Utah Reusable Root Module (URRM)

NASA/KSC has a requirement for the final design, documentation, fabrication of the Utah Reusable Root Module (URRM), a flight-ready, reusable space crop rooting module, which integrates into NASA’s Ohalo III test rig to grow space crops on the International Space Station (ISS) as a demonstration for continuous crop production.

NASA/KSC intends to issue a sole source contract to acquire the URRM hardware from Utah State University (USU), 1000 Old Main HL, Logan, Utah 84322-100, in accordance with FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source.. The URRM technology was initially developed by USU under a competitively awarded NASA Research Grant.

During the root module technology development process , USU acquired skills, knowledge, and expertise that uniquely qualify them to complete the final design, documentation, fabrication and delivery of the flight-ready URRM hardware which cannot be solicited through another vendor.

The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial product or commercial service using FAR Part 12. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort electronically via email to Tammy Clark at tammy.k.clark@nasa.gov no later than 2:00 PM ET on February 25, 2025. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct this acquisition on a competitive basis.

A determination by the Government not to compete this acquisition on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at : https://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/regs/Procurement-Ombuds-Comp-Advocate-Listing.pdf