DSCOVR spacecraft Faraday Cup (FC)

NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has a requirement for the DSCOVR spacecraft Faraday Cup (FC) instrument in-orbit operation/calibrations and ground data processing. NASA/GSFC intends to issue a sole-source Request for Proposal (RFP) to Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO). The estimated period of performance of this Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract will be for one year with two (2) 1-year options. SAO is the only organization currently qualified to perform the subject requirement for the following reasons: All FC instrument in-flight calibrations and command development, along with the development of all ground data processing algorithms for this instrument has been developed by the SAO team. These tasks have been performed by the SAO team since the launch of the DSCOVR spacecraft in 2015 making the SAO team the only responsible contractor with the requisite key knowledge to perform all of the required tasks and to meet the project's budget and schedule. The company is also in sole possession of the required instrument documentation which is required for the completion of this task. Any attempt to procure these services would cause unacceptable delays and duplication of costs. An effort to compete this requirement would result in the estimated cost duplication of greater than 100% as well as an estimated schedule slip of twelve (12) months in order for a new contractor to get up to speed. This would endanger the health of the FC instrument and significantly diminish the operational utility of the DSCOVR mission that is already in orbit. Statutory authority for this procurement is 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1)--Only One Responsible Source. However, organizations who believe they can provide these services without any detrimental impact to the program schedules supported by this work should fully identify their interest and capabilities within 15 days after publication of this synopsis. 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 pm. EST on November 7, 2022. 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. All responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency. The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. 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. Oral Communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.