NASA/George C. Marshall Space Flight Center, Procurement Office, Marshall Space Flight Center, AL 35812

A -- VIRTUAL RESEARCH CENTER SOL 8-1-9-PP-C2925 DUE 051199 POC A. Carol Terrell, Contract Specialist, Phone (256)544-6710, Fax (256)544-4400, Email Carol.Terrell@msfc.nasa.gov -- Valerie N. Holmes, Contracting Officer, Phone (256)544-0314, Fax (256)544-4400, Email valerie.holmes@msfc.nasa.gov WEB: Click here for the latest information about this notice, http://nais.nasa.gov/EPS/MSFC/date.html#8-1-9-PP-C2925. E-MAIL: A. Carol Terrell, Carol.Terrell@msfc.nasa.gov. NASA/MSFC plans to issue a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for a research study entitled: "Virtual Research Center". This study is being procured under the University Research Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) Program with the university community within the United States. The work will be performed at the Contractor's facility and on-site at the Marshall Space Flight Center. The intent of this work is to proceed with prototyping a web based project management system. This online project management system known as the Virtual Research Center (VRC) has successfully demonstrated the benefits of a web based tool suite for archiving project related data. Users of the VRC have provided valuable feedback on potential improvements to the system. Also, a new NASA initiative, the Intelligent Synthesis Environment (ISE) has generated several new requirements for a multidisciplinary collaborative environment. The contractor shall perform the following tasks: 1) Revise VRC Databases and Graphical User Interfaces (GUI)—The VRC GUI provides access to an online calendar, an action item tracker, a document management system, a discussion forum, and a team directory. These tools use a team database populated by the team members as they apply for access to the VRC. This database has become one of the most valuable assets of the system. Current databases and sort algorithms within the VRC are not Year 2000 (Y2K) compatible. Users have identied requirements for additional fields such as roles and responsibilities. In addition, new tools to facilitate collaboration can use this database such as a NASA Teleconferencing List generator. Also, users have requested features such as data departmentization and encryption. Efforts under this task shall include incorporating web technologies like Java and Javascript into the GUI and revising the underlying databases. These technologies shall be used to simplify the GUI and reduce system response time. The developer shall recommend commercially available software objects that can replacecustom developed code such as the project calendar, the action item tracker, the team directory, and document tracker. Recommenations shall include product functions, features, cost, and potential for integration. Given that Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) procures the recommended COTS products within the period of performance, the contractor shall install the software. 2) System Documentation -- Currently, Computer Gateway Interface (CGI) scripts and Oracle database comprise the VRC architecture. To meet the needs of the ISE initiative, the VRC should have an object oriented architecture that serves as a "software backplane" for legacy codes. The most recent version of Netscape includes an Object Request Broker (ORB) as well as data encryption. Version 8 of Oracle is an object-oriented database. These features will enable the VRC to become a "Value Added" ORB and an integral part of the ISE infrastructure. To facilitate the wrapping of VRC databases, the contractor shall develop an Interface Control Document (ICD) with a Data Dictionary that identifies entity relationships, software object attributes, and operations. Deliverables 1) Revised VRC databases and GUI that is Y2K compatible that includes the following functions and features: (a) Teleconference List in the format used by the NASA TeleConference (NTC) contractor. (b) Revised user database and badge request form that includes fields for expertise and contribution to the project. (c) Revised GUI forms that indicate mandatory fields. (d) Revised GUI that incorporates features such as pop-up windows and flyout menus. 2) Interface Control Document with Data Dictionary that identifies the attributes (variables), operations (procedures), entity relationships (database tables) and narrative descriptions of the code code comprising the VRC. 3) Recommendations for object oriented Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) software that can replace code for primary functions of the VRC. 4) Revised VRC User's Guide that explains how to use the new functions and features. 5) Final Report that identifies the processes, products, and recommendations for future system upgrades. Schedule 7 Requirements Analysis Complete 2 months after Authority To Proceed (ATP) 7 GUI Development Complete 6 months after ATP 7 System Demonstration 6 months after ATP 7 Architecture Revisions Complete 10 months after ATP 7 Final System Demonstration 10 months after ATP This procurement is being conducted under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). The SIC code and size standard is 8731 and 500 respectively NASA/MSFC intends to purchase the study from the University of Alabama in Huntsville under the Research BOA Program. This sole source action is pursuant to FAR 13.106 and is based on the University's domain expertise in this area of research. 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. OMBUDSMAN STATEMENT REQUIRED] An Ombudsman has been appointed. See Internet Note "B". Posted 04/20/99 (D-SN322402). (0110)

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