NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) plans to contract for a no-cost extension on a sole source basis in accordance with 10 U.S.C 2304 (c) (1), Only One Responsible Source. NASA/GSFC currently obtains the development and implementation of joint programs in laser ranging and other space geodesy techniques from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO). This effort provides for senior system engineering support together with international technical liaison and leadership services for the Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) operations. Contract NAS5-03111 expires on April 11, 2006 and the proposed contract extension will be for a 6-month period from April 12, 2006 through September 11, 2006. The current contract was awarded to the SAO as a sole-source, noncompetitive procurement.
Contract NAS5-03111 provides the international liaison and leadership services for the development and implementation of joint programs in satellite laser ranging and other space geodesy techniques. Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) is one of the fundamental techniques for measurement and understanding of plate tectonics, regional crustal deformation, Earth rotation and orientation, the spatial and temporal details of the gravity field, global climate, and in the measurement of fundamental physical constants. SLR also provides the high accuracy, global tracking coverage required for the fullest interpretation of satellite altimetry data for monitoring ocean dynamics and circulation through the details of ocean surface topography. SLR currently supports satellite missions by generating orbit predictions and collecting tracking data. The tracking data is used for these satellites precise orbit determination that enables sensor calibration and gravity studies to be performed.
Specifically, SAO has 40 years of experience in Satellite Laser Ranging, developing instrumentation, deployment of field systems, and analysis and interpretation of data. SAO is world-renowned in technical and organizational experience. SAO is respected worldwide for a long history of organizing international satellite tracking activities. The SAO network was absorbed into NASA’s network in the early 1980’s.
A 6-month no-cost extension to Contract NAS5-03111 is necessary due to a delay in awarding the follow-on sole source contract to SAO for the same services for the next 5 years. The period of the extension is from April 12, 2006 through September 11, 2006 and it will be performed within the original estimated cost of the contract.
Due to this delay and SAO’s experience in this field, the Contracting Officer has determined that the Government’s requirement for the SLR services and international SLR support cannot be obtained from any other source for the contract extension.
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 March 23, 2006. 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".
