Critical Ground Support Equipment

NASA/GSFC has a requirement for annual comprehensive functionality and performance support and regular maintenance for critical ground support equipment (GSE) that is used to characterize Mars analog samples and meteorite thin sections. NASA/GSFC intends to purchase this support from IonFlight. The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. To our knowledge, Ionflight is the only vendor that can provide support for a Nu Instruments AttoM high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (HR-ICP-MS). The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. To our knowledge, Ionflight is the only vendor that can provide NASA with the comprehensive service. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 3:30 p.m. local time on August 10, 2016. 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://ombuds.gsfc.nasa.gov/how_contact.html.