66 -- X-RAY SPECTROMETER (XRS) MAGNET

Notice Date

May 25, 2001

Contracting Office

NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, Code 216, Greenbelt, MD 20771

ZIP Code

20771

Solicitation Number

552-27040

Response Due

June 14, 2001

Point of Contact

Jeanne V. Moschetti, Contract Specialist, Phone (301) 286-3227, Fax (301) 286-1773, Email jmoschet@pop100.gsfc.nasa.gov

E-Mail Address

Jeanne V. Moschetti (jmoschet@pop100.gsfc.nasa.gov)

Description

This procurement is being conducted under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). NASA/GSFC intends to purchase a superconducting, low-current magnet for the proposed reflight of the X-Ray Spectrometer from Cryomagnetics in Oak Ridge, TN. The magnet must produce a 2 Telsa central field with a current of 2 Amperes. Cryomagnetics is the proprietor of this magnet and they pioneered low-current magnet techniques. Only Cryomagnetics, Inc., has the low-current magnet technology needed to meet the stringent heat flow requirement for XRS. They use patented and proprietary methods to build magnets whose current requirements are a fraction of those of other manufacturer's magnets. The need for a low-current magnet from the strict limits imposed on the heat flow into the XRS results from the combination of limited available space on the satelite and long lifetime requirements. XRS can carry only a limited amount of liquid helium coolant. Despite the drastically reduced amount of coolant, XRS must meet a 2 year lifetime requirement. To prevent the helium coolant from being used up too quickly, the heat flow in the helium bath must be held to a minimum. The low-current magnet uses thin magnet leads (much thinner than those for a conventional magnet) and thus hold down the heat flow in the the helium coolant bath. Therefore, Cyromagnetics Inc. is the only source for such magnets that meet the lifetime requirements in the available space, and the heat flow reduction in the helium coolant bath by using a low-current magnet. 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 6/14/01. 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

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Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010530/66SOL008.HTM (D-145 SN50N0Z0)