Sole Source Study Transmission Through Plasma

This combined synopsis/solicitation is a sole source acquisition notice for commercial items (study) prepared in accordance with FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. The NAICS code is 541712, size standard 1,000 employees. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; offers are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This is a request for proposal to Goodman, Michael L. for a study on the "RF Transmission through plasma sheaths and plumes feasibility study" per statement of work. Competition is impractical for the following reasons: The characterization of radio frequency (RF) transmission through and subsequent signal blockage by plasma sheaths and plumes has had considerable work in the industry and has been characterized by various models since the 1960's. Multiple studies and tests have been performed to characterize the signal blockage through plasma sheaths although there is still not an industry standard for determining this loss. Dr. Michael Goodman has provided unsolicited concepts to modify the plasma sheath with on board equipment to potentially lessen the impacts of this transmission blockage. Since Dr. Goodman's hypothesis is unique, it is not reasonable or prudent to use another provider to explore the benefit of this technique to the government. In addition to be the originator of the approach, Dr. Goodman has the necessary and rare experience in plasma physics, electromagnetics, fluid dynamics, and wave propagation background, as well as expertise with plasmas over wide ranges of temperature, density, magnetic field strength, and composition, including ionospheric, magnetospheric, solar atmospheric plasmas, and area of radar and IR cross section prediction and reduction to apply to RF transmission characterization in plasma sheaths and plumes. He also has had previous performance on government contracts that show his work and experience has been reliably applied in a way advantageous to the government. Specifically, he has performed basic research funded by NSF and NASA to applied DOD and NASA funded research involving software and hardware development projects. Other contractors do not have the level of expertise to provide this study on the specific plumes feasibility study. Dr. Goodman's study will provide a level of insight and experience that is far greater than can be found through any other source. Your proposal should state all cost to conduct the study including and not limited to hardware, shipping, license, and labor fees. No travel cost is anticipated. Travel cost, if any, shall be based on US Government Federal Travel Regulation found on GSA.gov. The Government intends to acquire a commercial study using FAR Part 12 and 13. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 12:00 P.M. local time on August 30, 2016. Organizations submitting capabilities and qualifications must contain adequate detail and supporting documentation in their submittal. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether 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. An Ombudsman has been appointed. The proposal must contain adequate detail and supporting documentation including commercial labor rates to allow the government to determine the reasonableness of the proposed price. The contractor may provide published catalog price lists or other evidence of pricing of studies conducted. This is a request for proposal (RFP) for a commercial study subject to the terms and conditions of FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items, incorporated by reference: FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes and Executive Orders - Commercial Items, attached to this RFQ: and any additional terms and conditions incorporated by reference or included in full text as addenda to 52.212-4. Proposal response is due August 30, 2016 or sooner to allen.j.miller@nasa.gov.