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

A -- FABRICATION OF COMPLEX COMPOSITE STRUCTURES IN SUPPORT OF THE FASTRAC ENGINE PROGRAM AND OTHER SPACE FLIGHT APPLICATIONS SOL 8-1-9-ED-C4469 DUE 090199 POC Sandra L. Presnell, Contract Specialist, Phone (256) 544-0318, Fax (256) 544-8688, Email sandra.presnell@msfc.nasa.gov -- David. G. Morgan, Contracting Officer, Phone (256) 544-0410, Fax (256) 544-8688, Email david.morgan@msfc.nasa.gov WEB: Click here for the latest information about this notice, http://nais.nasa.gov/EPS/MSFC/date.html#8-1-9-ED-C4469. E-MAIL: Sandra L. Presnell, sandra.presnell@msfc.nasa.gov. NASA/MSFC plans to issue a Request for Offer (RFO) for fabrication of complex composite structures in support of the FASTRAC Engine Program and other space flight applications. NASA/MSFC intends to purchase the effort from Thiokol Propulsion, a division of Cordant Technologies, Inc., pursuant to FAR 6.302-1, which implements 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1) for acqusition of supplies or services from only one source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The knowledge, expertise, and experience of Thiokol Propulsion has enabled many Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) propulsion technology programs to maintain ambitious schedules with its ability to provide lightweight composite components and test articles with very little lead-time at a very low cost. Continuation of this effort is imperative to meet schedule commitments for the FASTRAC Engine Program, which is the baseline engine for the X-34 vehicle. Thiokol Propulsion has been fabricating the composite combustion chamber/nozzle for the FASTRAC engine. This work has been performed using the composite manufacturing machines located in the MSFC Productivity Enhancement Center (PEC), one of which a Thiokol-owned Fiber Placement Machine. The ambitious project schedule requires fabrication of three to four components per month for successful engine development and flight. Only Thiokol Propulsion possesses the unique qualifications, expertise, and experience necessary to fabricate these components within the timeframe required. Delays in component fabrication will prevent MSFC from meeting its contractual obligation of supplying FASTRAC engines to the X-34 prime contractor. Thiokol Propulsion is a world leader in solid propulsion and propulsion-related technology and has a wealth of expertise in the area of composites and composite manufacturing techniques. This expertise has played a crucial role in the progress of the FASTRAC Program and other space flight applications and will be crucial to their successful completion. There does not exist another firm possessing both Thiokol's unique qualifications, expertise and intimate knowledge of these programs and the use of another source would result in the loss of learning gained over the previous years resulting in a detrimental impact to these program. The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. See Note 26. 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. 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 07/15/99 (D-SN354911). (0196)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0012 19990719\A-0012.SOL)