NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, Code 217, Greenbelt, MD 20771

61 -- FLAT RIBBON CABLE ASSEMBLY SOL 733-67466-920 DUE 011598 POC Mary E. McKaig, Contract Specialist for Simplified Acquisition, Phone (301) 286-4240, Fax (301) 286-1720, Email Mary.E.McKaig.1@gsfc.nasa.gov -- Bradley Poston, Contracting Officer, Phone (301)286-8688, Fax (301)286-1720, Email Bradley.J.Poston.1@gsfc.nasa.gov WEB: Click here for the latest information about this notice, http://procurement.nasa.gov/EPS/GSFC/date.html#733-67466-920. E-MAIL: Mary E. McKaig, Mary.E.McKaig.1@gsfc.nasa.gov. NASA/GSFC plans to issue a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for: 1) Flat Ribbon Assembly, shielded, 10-position conductors, constructed using PTFE insulated extruded (non-outgassing) material; and 2) Flat Ribbon Assembly, shielded, 6-position conductor ribbon, constructed using PTFE insulated (non-outgassing) material. This product shall be used on the Microwave Anisotropy Probe (MAP) spacecraft connecting the spacecraft to the instrument section of the microwave systems, which is the delicate/sensitive part of the spacecraft. This procurement is being conducted under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). NASA/GSFC intends to purchase the items from W. L. Gore and Associates, as the MAP Program has thermal requirements due to the extreme cold conditions, so the most likely candidate in materials is PTFE, which is widely used for its low coefficient of friction. The PTFE process has been expanded, which is made up of 70% air, 30% PTFE; thus, 70% of the insulation surface are in contact with the conductor is air with negligible friction effect. This process will provide a minimum of 85% optical coverage in the shielding process. This specific design of ribbon construction is needed to meet the MAP technical requirements. The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. See Note 26. Any referenced notes can be viewed at the following URL: http://genesis.gsfc.nasa.gov/nnotes.htm. Interested firms have 15 days from the publication of this synopsis to submit in writing to the identified point of contact, their qualifications/capabilities. Such qualifications/capabilities will be used solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. Responses received after the 15 days or without the required information will be considered nonresponsive to the synopsis and will not be considered. A determination by the Government to not compete this proposed effort on a full and open competitive 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. An Ombudsman has been appointed. See Internet Note "B". (0365)

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