*****PLEASE CONTACT HEATH BROCK ONLY FOR QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS REGARDING THIS NOTICE AT
[email protected]***** NASA/MSFC has a requirement for the purchase of three (3) kg of Uranium Dioxide (UO2) Spheres. NASA/MSFC intends to purchase these items from Universities Space Research Association (USRA) on a Sole Source basis. USRA has developed a proprietary dip casting system for the fabrication of the UO2 microspheres that is critical to NASA/MSFCs Nuclear Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (NCPS) requirement. USRAs process allows for large (kg scale) batches of mono-sized kernels of UO2 that are not available from other sources. The process and handling of UO2 also requires unique dedicated materials processing systems and a special license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The Government intends 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 no later than 2:30 p.m. local time on 7/2/2013. 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