Contract Extension on the DSCOVR spacecraft NISTAR instrument in-orbit operation/calibrations and ground data processing effort

NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has a requirement for continued support on the DSCOVR spacecraft NISTAR instrument in-orbit operation/calibrations and ground data processing including performing in-flight calibration, instrument health monitoring, anomaly resolution, and ground data processing. The NISTAR calibrations includes the following support work: (1) Analyze Dark Space Calibration results; (2) perform filter intercomparisons; and (3) perform receiver intercomparison. In addition, the contractor shall provide continued instrument health monitoring and provide plans for anomaly resolution. NASA/GSFC intends to issue a sole source contract to acquire the services from L-1 Standards and Technology Inc. under the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304(a)(1) --Only One Responsible Source. The estimated period of performance of this firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract extension will be for three (3) years ((Base: 12 months; Option Period 1: 12 months; Option Period 2: 12 months). L-1 Standards and Technology Inc is the only organization currently qualified to perform the subject requirements for the following reasons: The NISTAR instrument was originally built by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and their contractor, Ball Aerospace Technology Corporation (BATC), from 1999 to 2001, and then shelved indefinitely. NASA program directives have made this an active instrument again. In the over twenty (20) years since the original build, the expertise regarding the NISTAR instrument has been acquired by L-1 Standards and Technology, which is consequently the only responsible contractor with the requisite key knowledge for the original build and test of the NISTAR instrument to meet the project's budget. Personnel at L-1 Standards and Technology, Inc. includes the original builders of the NISTAR instrument that prepared the instrument for flight and performed the in-flight calibration of this instrument. The company is also in sole possession of the required instrument documentation which is required for the completion of this task. L-1 Standards and Technology Inc. is the only known source with the capability, expertise, and familiarity with the NISTAR instrument requirements to support its continued performance without project delays or technical risks which could significantly impact the instrument. The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort electronically via email to Carlos Natera at carlos.natera@nasa.gov not later than 4:30 pm. EST on February 12, 2024. Such capabilities/qualifications 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 not to compete this acquisition on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. NASA 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