D -- BI-DIRECTIONAL EXCHANGE INFORMATION AND METHODOLOGY

Notice Date

August 27, 2001

Contracting Office

NASA/Ames Research Center, JA:M/S 241-1, Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000

ZIP Code

94035-1000

E-Mail Address

Deborah E. Glass (dglass@mail.arc.nasa.gov)

Description

THIS IS NOT A NOTICE OF SOLICITATION ISSUANCE. IT IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) for Bi-Directional Exchange Information and Methodology. NO SOLICITATION EXISTS; THEREFORE, DO NOT REQUEST A COPY OF THE SOLICITATION. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized in the CBD and on the NASA Acquisition Internet Service (NAIS) Business Opportunities page. It is the potential offerors' responsibility to monitor these cites for the release of any solicitation or synopsis. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration/Ames Research Center is currently researching potential business solutions for the Bi-Directional exchange of contractual information. Specifically, NASA is exploring the capability to conduct electronic commerce (EC), using existing desktop, commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) software, and/or web-based/web-enabled applications. EC in this context is the ability to receive proposals of various sizes from vendors electronically and send/issue resulting contract awards, as well as conduct subsequent bi-directional contract modifications and contract administration tasks. Proposals are submitted using a government-designated form. Any proposed tool must create a package of forms and documents (any binary files) that can be secured from tampering after being signed by the initiator. Any proposed tool should allow for these documents to be exchanged electronically, legally sustainable, and provide assurance that: 1) the person/entity exchanging the information is in fact who they are representing themselves to be, 2) the information exchanged can only be received by the person/entity for whom the information is intended, and 3) the information has not been changed since moving from the originating party to the receiving party. Electronic (digital) signature software is one method for providing such assurances. Proposed tools to receive electronic proposals must consider the limitations of the various email and web-based systems and may include a document posting system. Also, such electronic proposals must be able to be transported securely to a secure location accessible only to the government buyer. These tools should be able to support the electronic issuance of contract awards, contract modifications, Task Orders and other procurement-related documents. All of these documents involve government forms. Most would have attachments to the form. All should be able to be exchanged electronically as described above. Implementation at all Centers is important to NASA. Therefore, tools should be able to be easily introduced and implemented across the Agency. Tools must be easily utilized, at no or little costs, to the extent necessary, by vendors submitting proposals to NASA. NASA/ARC is most interested and strongly encourages your insight, comments and creative suggestions in this matter. Even if your company only distributes the product, or provides a single element of the bi-directional exchange process, please feel free to give us feedback with what you could provide us. In addition, your company's ability to provide us any information or networking leads as to what partnering relationships and innovative approaches other organizations are implementing to this end would be appreciated. Prospective offerors are invited to submit comments or questions to Deborah Glass via electronic transmission at dglass@mail.arc.nasa.gov. In responding, reference RFI2-38175. Responses are due September 24, 2001 Respondents will not be notified of the results of the review. Any questions regarding this announcement should be directed to the identified point of contact. This is a request for information only and may be used for planning purposes. It does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that Ames Research Center will take procurement action in this particular matter. The Agency or The Government will not be responsible for any cost incurred in furnishing this information. Recipients are advised that any information provided shall be deemed to be furnished with unlimited rights, we assume no liability for the disclosure, use, or reproduction of such data. Although all comments received will be carefully reviewed and considered for inclusion in a later action, the initiators of this request make no commitment to include any particular recommendations. If issued, a formal request will take precedence over this document.

Web Link

Click here for the latest information about this notice (http://nais.msfc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/EPS/bizops.cgi?gr=D&pin=21#RFI2-38175)

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010829/SPMSC024.HTM (D-239 SN50W078)