Specialized Diamond Turning

The Imaging X-Ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) project was competitively selected through NASA's Announcement of Opportunity (AO) process: AO-NNH14ZDA0130, 2014 Small Explorer (SMEX). IXPE submitted a Step-1 proposal in December 2014 and was notified of final selection as a NASA project on January 4, 2017. A key component of the IXPE science instrument are three Mirror Module Assemblies (MMAs) to focus x-rays onto detectors. The MMAs each contain 24 x-ray mirror shells that are fabricated using precisely shaped (a few micron tolerance) mandrels. These electroless nickel coated mandrels require precision diamond turning machining to achieve the final figure required to fabricate the MMAs. MSFC intends to award the diamond turning machining effort to the Small Business WaveFront Technology Inc. (hereinafter WaveFront). WaveFront utilizes a Nanotech HDL 200 Ultra-precision CNC Horizontal Drum Lathe that meets the specialized requirements for precision turning and metrology of the IXPE larger size mandrels. WaveFront has extensive experience in the commercial industry performing this precision diamond turning machining within schedule requirements. The mandrels must be completed, inspected, and accepted in the last quarter of 2018. The Government intends to acquire this service in accordance with FAR Part 12. All responsible SBA Small Business organizations may submit a written response to be considered by the agency describing their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort, via email, to the identified point of contract not later than 3:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time on December 30, 2017. Such capabilities and qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive bases. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed effort on a full and open competition bases, based upon responses to this notice, is solely with the discretion of the Government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. 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_libray/Omb.Html.