Hi-Nicalon Silicon Cabide fiber tow

NASA/LARC has a requirement for Hi-Nicalon silicon cabide 1800 denier fiber tow. NASA/LARC intends to purchase this fiber from COI Ceramics INC. COI Ceramics is the sole and proprietary supplier of this fiber and the method in which it is produced. NASA LaRC has previously procured this fiber from COI Ceramics and has put much time and money into testing and working with this particular material, therefore using a different material would be costly to the government. It would take substantial duplication of resources and time for another source to provide the required service and this additional expense is not expected to be recovered through competition. The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. 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 11/03/2017. 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.