NASA/Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston Texas, 77058-3696, Mail Code: BE

51 -- COMMERCIAL TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT FOR SPACE RELATED ACTIVITIES SOL 9-BE13-95-7-79P DUE 071497 POC Stephanie D. Hunter, Contract Specialist, Phone (281) 483-8523, Fax (281) 244-5331, Email shunter@ems.jsc.nasa.gov -- Ann S. Sullivan, Contracting Officer, Phone (281) 483-1863, Fax (281) 244-5337, Email asulliva@ems.jsc.nasa.gov WEB: Click here for the latest information about this notice, http://procurement.nasa.gov/EPS/JSC/date.html#9-BE13-95-7-79P. E-MAIL: Stephanie D. Hunter, shunter@ems.jsc.nasa.gov. NASA/JSC is hereby soliciting information for potential sources for Commercial tools which will be adapted for use during NASA Space Missions by the crewmembers when operating inside and/or outside the pressurized compartment. A portion of this equipment consists of direct-derivatives of commercially available tools which have been augmented to make them acceptable for operating in the environs of space, and useable by a space-suited crewmembers wearing pressurized gloves. It is believed that the skills and experience of the commercial vendors of this equipment can provide a cost advantage to the Government through a fixed price procurement process. It is the intent of this sources sought synopsis to identify commercial vendors with an interest in providing space-compatible equipment of this type to the Government. If the Government is able to procure commercial quality products, which meet technical and schedule requirements at competitive prices, it is NASA's intent to expand the participation of theselected commercial vendors to space equipment other than direct-derivative tools, increasing growth in this segment of the market. Some examples of the hardware are: sockets/extensions, Allen Drivers, tubing and wire bundle cutting tools, forceps, hammers, pin straighteners, scissors, retention devices, pliers, vice grips, probes, pry bars, right angle drives, cheater bars, and ratchets. (A more complete listing of tools and equipment previously designed and fabricated for space-suited crewmember's use in space can be found in the "Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Tools and Equipment Reference Book," Document Number JSC-20466, Rev B, November 1993 at the JSC Technical Library.) In addition to hardware delivery, there is an anticipated requirement for commercial design and test services. A draft RFP is contemplated for release July l0, 1997, or shortly thereafter, with a Bidder's Conference scheduled for July 21, 1997. No solicitation exists at this time; therefore, do not request a copy of the solicitation. For technical information contract Timothy Brady, (281) 483-9118, (e-mail: timothy.k.brady1@jsc.nasa.gov), or Dale Roberts, (281) 483-7539, (e-mail: dale.r.roberts1@jsc.nasa.gov.) If you would like to attend the Bidder's Conference, please notify one of the above contacts so that adequate space can be provided for the potential bidders. The Government may award multiple contracts. The contracts will be commercial fixed price, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contracts, and work will be authorized via delivery orders. This sources sought synopsis is related to the synopsis 9-BE13-09-7-28P previously published December 13, 1996. This synopsis will be updated shortly to reflect the change in procurement approach. Vendors having the capabilities necessary to meet or exceed the stated requirements are invited to submit appropriate documentation, literature, brochures, and references. Please advise if the requirement is considered to be a commercial or commercial-type product. A commercial item is defined in "Note A". This synopsis is for information and planning purposes and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government nor will the Government pay for information solicited. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the evaluation. Respondents deemed fully qualified will be considered in any resultant solicitation for the requirement. Firms responding should indicate whether they are a socially or economically disadvantaged business firm, an 8(a) firm, a small business, and/or woman-owned business. The Government reserves the right to consider a small business or 8(a) set-aside based on responses hereto. All responses shall be submitted to identified point of contact no later than July 14, 1997. In responding reference 9BE13-95-7-79P. Any referenced numbered notes can be viewed at the following URL: http://genesis.gsfc.nasa.gov/nnotes.htm. (0176)

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