R--ADVANCED COATINGS DEVELOPMENT FOR NUCLEAR THERMAL PROPULSION GRAPHITE RODSAND SYSTEMS.

NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) has a requirement for coating graphite substrates as part of a developmental research activity for the Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) program. NASA GRC intends to solicit proposals from only Ultramet and Technology Assessment and Transfer (TA&T) to help develop new coatings technologies for nuclear thermal propulsion fuel rods to solve the mid-band corrosion problem. The Government has determined, based on extensive market research, that only Ultramet and TA&T have demonstrated experience with developing chemical vapor deposition (CVD) coatings technology for NTP applications, and both have facilities available to them for testing coated specimens under hot hydrogen conditions. 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 June 22, 2012. 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.