Canisterized Satellite Dispensers for SLS Orion Stage Adapter

Under the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1), as implemented by FAR 6.302-1, only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center intends to procure five 12-unit (12U) Canisterized Satellite Dispensers (CSDs) and separation connectors which will house and then deploy the secondary payloads (SPLs) on the Space Launch System (SLS) Artemis II Orion Stage Adapter (OSA) when signaled by the Secondary Payload Avionics Unit (AU). Due to existing design compatibility and safety considerations, NASA must procure these CSDs from Planetary Systems Corporation by Rocket Lab (PSC). The secondary payloads 6-unit (6U) CSD design previously procured from PSC for the Artemis I OSA will be utilized for the 12U CSD requirement on Artemis II. Existing bracket designs, components, and spare cables which have already been through safety qualification will be utilized. An existing Avionics Unit (AU) which was designed to work with the PSC CSDs is in stock and will be used for Artemis II. The entire SPL system including the AU, cables, and brackets were designed to work with the PSC CSDs. The CSD load paths, mechanical and electrical interfaces, and connector types are all specific to the PSC CSD. Additionally, a safety review approach was used for the Artemis I secondary payloads which included extensive review of the PSC design and associated hazards. A similar safety approach will be used for Artemis II, with the design once again being governed by the SLS Level II Payload Safety Review Panel. Procuring CSDs from any vendor other than PSC would invalidate the work previously done to approve the PSC CSDs for flight, as their 6U and 12U designs share a high degree of commonality. The NAICS for this acquisition is 336414. The Government intends to issue solicitation number 80MSFC23Q0001 to PSC to acquire the CSDs in accordance with FAR Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services. This pre-solicitation synopsis is posted per FAR 5.203(a)(1). All responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation to be considered by the agency to Contracting Officer Angela Arnold, email angela.b.arnold@nasa.gov, not later than 13:30 p.m. central time on October 31, 2022. Such submissions will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this acquisition on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government to not compete this acquisition on a full and open basis is entirely within the discretion of the Government. NASA Far Supplement Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at : https://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/regs/Procurement-Ombuds-Comp-Advocate-Listing.pdf