Spacecraft Reaction Wheels

Notice of Intent to Sole Source The 10th Contracting Squadron, United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) Colorado has received a Brand Name/Sole Source justification for the purchase of three spacecraft reaction wheels. These reaction wheels are required by the Space Systems Research Center (SSRC) from Clyde Space Ltd. at 123 St Vincent Street in Glasgow, Scottland, a large business, for integration into the FalconSAT-6 cadet-built satellite. This procurement is for the acquisition of a brand name/sole source commercial item in accordance with FAR Part 13. The North American Industry Classification System Code (NAICS) is 334220 and the size standard is 750 employees. There is only one responsible source and no other item will satisfy the USAFA current requirements. A previous competitive acquisition was conducted to determine which vendor should supply the reaction wheels and undergo vigorous testing (>100 hours) to ensure compatibility with the current FalconSAT-6 cadet-built satellite. There are no other vendors that can provide the exact same wheels provided by the vendor under the previously competed contract in order to match existing Clyde Space wheels to ensure consistency in materials to prevent duplication of cost through further testing. Requirements for the three reaction wheels are: General: Space heritage on multiple spacecraft Accredited to ISO-9001:2008 through BSI Compatibility with SSRC mechanical interface requirements Compatibility with SSRC FalconSAT firing circuit design Performance: Max Flywheel Speed of 6500 RPM Max Torque @ 6500 rpm: 26mNm @ 28W Max Torque up to 2500rpm: 40 mNm @ 28W, I = 1.7A Wheel Housing: 6082 Aluminum (Black Anodised) Flywheel: 316L Stainless Steel Temperature Range (Operating): -20 degrees C to +50 degrees C Temperature Range (Non-Operating): -30 degrees C to +60 degrees C Temperature Range (Storage): -40 degrees C to +85 degrees C Pressure Storage: 1atm This synopsis is for notification purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for bids or proposals. DO NOT submit a bid/quote at this time. Any offerors believing they can provide the spacecraft reaction wheels requirement described above may provide evidence for consideration. Evidence must support the offeror's claim they can provide this service. All qualified sources may submit a response, which if timely received, will be considered by this agency. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether a competitive procurement can be conducted. A determination not to compete this proposed procurement based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the government. Responses must be received NLT 03:00 p.m. MST on 22 March 13. Responses received after this will be considered late IAW FAR 52.212-1(f) and will not be evaluated. The Government does not intend to pay for any information provided under this announcement. Contractors must have a current registration with the Central contractor Registration (CCR) at http://www.ccr.gov and with Online Representations and Certifications application (ORCA) at http://orca.bpn.gov. Questions should be addressed to the Primary POC: Brittany Henry, Contract Specialist, (719) 333-8930 or send via e-mail to brittany.henry@us.af.mil. Alternate POC is Diana South, Contracting Officer, (719)-333-8650, diana.myles-south@usafa.af.mil. 5352.201-9101 OMBUDSMAN (APR 2010) (a) An ombudsman has been appointed to hear and facilitate the resolution of concerns from offerors, potential offerors, and others for this acquisition. When requested, the ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The existence of the ombudsman does not affect the authority of the program manager, contracting officer, or source selection official. Further, the ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals, the source selection process, or the adjudication of protests or formal contract disputes. The ombudsman may refer the party to another official who can resolve the concern. (b) Before consulting with an ombudsman, interested parties must first address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendations to the contracting officer for resolution. Consulting an ombudsman does not alter or postpone the timelines for any other processes (e.g., agency level bid protests, GAO bid protests, requests for debriefings, employee-employer actions, contests of OMB Circular A-76 competition performance decisions). (c) If resolution cannot be made by the contracting officer, concerned parties may contact the USAF Academy Ombudsmen, Kelly Snyder 8110 Industrial Drive, Ste 103 USAFA, CO 80840 Telephone number 719-333-2704 FAX 719-333-9103 Email: kelly.snyder@usafa.af.mil Concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations that cannot be resolved at the MAJCOM/DRU or ARISRA level, may be brought by the concerned party for further consideration to the Air Force ombudsman, Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary (ADAS) (Contracting), SAF/AQC, 1060 Air Force Pentagon, Washington DC 20330-1060, phone number (703) 588-7004, facsimile number (703) 588-1067. (d) The ombudsman has no authority to render a decision that binds the agency. (e) Do not contact the ombudsman to request copies of the solicitation, verify offer due date, or clarify technical requirements. Such inquiries shall be directed to the Contracting Officer. (End of clause)