B--ORION HEAT SHIELD SHIPPING CONTAINER SUPER GUPPY AIRLIFT SUPPORT

NASA/JSC has a requirement for an engineering analysis of the Orion Heat Shield Shipping Container containing the Orion Heat Shield. The Super Guppy Transport aircraft will be used to move the shipping container. Analysis tasks will include: a) structural assessment of the adapter weldment assembly to ensure positive safety margins for material and ultimate strength; b) Super Guppy aircraft floor load assessment to ensure the payload does not exceed maximum allowable guppy floor loads; c) chain load assessment to ensure chain loads do not exceed rated chain capacity; and d) recommended design changes (if required) to meet load case requirements. This analysis is required to support a mission beginning late January 2013. NASA/JSC intends to purchase the engineering services from Oceaneering Space Systems. Oceaneering developed the pallet adapter being used to raise and distribute the loads from the Orion Crew Module Heat Shield and assocaited support equipment payload in the Supper Guppy Transport aircraft. A thorough structural analysis of the pallet adapter and payload under various flight load conditions is required to ensure aircraft/payload airworthiness. The computer model necessary to generate the required analysis was developed by Oceaneering Space Systems. 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 4:30 p.m. local time on December 6, 2012. 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. Please note the mail code for Nancy S. Robb and Alice J. Pursell is now BR3 vice BJ4. 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://prod.nais.nasa.gov/pub/pub_library/Omb.html .