NOTE: This synopsis replaces the previously posted Sources Sought Synopsis for the ARC UARC. Documents still pertinent during this acquisition have been reposted with this synopsis. They have not been changed. NASA/ARC plans to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the NASA Ames (ARC) University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). ARC intends to establish a unique, hybrid research center model consisting of a lean, civil service-based core research center tightly coupled with a UARC. The UARC shall provide ARC with additional research capability to fulfill our mission requirements extending from fundamental investigations through development and field-testing of prototype systems demonstrating new science and technological advances. Work shall be performed primarily at ARC; however, occasionally work at sites other than ARC may be required. Additionally, the UARC shall provide for educational interaction between university faculty, students and ARC researchers to develop future human resources in technology and science. The UARC shall manage an on-site "teaching hospital" type of environment in the core technology and science disciplines which should benefit the entire agency in the continuing education of the NASA workforce. The UARC's core competencies include Information Technology, Biotechnology, Nanotechnology, Aerospace Operations, Astrobiology, Fundamental Space Biology, and Computer Science.= =20 The UARC will have capabilities in the areas of Artificial Intelligence/Autonomous Reasoning, Human Factors/ Human-Centered Computing, Knowledge Engineering, Evolvable Hardware and Software, Biomolecular Technologies and Science, Nano-electronics and Computing, Exobiology, Astrophysics, Planetary Protections Science, Biology, Genomics, Proteomics, Cellomics, Operations Automation, System Simulation and Modeling, and the Engineering of Complex Systems. NASA/ARC intends to limit competition to a domestic degree-granting university, university system, or other educational or non-profit institution. The authority permitting other than full and open competition that is applicable to this procurement is found in FAR Part 6.302-3 (10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(3) or 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(3)), Industrial mobilization; engineering, developmental, or research capability; or expert services. The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. See Note 26. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. Interested organizations that would not be eligible to submit a proposal under the limitation on competition may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the entire effort in writing, via email, to the identified point of contact not later than 4:00 p.m. local time on September 27, 2002. Organizations responding to this synopsis must meet ALL of the UARC's required capabilities. The UARC requirements are discussed in more detail in the Draft Request for Proposal originally posted on August 26, 2002 and reposted with this synopsis. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on the basis of limited competition as stated above. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed effort on a full and open basis is solely within the discretion of the government. 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 It is the offeror's responsibility to monitor the Internet site for the release of the solicitation and amendments (if any). Potential offerors will be responsible for downloading their own copy of the solicitation and amendments (if any). Sources interested in receiving updates regarding this RFP can register with the NAIS Email Notification System (NENS) which allows you to receive notifications on NASA acquisition opportunities of interest to you. You can register to receive email notifications by creating subscriptions, which will enable you to track updates posted on the NASA Acquisition Internet Service. The NENS link is http://nais.msfc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/nens/index.cgi.=20

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