Rental of mini-submersibles in support of NASA's Extreme Mission Operations eXploration Technologies (NEEMO NXT) Space Environment Analog for Testing Extravehicular (EVA) Systems and Training Missions

NASA/JSC has a requirement for the training and rental of the Deep worker mini-submersibles (single and 2-person options available) and Exosuit 1-Atmosphere Dive Suit (ADS). NEEMO NXT is a marine environment operational test bed where planetary exploration techniques and technologies will be developed in support of astronaut crew training. NASA requires a dual pilot deep water submersible vehicle and a single pilot deep water mini-submersible vehicle which allows the pilot to complete science activities using a manipulator. Additionally, NASA requires an atmospheric dive suit that provides the same challenges found in a space suit (e.g., reduced mobility, operator fatigue, reduced visibility) while also offering enough headroom to incorporate state of the art informatics solutions for evaluation. Crewmembers will be trained to operate both vehicles in order to provide end-operator feedback to the tests. Several days of training are required to effectively and safely pilot the vehicles. As both the mini-submersibles and ADS are fairly heavy, an appropriately rated crane will be required for deployment and recovery. Additionally, a small boat is required to follow the ADS from above at all times as it is connected to the surface by a tether and communications cable. Another small boat will be required to transfer personnel daily from the shore to the ship where the operations will take place. A typical mission will last 7-14 days. NASA/JSC intends to purchase the training and rental of the Deep worker mini-submersibles and Exosuit 1-Atmosphere Dive Suit (ADS) and associated services from Nuytco Research Ltd. Given the unique requirements needed, Nutyco is the only company with the capability to provide both mini-submersible and Exosuit 1-Atmosphere Dive Suit (ADS). Nuytco makes vessels that can be operated by a single pilot while at the same time allowing the pilot to complete science activities using a manipulator. Also, these submersibles are certified for safety, less expensive to operate, and suit astronaut training better with less infield maintenance than other comparable vessels. 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 no later than 4:30 p.m. local time on April 20, 2020. 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 response 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 of this acquisition can be found at http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/pub/pub_library/Omb.html This is a modification to the synopsis entitled Rental of mini-submersibles in support of NASA's Extreme Mission Operations eXploration Technologies (NEEMO NXT) Space Environment Analog for Testing Extravehicular (EVA) Systems and Training Missions 80JSC020NXT which was posted on 04/10/2020. You are notified that the following changes are made: The purpose of the amendment is to revise the closing date for the special notice from 04/20/20 to 04/24/2020. The due date for responses is extended. Documents related to this procurement will be available over the Internet. These documents will reside on a World Wide Web (WWW) server, which may be accessed using a WWW browser application. Potential offerors are responsible for downloading their own copy of the solicitation and amendments (if any).