NASA/GSFC has a requirement for 18 50 lb buckets of Mars Simulant.  NASA/GSFC intends to purchase the items from Orbitec.

The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12.
To our knowledge, Orbitec is the only vendor that can provide NASA with 18 50 lb buckets of Mars Simulant dust with < 1mm particle size for use in 18 X 20 X 10ft deep tank.

Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 3:30 p.m. local time on June 09, 2016. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated 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 competition 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 responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency.

NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at http://ombuds.gsfc.nasa.gov/how_contact.html.