Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite, Atmosphere Data Products

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has a requirement for a new work modification for the processing and reprocessing of the data from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instruments from the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) series satellites and delivery of standard and near real time Atmosphere data products. NASA/GSFC intends to modify contract NNG15HZ38C with the University of Wisconsin to add the new work. NASA has determined that alternatives to this new work modification equate to substantial additional costs. Transfer of the existing hardware and software from University of Wisconsin, Madison to a new contractor, or development of new hardware and software from scratch by a new contractor are expected to lead to substantial duplication of costs that are not expected to be recovered through competition. Additionally, unacceptable delays will result from performing this requirement by a contractor other than the University of Wisconsin, Madison. The specialized capabilities that the Principal Investigator and the University of Wisconsin, Madison team in generating the higher level science data products (Level 2 and above) for VIIRS Atmosphere are essential to perform the activities under this project. There are no known vendors that currently have the capabilities to understand the nuances of the instrument, its history, calibration techniques, and the effects of changes of instrument characteristics on algorithms in order to maintain quality and consistency of standard data products. The lead time in procuring, on-boarding and training any new vendor would result in substantial, unacceptable delays in processing the scientific data. These substantial delays are likely to result in unacceptable gaps in the processing of the scientific data and creation of reports, which will result in potential delays to mission schedules. Many NASA missions use the reports generated by the data collected under this contract. Launch and mission schedules, including that of J1, may slip due to delays in data collection and processing. Moreover, the transfer of information between the University of Wisconsin, Madison and a new vendor, as well as the integration of the new vendor into existing processes will add significant delays and disruptions to the schedule and publication of reports. Based on the above rationale, due to both the duplication of costs and unacceptable delays it is proposed that the new work modification above be awarded to the University of Wisconsin on a Sole Source basis. 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 4:30 p.m. local time on Monday (To be determined pending approval). 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 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 http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/pub/pub_library/Omb.html.