Sole Source Modification to Contract NNH16CO92B

NASA Headquarters plans to award a sole-source modification to increase the Maximum Ordering Value for NASA Research and Education Support Services (NRESS) Contract NNH16CO92B. The scope of work of under this contract requires contractor to facilitate peer review program management on behalf of the Agency's basic and applied research, technology development, and education programs. NRESS support consist of professional support services and information technology services such as: Solicitation planning support, solicitation posting, and related communications; proposal receipt, retention, summarization, and distribution to program officers, panelists, and reviewers; peer review planning & meeting planning; managing and administering the logistics for peer review meetings; panel member selection; panel member & reviewer support, including reimbursement of allowable travel and per diem expenses; summarizing and reporting on panel & review activities; preparation and generation of documentation needed to support procurement actions; and assisting with post-evaluation & -selection communications to proposers and other stakeholders. Comprehensive information technology program management and operations for the NSPIRES system, its grants.gov interface and any future interfaces specifically designed to enhance peer review programs and activities. Information technology program management and operations services includes: the sustainment, maintenance, operation, enhancement, of the NSPIRES web-based information technology system; the management and delivery of user access services and account provisioning; help desk services and related customer support; system documentation, user training materials and job aids; comprehensive information technology security including appropriate protective controls, risk management planning and execution; and maintaining and assuring continuous operations in the event of system outages. NASA Headquarters intends to issue the modification on a sole source basis to ASTS in accordance with 10 U.S.C 2304(c)(1), as implemented by FAR 6.302-1, "Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The planning activities for the competitive follow-on contract are currently underway. The Government does not intend 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 3:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on December 6, 2019. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this action 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. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at https://prod.nais.nasa.gov/pub/pub_library/Omb.html