NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, Code 216, Greenbelt, MD 20771

A -- HIGH-LATITUDE INCOHERENT-SCATTER RADAR MEASUREMENTS FOR THE ISTP PROGRAM SOL RFO5-08429 DUE 103098 POC Loren M. Kruger, Contract Specialist, Phone 301-286-2028, Fax 301-286-1773, Email Loren.M.Kruger.1@gsfc.nasa.gov WEB: Click here for the latest information about this notice, http://nais.nasa.gov/EPS/GSFC/date.html#RFO5-08429. E-MAIL: Loren M. Kruger, Loren.M.Kruger.1@gsfc.nasa.gov. NASA/GSFC plans to issue a Request for Offer (RFO) for research entitled, "High-Latitude Incoherent-Scatter Radar Measurements". The research to be performed is part of the International Solar Terrestrial Physics (ISTP) Program and will require the acquisition and analysis of the ISTP data through the Sondrestrom radar facility. The study will provide data on the spatial and temporal variations of ionospheric parameters, such as electron density, electric field, conductivity, currents, and energy input. These measurements will complement the ISTP satellite data to study the flow of energy and momentum from the solar wind to the upper atmosphere. NASA/GSFC has found that there is only one responsible source for the acquisition of this specific research in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c)(1), "Only One Responsible Source". NASA/GSFC intends to acquire this research, on a sole source basis, from SRI International, 333 Ravenswood Ave., Menlo Park, CA 94025. SRI International has been the operator and manager of the Sondrestrom ISR facility since its inception in 1983. The Sondrestrom radar provides the most comprehensive measurement of the high-latitude ionosphere within the ISTP program. These data are invaluable measurements that permit the direct assessment of energy transfer in the magnetosphere-ionosphere (M-I) system during times of unique solar wind conditions. SRI is the only source who can perform this research since they alone are the only U.S. research group who are familiar with the detailed working of the Sondrestrom radar facility in the context of ISTP operations. The algorithms, which they have developed, would take years for another group to duplicate and would be operational so late that most of the expected science return from the ground-based radar would be missed. The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. See Note 26. See Note 22. An Ombudsman has been appointed. See Internet Note "B". 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. Firm date for receipt of offers will be stated in the RFO. All qualified responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency. Any referenced notes can be viewed at the following URL: http://genesis.gsfc.nasa.gov/nasanote.html. Posted 10/19/98 (D-SN263155). (0292)

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