NASA/GSFC plans to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for an extended period of Mission Operations and Data Analysis (MO&DA) for the Transition Region and Coronal Explorer (TRACE) science investigation. NASA/GSFC intends to continue this space physics and astronomy investigation with Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Advanced Technology Center (LM ATC) on a sole-source basis. The authority for Other Than Full and Open Competition is 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1), Only One Responsible Source. Lockheed Martin is the only organization qualified to perform this requirement due to their unique knowledge of the TRACE instrument and overall science investigation. Lockheed Martin was competitively selected as the Principal Investigator of the TRACE mission over seven years ago and has been responsible for the design, development, integration, test, operation, and scientific data analysis for TRACE since its inception. A new contractor would be required to duplicate substantial amounts of effort already undertaken by LM ATC. As a result, unacceptable delays would be incurred during this necessary training period at a time when error-free science operations are required to prevent the loss of critical scientific data. This extended MO&DA phase will be for a period of three years and includes requirements for science operations planning; monitoring correct instrument status (instrument “health and safety”) and performance; acquiring, disseminating, and analyzing data; and managing the science investigation, including coordination within the TRACE team and liaison with NASA. The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. See Note 26. Interested firms may, by the response due date, submit in writing to the identified point of contact their qualifications/capabilities. Such qualifications/capabilities will be used 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 competitive 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 qualified responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency. The internet site, or URL, for the NASA/GSFC Business Opportunities page is http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eps/bizops.cgi?gr=C&pin-51. Any reference notes may be viewed at the following URLs link below.

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