NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, Code 215, Greenbelt, MD 20771

16 -- HEAT PUMP FOR BALLOON FLIGHT DEMONSTRATION SOL 545-58071-920 DUE 082598 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 WEB: Click here for the latest information about this notice, http://nais.nasa.gov/EPS/GSFC/date.html#545-58071-920. E-MAIL: Mary E. McKaig, Mary.E.McKaig.1@gsfc.nasa.gov. NASA/GSFC plans to issue a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for the purchase of a Heat Pump for Balloon Flight Demonstration. This procurement is being conducted under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). NASA/GSFC intends to purchase the items from the University of Maryland (UMD). The Heat Pump for Balloon Flight Demonstration is required for cooling of scientific payloads on Balloon missions. It is required for the upcoming Ultra-Long Duration Balloon (ULDB) facility because of increasing thermal dissipation levels and severe thermal environments. The heat pump must be delivered in one (1) year, or it will impact the development schedule of Ultra-Long Duration Balloon facility. Standard commercial heat pumps are not suitable for this application due to the unique design issues associated with flight on the balloon. These include: operation in a near vacuum environment, heat pump condenser designed to fit balloon envelope, operation on 28 volt DC power, etc. The UMD has a unique, on-going heat pump research consortium that includes industry and other Government members. The consortium has a substantial investment in a state-of-the-art heat pump development and test facility at UMD, along with experienced personnel. 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". Posted 08/04/98 (D-SN232656). (0216)

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