R--WB-57 SPECIAL CAPABILITIES AND ENGINEERING SERVICES SUPPORT

NASA/JSC has a requirement for engineering, fabrication, and program management services support for research, development, integration, analysis, assessment, test, maintenance, repair, and evaluation of sensor systems in support of NASAs aircraft programs including the WB-57 aircraft. Systems supported include the Airborne Imaging and Recording System (AIRS), the Day Night Airborne Motion Imagery for Tactical Environments (DyNAMITE), the WB-57 Ascent Video Experiment (WAVE) and additional legacy imagery modules developed for the AIRS system. Tasks performed under this contract include technology development, systems acquisition, mission planning, operations, and product support for sensors, systems, and platforms. NASA/JSC intends to purchase the items from Southern Research Institute (SRI) on a sole-source basis through an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity contract with a not-to-exceed value of $9,995,000. The current contract period of performance ends January 17, 2016. The proposed period of performance for this follow on contract is January 18, 2016 through January 17, 2021. The hardware and software used in support of these sensors, systems, and platforms were developed by SRI. This hardware and software requires system engineering in relation to mission planning of which SRI has been the sole provider. The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is 10 U.S.C. 2304(c) (1), as contemplated by the provisions of FAR 6.302-1. This provision states that full and open competition need not be provided for when the services required by the agency are available from only the original source in the case of a follow-on contract for the continued provision of highly specialized services. The provision also states substantial duplication of cost to the Government that is not expected to be recovered through competition and the exception is applicable when it is likely that award to any other source would result in unacceptable delays in fulfilling the Agencys requirements. NASA/JSC Aircraft Operations Division, WB-57 Project Office has a demonstrated need for WAVE/AIRS/DyNAMITE sensors support to meet NASA mission obligations. SRI developed the WAVE/AIRS/DyNAMITE sensors and has maintained them since 2003. The hardware associated with these sensors and systems contains software and algorithms that were developed solely by, and are proprietary to SRI. Because the software is constantly changing due to operational requirements, SRI has developed procedures and tools used to operate the software. This unique expertise is critical to the integrity of the software. For this reason, SRI is considered the only source with the specialized knowledge and data rights necessary to fulfill the Governments requirements. The WAVE/AIRS/DyNAMITE turret and gimbal contain algorithms and software that were developed at private expense, and may not be transferred or duplicated without the written consent of SRI. Airborne missions require access to and modification of this software. Duplication of this capability, even if possible, would result in substantial cost to the Government and result in unacceptable delays in fulfilling the current WB-57 Project mission requirements and obligations. 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 not later than 4:30 p.m. local time on April 15, 2015. 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. NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Installation Ombudsman is Perri Fox and can be reached at perri.e.fox@nasa.gov .