RECOVERY - ARES I UPPER STAGE - CONTRACT NNM07AB03C - CLIN 7 - ARRA -ENGINEERING STUDY

This is an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 presolicitationnotice which is for informational purposes only, as identified in FAR 5.704.NASA/MSFC has a requirement for a Feasibility Study of Alternate Liquid Hydrogen/LiquidOxygen Tank Configuration necessary to examine an alternate configuration that replacesthe common bulkhead with separate propellant tanks and replaces the composite interstagewith a metallic structure (referencehttp://www.nasa.gov/pdf/231430main_UpperStage_FS_final.pdf )NASA/MSFC intends to purchase the above items under contract NNM07AB03C. This actionwill be accomplished under authority of FAR 52.243-2, Changes-Cost Reimbursement. Thisaction does not constitute a new requirement. Competition is impractical for thefollowing reason:a) Boeing is currently under contract and is intimately engaged in ongoing Ares I USPwork. Therefore, to pursue an alternative candidate would be ineffective and disruptiveto the Ares I USP activities.The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. See Note26.An Ombudsman has been appointed. See NASA Specific Note "B".