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

66 -- SECOND YEAR MICRO-NEWTON THRUST STAND DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT SOL 574-78847-920 DUE 081600 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.msfc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/EPS/bizops.cgi?gr=D&pin=51#574-78847-920. E-MAIL: Mary E. McKaig, Mary.E.McKaig.1@gsfc.nasa.gov. NASA/GSFC plans to issue a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for the second year of support for the Micro-Newton Thrust Stand Development Support. This procurement is being conducted under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). NASA/GSFC intends to acquire the support from the University of Maryland, Department of Aerospace Engineering, College Park, MD. This procurement is for a continuation of work started through a purchase order awarded in December 1999. This procurement will continue the work from December 2000 through November 2001. The procurement is for the continued support for the evaluation, analysis, development, and test support for a direct measurement Micro-Newton thrust stand utilizing a magnetic suspension thrust platform and a high-resolution micro phonic strain/position transducer. NASA has an urgent need to develop a thrust stand that will measure 1-10 micro newtons with a precision of +/- 0.1 micro newtons to supprot nano-sat formation flying programs requiring precise thrust levels and impulse requirements to this level. Currently there is no method available to measure these levels. The thrust stand design that is being developed and evaluated is an original and unique concept conceived by the University of Maryland. It is the only approach that has been 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 development, showed that the sensitivities are, at best, two orders of 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 UMD's thruststand 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 for this critically needed technology. At the beginning of the second phase of this effort it would be even more costly in terms of dollars and schedule to bring a new research institution up to speed with the progress that has already been made. 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 Wednesday, August 16, 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 07/27/00 (D-SN479633). (0209)

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