NASA/Langley Research Center, Mail Stop 144, Industry Assistance Office, Hampton, VA 23681-0001

70 -- UPGRADES TO THE 20 FOOT VERTICAL SPIN TUNNEL ROTARY BALANCE TEST APPARATUS CONTROL SYSTEM SOL 1-168-DCM.1319 DUE 040599 POC Kimberly D. Duncan, Purchasing Agent, Phone (757) 864-3566, Fax (757) 864-8863, Email k.d.duncan@larc.nasa.gov -- Sandra M. Glenn, Contracting Officer, Phone (757)-864-2413, Fax (757) 864-8863, Email S.M.GLENN@larc.nasa.gov WEB: Click here for the latest information about this notice, http://nais.nasa.gov/EPS/LaRC/date.html#1-168-DCM.1319. E-MAIL: Kimberly D. Duncan, k.d.duncan@larc.nasa.gov. NASA/LaRC plans to issue a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for Upgrades to the 20 Foot Vertical Spin Tunnel Rotary Balance Test Apparatus Control System. The Langley Rotary Balance is a complex one-of-a kind research device used to obtain extremely specialized aerodynamic data. This data is critical to the development of high-performance aerospace vehicles. The required upgrades include: 1) replacement of the existing motion controller, 2) improvements to the operator interface and controls, and 3) the replacement of the PLC with a PC-based system. This procurement is being conducted under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). NASA/LaRC intends to purchase the items from Production Service and Technology, Inc. (PST), unique qualifications available from only one source. The Langley Rotary Balance was fabricated and installed by PST and they have developed numerous improvements to the system and produced a superior product which has been supplied to the U.S. Air Force and in a European facility. No other Contractor has built such systems. This rotary balance is the only one of its kind in the world. This upgrade requires that the Contractor be intimately familiar with the design and operation of the equipment. In order for another Contractor to perform these upgrades they would have to study this system for several months to learn and understand its design. Time in the tunnel would be required (which is not available) to learn and demonstrate its operation. The facility schedule does not allow for such delay. The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. 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 03/19/99 (D-SN310517). (0078)

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