NASA… Nano Needs A Ride (RFQ)

[SatNews] The NASA Launch Services Program (LSP) is seeking a high altitude launch service for demonstration Nano-Satellites.

This is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) in accordance with Subpart 12.6 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only request; quotations are being requested and a separate written solicitation will not be issued. This contract will consist of a single launch with potential extension at the Government’s discretion to up to four additional launches. LSP requires a launch service provider with proven flight experience and a rocket capable of both launch and safe return of Nano-Satellite payloads in order to collect/analyze NASA experimental data. The solicitation is under NAICS 541712 c for Space Vehicles and Guided Missiles, their Propulsion Units, their Propulsion Units Parts, and their Auxiliary Equipment and Parts.

The Contractor shall provide a launch vehicle with at minimum one successful previous launch. In the proposal the Contractor shall provide the Government with flight data (either telemetered or recovered) from previous launch attempts and insight into the Launch Vehicle propulsion system design that will be used on the contracted mission(s). A firm fixed price for the first flight with four (4) options of one (1) additional flight per option shall be priced by the Contractor. Options for the additional flights shall be priced based on a flight rate of one launch every 6 to 12 months. Contracted flight(s) shall occur within 12 months from Authorization to Proceed (ATP). As a separate price, the Contractor shall provide prices for the same flights where ejection of Nano-Satellites contained in the P-POD is not required.

Closing date set for receipt of offers is August 10, 2011 at 12:00 pm EST. Offers should be mailed, emailed, or faxed (321-867-0337) prior to the established due date above. The email address for written questions and RFQ submissions is [email protected]. The postal address is:

NASA Procurement
M/C OP-LS
Attn: Jennifer Dorsey
Kennedy Space Center, FL. 32899

General Information

• Solicitation Number: NNK11LB41Q
• Posted Date: Jul 29, 2011
• FedBizOpps Posted Date: Jul 29, 2011
• Recovery and Reinvestment Act Action: No
• Original Response Date: Aug 10, 2011
• Current Response Date: Aug 10, 2011
• Classification Code: 18 — Space vehicles
• NAICS Code: 541712 – Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)

Offers will be evaluated and the Contractor selected based on the following:

1. Total overall price
2. Technical capabilities
3. Past performance

All evaluation factors other than cost or price are approximately equal to cost or price. Past performance and technical capabilities will be evaluated as part of the evaluation process. “Past performance” refers to the quality of work in the past. Past performance will be evaluated on the basis of information obtained from references and other sources. Past performance more than three (3) years old will not be considered. “Technical capabilities” refers to the ability of your company to meet the Government’s requirements. This shall be demonstrated by providing flight data from previous launch attempts and insight into the Launch Vehicle propulsion system design which shall be submitted with your quotation. The contract will be awarded to the offeror that has the best combination of price, technical capability, and past performance.