K--PRESSURE VESSELS WELDING

NASA/JSC has a requirement for the welding of four (4) tank hemispheres. These hemispheres make up the pressure vessel propellant tanks for the Morpheus vehicle, which supports the Advanced Exploration Systems Program. These hemispheres for the propellant tanks are critical components to the vehicle and its qualification testing. NASA/JSC intends to purchase the items from Thermovac. Thermovac was selected under a previous competitive acquisition for the pressure vessel welding of seven (7) tank hemispheres. Thermovacs welding process has been qualified through lengthy testing and inspections. It would severely impact the schedule for the government to perform qualification testing of another manufacturers welding procedures and build of aluminum pressure vessels. Additionally, NASA/JSC requires that these 4 tank hemispheres be similar to the initial seven (7) hemispheres originally welded. This factor is important, as it is integral to the assembly, function and performance of the final assembled tanks. It is critical for all these tank hemispheres to follow the same welding process and be made on the same tooling, as any changes can add variability to the finished product and affect with additional repairs further down the road. 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 Rochelle Overstreet not later than 4:30 p.m. local time on February 11, 2013. 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. NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/pub/pub_library/Omb.html .