NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE - UPGRADED ELECTRONICS FOR THE GREAT INSTRUMENT SUPPORTING THE SOFIA PROJECT

National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Ames Research Center (NASA-ARC) has a requirement to develop and procure upgraded electronics for the German REceiver for Astronomy at Terahertz Frequencies (GREAT) instrument which is flown onboard the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) aircraft. GREAT is a one-of-a-kind astronomical instrument used to explore the infrared frequency range and identify elements that make up the universe. As commercial technology evolves so does the ability to expand the capability of this instrument. This upgrade to the Amplifier / Multiplier Chain (AMC) within the Local Oscillators (LO) will increase the range and reliability of the GREAT instrument. Virginia Diodes, Inc. have provided upgraded electronics for this instrument since 2007. NASA-ARC intends to issue a sole source contract to acquire the items from Virginia Diodes, Inc, under FAR Part 6.302-1 “Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.” 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 electronically via email to Jeff Brown, [email protected] not later than 4:00PM on August 11, 2020. 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 http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/pub/pub_library/Omb.html