NASA/GSFC has a requirement to procure 3 flight units of Magnetic Torque Bars. The Contractor must manufacture and test hardware to meet the requirements of the Global Precipitation Measurement Mission (GPM) Magnetic Torque Bar Performance Specification GPM-GN&C-SPEC-0008. These three Magnetic Torque Bar flight units are used to maneuver a spacecraft by interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field. The use of the MTB allows momentum management without life-limiting consumables. Each MTB must have two windings to provide for use in a series coils configuration. When energized by a voltage or a current, the MTB must generate a linear moment of 460 Am². Each MTB mass is less than or equal to 8.0 kilograms (kg) (including mounting blocks), it draws 5.0W of power for each bar, and its deployed volumetric envelope is 3.302 centimeters (cm) in diameter by 128 cm in length. Flight units must be tested with connector savers to minimize mates and de-mates. Connector savers must be delivered with each flight unit. The Contractor must provide the following supporting hardware:
• Electronic Static Discharge flight protective caps, as applicable
• Closeout caps for test connectors
The MTB must be designed with a minimum of 3 years life expectancy, which is the duration of the GPM Mission. The Contractor must deliver three 460 Am² MTBs within 17 months after the contract has been awarded to support the scheduled launch of the GPM Mission.
NASA/GSFC intends to purchase these items on a non-competitive basis from Ithaco Incorporation as the only company capable of meeting this MTB requirement. The authority is 10 U.S.C. 2304(c) (1), only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements
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. Eastern Standard Time on October 14, 2008. 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.
Questions regarding this acquisition must be submitted to Kelly Jonas via e-mail Kelly.D.Jonas@nasa.gov or fax 301-286-1720 no later than 4:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time October 14, 2008. It is the Offeror’s responsibility to down load the attached draft copies of the specification, statement of work, and deliverable items list and schedule (DILS), this notice, and any subsequent amendments.
Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.
All responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency.
The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12.
An Ombudsman has been appointed. See NASA Specific Note "B".
Any referenced notes may be viewed at the following URLs linked below.
