from ATCO, 320 Old Nunez Road, PO Box 1350, Swainsboro, GA 30401, pursuant to FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), for the acquisition of supplies or services determined to be reasonably available from only one souce. Competition is impractical for the following reasons:
1. Designs and drawings for interfacing MSFC’s current RD Tech inspection system to such an automated immersion tank system are considered proprietary to RD Tech. ATCO is the manufacturer and sole supplier of tanks compatible with MSFC’s current RD Tech–manufactured phased array system. As such they have been provided access and use of these proprietary designs, and were endorsed by RD Tech for this effort. No other known company can provide the necessary interface hardware to connect the existing ultrasonic test instrument with an automated immersion tank system in the time required.
2. ATCO is the only known company that has the specialized services and critical skills in place to accomplish the upgrades within 10 weeks to ensure MSFC has enough time to use the proposed upgraded test instrument in support of planned Space Station flights. The time constraints and Return-to-Flight schedule necessitate the need to proceed with this effort in the most expeditious manner.
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 07/30/2004. 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.
An Ombudsman has been appointed. See NASA Specific Note "B".
Any referenced notes may be viewed at the following URLs linked below.
