NASA/MSFC Determinant Assembly for the SLS B1B Payload Adapter

NASA/MSFC has a requirement for a Determinant Assembly for the Space Launch System (SLS) Block 1B Payload Adapter. NASA/MSFC intends to issue a sole source contract to acquire the services from Shape Fidelity, Inc under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The services procured will entail the use of a series of highly specialized engineering techniques, including but not limited to:

(1) structured light scanning, (2) digital assembly, and (3) Computer Aided Design (CAD) guided drilling. These services will be employed in conjunction with one another to achieve determinant assembly of the full-scale SLS Block 1B Payload Adapter Qualification article. The engineering approach to be used includes proprietary methods which have been developed and proven by Shape Fidelity, Inc., via a feasibility study on full-scale Payload Adapter hardware.

As such, the services to be procured are not available from another provider.

The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort electronically via email to Josh Stiles (Primary POC) at Joshua.B.Stiles@nasa.gov or Wade Amis (Alternate POC) at Wade.S.Amis@nasa.gov not later than 5:00 P.M. C.D.T. on September 27, 2024. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not 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