Chemical Vapor Deposited Graphite Substrates

NASA/GRC has a requirement for Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) of Government Graphite substrates for nuclear thermal propulsion. NASA/GRC intends to purchase the items from Ultramet. This recommendation is made pursuant to FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), for the acquisition of supplies or services determined to be reasonably available from only one source, as well as the acquisition will be treated as an acquisition of commercial items in accordance with 12.102(f)(1). Only Ultramet Corp. has the expertise and facilities in CVD technology to ensure successful deposit of the multi-layered coatings on NASA-provided Graphite (Gr) substrates of different geometries including coating the inner surfaces of 19 propellant channels in a 6" long hexagonal rod. There is a steep learning process to develop processing parameters and methodologies. Ultramet has successfully performed similar complex work that required considerable expertise in CVD coating of Gr substrates for the Government. Award to any other company would result in substantial duplication of cost and unacceptable schedule delays to the Government that is not expected to be recovered through competition. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 4:30 p.m. local time on August 11, 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. 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