Cathode Environmental Exposure Assessment

THIS IS A SOLE SOURCE SYNOPSIS THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTE NASA has a requirement for a cathode environmental exposure assessment outlined below. Contract shall conduct a detailed evaluation of the - HCA Atmospheric Exposure' duration limit as specified in Section 2.3.1 of the reference IPD, and specific to porous tungsten emitters with barium calcium aluminate compound impregnate material (as specified in IPD-PC-250, - Cathode Insert Material and Process Specifications') used in NASA EP thrusters. GRC intends to purchase this service as a sole source from E Beam Inc. of Beaverton, OR 97007 because the cost and time to replicate E Beam's specialized experience with NASA GRC's requirements and hardware is extensive and not in the best interest of the government. The Government intends to acquire this commercial item using FAR Part 12 and FAR Part 13, simplified acquisitions. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 4:00 p.m. local time on 11/17/2017. 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. [OMBUDSMAN STATEMENT IS REQUIRED] 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.