36 -- SHELS LAUNCH STRUCTURE CASTING

Notice Date

September 6, 2000

Contracting Office

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

ZIP Code

20771

Solicitation Number

546-82779-920

Response Due

September 26, 2000

Point of Contact

Mary E. McKaig, Contract Specialist for Simplified Acquisition, Phone (301) 286-4240, Fax (301) 286-1720, Email Mary.E.McKaig.1@gsfc.nasa.gov

E-Mail Address

Mary E. McKaig (Mary.E.McKaig.1@gsfc.nasa.gov)

Description

NASA/GSFC plans to issue a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for casting for the Shuttle Ejectable Launch System (SHELS) launch structure. This procurement is being conducted under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). NASA/GSFC intends to purchase the items from Nu-Cast, Inc., of Londonderry, NH. The SHELS launch structure is a state-of-the-art monolithic aluminum investment casting. The casting is classified as a Manned Space Flight Critical Safety Item (CSI). The casting warrants the CSI classification because the structure is the primary load path of the ejection system and is exposed in the orbiter bay. Inferior quality during manufacture of this component could cause loss or serious damage, loss of control, or serious injury to personnel. The SHELS launch structure is an aerospace quality aluminum monolithic investment casting. The casting measures approximately 36' x 33" x 20" and weighs 110 pounds. The structure has been designed for minimum weight at maximum structural efficiency. The SHELS Launch Structure is considered a state-of-the-art development casting. The size, configuration, complexity, and stringent metallurgical and quality assurance requirements exceed conventional production investment casting techniques. Alternative manufacturing methods have been considered and determined to be incapable of sustaining structural and mission requirements. Nu-Cast, Inc., has completed two previous SHELS launch structures for GSFC under SBIR contracts. As previously stated the structures are state of the art. Nu-Cast, Inc., has developed manufacturing processes unique to the casting industry to enable successful casting of the SHELS launch structure. The selection of Nu-Cast is imperative to capitalize on the development previously invested by GSFC. Nu-Cast is the only responsible source that can meet this requirement. 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 Tuesday, September 26, 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

Web Link

Click here for the latest information about this notice (http://nais.msfc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/EPS/bizops.cgi?gr=D&pin=51#546-82779-920)

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20000907/36SOL003.HTM (D-249 SN493172)