NASA/LaRC has a requirement for an annual maintenance agreement renewal on five Government-owned TA Instruments' Thermal Analyzers, two Model Q500 Thermogravimetric Analyzers with a 5100 Controller, a Q400 Thermomechanical Analyzer, a Q100 Differential Scanning Calorimeter, and an ARES Rheometer.
NASA/LaRC intends to purchase the maintenance agreement from TA Instruments - Waters L.L.C. The contractor is the original manufacturer and vendor for this research equipment. The measuring techniques and operating software are proprietary, and can only be accessed by TA Instruments' engineers. Only TA Instruments' technicians are highly trained in the technical support of their own equipment
The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. See Note 26.
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 12/31/2008. 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.
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.