NASA/Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston Texas, 77058-3696, Mail Code: BH

A -- THERMAL PROTECTION ABLATOR TEST PARTICLES SOL 9-BH3-28-0-12P DUE 071500 POC Matrenia R Anumele, Purchasing Agent, Phone (281) 483-4144, Fax (281) 483-2991, Email matrenia.r.anumele1@jsc.nasa.gov -- Jimmy W. Hyde, Contracting Officer, Phone (281) 483-4163, Fax (281) 483-2991, Email jimmy.w.hyde1@jsc.nasa.gov WEB: Click here for the latest information about this notice, http://nais.msfc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/EPS/bizops.cgi?gr=D&pin=73#9-BH3-28- 0-12P. E-MAIL: Matrenia R Anumele, matrenia.r.anumele1@jsc.nasa.gov. NASA/JSC plans to issue a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ablative material test specimens for the arc jet testing and data analysis. These tests will be performed to establish the performance of new ablator material formulations to a wide range of entry heating environments and will provide the initial data required to propose these materials for Mars entry/return vehicles. These materials will be used in the design of Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) for Human Exploration and Development of Space (HEDS) vehicles. This procurement is being conducted under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). NASA/JSC intends to purchase the items from Applied Research Associates, Inc. The purchase is supported by an approved justification for other than full and open competition pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c) (1). Applied Research Associates has developed a proprietary process which takes advantage of modern manufacturing techniques to reinforce the material with imbedded fiber or fabric. This new heat-sheild manufacturing process replaces existing processes that use either reinforced honeycomb, monolithic slabs, or mosaics of ablator tiles. The method also utilizes current computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing techniques to manufacture the material to the exact shape and thickness required, reducing installation time and assembly processing. This new and innovative fabrication brings a major advancement in thermal-ablation performance and system reliability. The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. See Note 26. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 4:30 p.m. local time on _July 15, 2000. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed effort on a full and open competition 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 NASA Specific Note "B". Any referenced notes can be viewed at the following URL: http://genesis.gsfc.nasa.gov/nasanote.html Posted 06/29/00 (D-SN470300). (0181)

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