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

66 -- MICRO-NEWTON THRUST STAND DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT SOL 571-31995-920 DUE 101299 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#571-31995-920. E-MAIL: Mary E. McKaig, Mary.E.McKaig.1@gsfc.nasa.gov. NASA/GSFC plans to issue a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for Micro-Newton Thrust Stand Development Support. This procurement is being conducted under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). NASA/GSFC intends to purchase the support from the University of Maryland, College Park, MD. The procurement is for evaluation, analysis, design, development and test support of a direct measurement Micro-Newton thrust stand utilizing a magnetic suspension thrust platform and a high-resolution micro phonic strain/position transducer. NASA/GSFC has an urgent need to develop a thrust stand that will measure 1-10 Micro-Newton thrust with a precision of +/-0.1 Micro Newton to support NANO-SAT Formation Flying programs requiring precise thrust levels and impulse requirement to this level. Currently there is no method available to measure these levels. The thrust stand design that is to be developed and evaluated is an original and unique concept conceived by the University of Maryland. It is the only approach that hasbeen identified that promises the possibility of achieving the desired sensitivity levels. a survey of state-of-the-art thrust stands, both in operation and currently being developed, has shown that the sensitivities are at best one to two order or magnitude above the desired level. Additionally the Air Force has identified thrust measurements in this range as an unresolved problem. The current state-of-the-art is represented by either high resolution pendulum or torsional pendulum systems. The magnetic suspension concept is a uniquely different approach. Although it may be possible for another research institution to provide the support requested, it would require significant additional cost to NASA/GSFC to obtain full rights to Maryland's thrust stand concept and allow for another research facility to understand and to demonstrate they understand this concept. Going to another vendor would also delay the schedule of this critically needed technology. The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. See Note 26. Interested firms have 15 days from the publication of this synopsis to submit in writing to the identified point of contact, their qualifications/capabilities with respect to being able to provide the support needed. 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". Any referenced notes can be viewed at the following URL: http://genesis.gsfc.nasa.gov/nasanote.html Posted 09/21/99 (D-SN382536). (0264)

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