THIS IS A NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD A SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT AND IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE QUOTES.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Information Technology Procurement Office (ITPO) intends to issue a sole source contract for the Counterweight-Offload Astronaut Sensor, Telemetry & Electronics Rig (COASTER) and associated support services to:
Atlas Devices, LLC
21 Alpha Road, Suite 202
Chelmsford, Massachusetts 01824
Atlas Devices’ COASTER is a connected sensor/suit telemetry and offload system for use with space suits to create simulated gravity environments for lunar and Martian operational concept development, hardware evaluation, and Human-In-The-Loop (HITL) testing. Relying on a simple double-pivoting arm system with an innovative cable routing system that enables counterweights to be attached (much like common exercise equipment), the Atlas COASTER brings connected suit telemetry and offload capability for portable, high reliability telemetry-based HITL testing that can be operated anywhere, including outdoor environments. Support includes the full scope of COASTER equipment checks, test initiation, operation, supervision, shutdown, pre-and post-run maintenance, and other onsite communication and support as required.
The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition for acquisitions using the procedures in FAR subpart 13.5 is 41 U.S.C. 1901 due to COASTER being the only telemetry-based system able to facilitate suited 3-dimensional offload within a broad circular footprint. COASTER is the only commercially available that will properly interface with the EXCON suits.
The Government does intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12.
This synopsis does not constitute a solicitation; however, if any interested party believes they can meet the above requirement, it may submit a statement of capabilities. The statement of capabilities must be submitted in writing and must contain clear and convincing evidence that competition of this requirement would be advantageous to the Government. If parties choose to respond, any cost associated with preparation and submission of data, or any other cost incurred in response to this announcement are the sole responsibility of the respondent and will not be reimbursed by the Government.
Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort electronically via email to Kaelin Kelley, Contract Specialist, at kaelin.w.kelley@nasa.gov no later than 4:00 p.m. (CST) on December 6, 2024. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this acquisition on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to compete this acquisition on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government.
NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at : https://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/regs/Procurement-Ombuds-Comp-Advocate-Listing.pdf
