Inactive 8(a) Sole Source (FAR 19.8)

NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has a requirement for the continuation of Contract NNG07EK00C with Arizona State University (ASU) for a continuation of the LRO/Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Cam... NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has a requirement for the continuation of Contract NNG07EK00C with Arizona State University (ASU) for a continuation of the LRO/Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) instrument operations and data analyses. ASU is currently performing both the instrument operations, which include instrument operations planning, scheduling, and engineering parameter review and trending, as well as the science operations, which include planning all instrument modes, calibrations, target selections, and data dissemination to the co-investigators and to the general scientific community through the Planetary Data System (PDS). NASA/GSFC intends to issue a sole-source Request for Proposal (RFP) to ASU. The estimated period of performance of this cost-no-fee (CNF) contract extension will be for four and a half (4.5) years from 16 March 2020 through 15 September 2024. ASU is the only organization currently qualified to perform the subject requirement for the following reasons: 1) Only ASU possesses the high-level scientific expertise, the detailed knowledge of the LROC instrument and LRO spacecraft, and the capability to carry out the targeting and operations in a manner in which the scientific operations and the flight operations can be merged. 2) Current LROC team members are unique in their familiarity with the LROC instrument design, testing, and calibration, as well as the LRO spacecraft. From 2005-2009, ASU designed, fabricated, calibrated, tested, and integrated the LROC instrument with the LRO spacecraft, including testing at the Spacecraft level after delivery to LRO. Under contract NNG07EK00C, ASU has successfully carried out the science operations and science analysis of the LROC instrument on the LRO spacecraft since LRO launch in June 2009. Dr. Mark Robinson of ASU, is a leading expert in his field of planetary geophysics, was selected by NASA Headquarters to lead this investigation, based on an evaluation of his proposal submitted under the Announcement of Opportunity for exploration measurements in NASA’s LRO Mission (AO NNH04ZSS003O). The LROC instrument is a state-of-the-art, one-of-a-kind instrument. ASU developed unique software and processes for: (a) testing the instruments on-orbit, (b) selecting and scheduling observation targets, (c) processing the raw data so that scientists can manipulate, display, and analyze the scientific data received, and (d) producing summary data. This effort requires the detailed understanding of the instrument and all related software. Since no other organization was involved with these activities on an in-depth level, no other organization currently has the knowledge and experience to perform the requirement. Statutory authority for this procurement is 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1)--Only One Responsible Source. However, organizations that believe they can provide these services without any detrimental impact to the program schedules supported by this work should fully identify their interest and capabilities within 15 days after publication of this synopsis. 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 2 January 2020. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for determining whether 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. All responsible sources may submit an offer, which shall be considered by the agency. The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. An Ombudsman has been appointed.