Inactive 8(a) Set-Aside (FAR 19.8)

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has a continuing requirement for the highly specialized engineering technicians and trades support services. NA... National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has a continuing requirement for the highly specialized engineering technicians and trades support services. NASA/MSFC intends to extend the current contract (NNM15AA19C) for up to nine months (6 months followed by 3 one-month options if needed) via contract modification with the current contractor, Aerie Aerospace. NASA intends to execute a Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition in order to continue these services. The aforementioned justification provides the rationale for contracting by other than full and open competition to award an extension for up to (9) nine months. This extension will provide the continuation of services under the Marshall Engineering Technicians and Trades Support (METTS) services contract as the ongoing Source Evaluation Board (SEB) completes the re-competition process and an award of the follow-on contract is made. The award of the follow-on contract is tentatively scheduled for June 2021. This extension is also expected to allow for a transition to the follow-on contract in a more suitable safety and health environment given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic affecting on-site activities. The METTS contract was competitively awarded to Aerie Aerospace LLC with a period of performance (POP) consisting of a one (1) year base period, October 1, 2015 – September 30, 2016, and four (4) one year option periods with an ultimate completion date of September 30, 2020. The Option to Extend Services clause was exercised via modification 97 on September 29, 2020, and extended the period of performance through March 31, 2021. The contract covers a wide range of engineering technicians and trade skills, and professional and management oversight of the technical staff. The METTS contractor provides direct support to the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Engineering Directorate (ED), the Facilities Management Office (FMO), and other MSFC programs and projects requiring engineering technician and trade support services. The primary ED Departments and Laboratories supported by the METTS contract include the Materials and Processes Laboratory, the Space Systems Department, and the Test Laboratory. Support is also provided to the ED Propulsion Systems Department and Spacecraft and Vehicle Systems Department. The contract includes mission services requirements and an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) element. Mission services requirements define the services identified by the Government intended to remain on contract for its duration, while the IDIQ portion establishes the requirements that may be authorized through the issuance of individual task orders (TOs). NASA/MSFC has responsibility for the Space Launch System (SLS), and SLS receives considerable engineering technician and trades support from the METTS contract to include the following examples: Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) Structural Qualification Test, Liquid Oxygen (LOX) Tank Test, LH2 Tank Test, Mobile Launcher Dynamic Stabilizer Test, Core Stage Thermal Protection System Testing, Spacecraft/Payload Integration and Evolution (SPIE) Launch Vehicle Stage Adaptor (LVSA), Multi Stage Adapter (MSA), Payload Adapter Fitting (PAF), and Core Stage Battery Test. The METTS contract provides ongoing support for the International Space Station (ISS) that includes performing fabrication, refurbishment, assembly, precision cleaning, and/or test of hardware for Environmental Control and Life of Support System (ECLSS) subsystems and the Four Bed Carbon Dioxide Scrubber (4Bed). The METTS contract provides the engineering and technical services for Propellant and Pressurant (P&P) Services and Valve and Component Services to sustain all MSFC operations and testing. This is highly critical support with 24/7 services being performed. In addition, the METTS contract is providing services to MSFC organizations in support of Commercial Crew and other aerospace projects that require fabrication, modifications, and/or testing. Some examples include: multiple SpaceX projects, multiple Blue Origin projects, United Launch Alliance Instrumentation and Centaur V tests, and RUAG Payload and Interstate Adapter tests. As the current METTS contractor, Aerie Aerospace LLC is positioned to seamlessly provide the required services until completion of the re-competition process for the follow-on contract. Since award of the incumbent contract in October 1, 2015, Aerie Aerospace has successfully supported all contract requirements while performing at a high level. Aerie Aerospace LLC has developed within its management staff a thorough knowledge and understanding of the special and hazardous requirements, operations, fabrication, testing, and individual processes across the diverse technical discipline elements of MSFC’s Engineering Directorate (ED) and Facilities Management Office (FMO). In addition, Aerie Aerospace LLC has performed all services in a safe manner. Aerie Aerospace LLC has been instrumental in pioneering the use of COVID-19 tracing technology and its implementation across MSFC during the pandemic to ensure work continues in the most difficult situations. By utilizing Aerie Aerospace’s expertise and existing and proven capabilities, the Government will maintain the necessary skilled resources and receive the timely execution of essential operations and tasks that are critical for achieving MSFC and Agency objectives. Furthermore, this action will allow NASA/MSFC to continue receiving highly specialized engineering technician and trades services to support NASA’s missions without disruption and at the appropriate levels, through the re-competition process of the METTS contract. Pursuant to FAR 6.302-1, the Government intends to award a sole source contract extension (up to nine months) to Aerie Aerospace for the continued highly specialized services provided via the METTS contract. 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 electronically via email to Mike Thomas at michael.r.thomas@nasa.gov not later than 2:00 p.m. CST on March 20, 2021. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated to assist in the determination if the current planned action is in the best interest of the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete this acquisition 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