J&A for Structural Engineering and Liquid Mercury Removal and Remediation Services for the Dunn Solar Telescope (DST)

The National Science Foundation, through the Office of Polar Programs, is seeking structural engineering and liquid mercury removal and remediation services for the Richard B. Dunn Solar Telescope located in Sunspot, New Mexico. This sole-source contract, identified by solicitation number NSF260002 and NAICS code 541330, is established as a 12-month emergency action to address a mercury leak and potential structural instability. The scope of work includes emergency structural engineering, forensic assessment, hazardous materials remediation, liquid mercury removal, and selective interior demolition to mitigate significant safety and environmental risks. This specific posting serves as a corrected Justification and Approval memorandum to restore previously redacted information, including personnel names and the total contract ceiling value, without altering the underlying justification for other-than-full-and-open competition. The action is pursued under the legal basis of FAR Part 6/CICA due to the urgent nature of the facility's condition and the specialized requirements for hazardous material handling. Primary coordination for this effort is managed by Kevin Giardini out of the agency's Alexandria, Virginia office.