NASA/GSFC has a requirement for two (2) new Miniature Inertial Measurement Units (MIMUs).
NASA/GSFC intends to issue a sole-source Request for Proposal (RFP) to Honeywell Incorporated, Space Systems Group. Honeywell shall deliver two (2) new Block III MIMUs, identical to the previously purchased, and currently held, Honeywell Block III MIMU, which was purchased under the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) program. The GPM project needs two units. The first delivered unit will accompany the currently held MIMU as Flight Units, and the second unit will be the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter replacement. The units to be delivered must have identical form, fit and function as the existing MIMU in order to mirror the already proven performance as seen on the LRO program, as well as meeting the Government’s schedule.
Honeywell shall provide spacecraft attitude rate measurements to the Attitude Control System, for science grade, fine guidance and emergency Sun Acquisition mode support. The GPM is required to possess redundant MIMUs and a MIMU Flight Spare unit which must have identical form, fit and function as the new MIMU flight units. Honeywell, as the original vendor of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter MIMU, is the only source that can build identical Flight Units. Honeywell is uniquely qualified for this contract because of their extensive expertise and experience with the prior LRO MIMU effort. This combined with the adherence to the existing project schedule is paramount for us to meet our launch schedule as requested in the President’s Vision for U.S. Space Exploration. To ensure we meet our schedule with acceptable technical and schedule risk, the MIMU procurement must be awarded by early 2009. The estimated period of performance of this firm-fixed-price (FFP) effort is approximately 16 months.
The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. An Ombudsman has been appointed. See Notes 22, 26, and B.
Statutory authority for this sole source procurement is 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1)--Only One Responsible Source. However, organizations who 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 have 15 days from the publication of this synopsis to submit in writing to the identified point of contact, their qualifications/capabilities. Specifically, a display of flight heritage on the currently held unit’s vendor’s product line as well as being able to meet or exceed the performance specifications for their units must be shown, as seen in the attached Statement of Work. Such qualifications/capabilities will be used solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government to not compete this proposed effort on a full and open competitive basis, based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. All qualified responsible sources may submit an offer, which shall be considered by the agency.
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