NASA has a requirement for additional material characterization studies ofNASA-provided PICA, (Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablator) a porous, low density thermalprotection material. NASA currently has a purchase order for materials testing of PICAwith Southern Research Institute of Birmingham, AL, and the intent is to modify thecurrent order to add the additional testing services. The new tests include 51 tensiletests, 9 lap shear tests, 15 compression tests, 3 Poissons Ratio tests, 14 CRA(comparative rod analysis) tests and 2 GHP (guarded hot plate) tests. The proposed workwill include layout, non-destructive evaluation, machining, testing, data reduction, andreporting.NASA ARC intends to issue a modification to Purchase Order NNA07BB10P, to purchase theseadditional services from Southern Research Institute, in accordance with 10 U.S.C.2304(c)(1), the only known responsible source for these services. Southern ResearchInsitute is the only identified facility that has the technical expertise capable ofperforming the above specified work at the required level of quality assurance. SinceNASA has had PICA samples tested at various facilities, a key element of the current workis to repeat the test techniques using a standard provided by NASA in order to allowdirect facility comparisions on a NIST traceable material.The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12.Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform theeffort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 12:30 p.m. Pacifictime on July 17, 2008. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for thepurpose 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 opencompetition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretionof the government.Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.All responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency.An Ombudsman has been appointed. See NASA Specific Note "B".Any referenced notes may be viewed at the following URLs linked below.

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