52--PORTABLE COORDINATE MEASURING MACHINE

Description: This publication serves as a notice of intent to procure on sole source basis, with Axila, Inc. for a Portable Coordinate Measuring Machine. The authority is only one responsible source, 10 U.S. C.2304 (1). This procurement is being conducted under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). NASA/GSFC intends to purchase the Axila 2000 Series Portable Coordinate Measuring Machine from Axila, Inc. The item to be purchased is a standard item in the company catalog and meets NASA requirements. The Axila product offers significant features not found in other systems -- most notably, the test volume for the selected system is significantly larger than the volume of the next nearest competitor system. Other significant features include the ability to store the measuring arm outside of the experiment volume when the arm is not in use, and the portable nature of the system. These product features are required to fully support NASA's requirements. The system will need to interface with other test bed components and elements. The software output of the system is in a form that can easily be transferred to the mechanical design software, allowing the development of "as-Built" design drawings to be created. Purchase of this system from another vendor would necessitate an extensive design evaluation process as well as a fabrication effort. Such an effort is would be expensive, and introduces both schedule delays and technical complexity that is unacceptable based on programmatic need. The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact no later than 4:30 p.m. local time on 11/17/2003. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct 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. An Ombudsman has been Appointed. See NASA Specific Note "B".