For National Academies of Science, Strategic Advice Supporting NASA Science and Technology Programs in Space, Science, Earth Science, Biological and Physical Science in Space

THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. NO PROPOSALS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO THIS NOTICE.

This notice is issued by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration/Headquarters (NASA/HQ) to post a draft Statement of Work to solicit responses from interested parties. This document is for information and planning purposes and to allow industry the opportunity to verify reasonableness and feasibility of the requirement.

NASA/HQ has a requirement for the acquisition of strategic level assessments and advice on questions of national importance within the domain of NASA science and technology programs relating to space science, Earth science, biological and physical science in space, including decadal surveys.

NASA/HQ intends to issue a sole source contract to acquire the services from the National Academy of Science (NAS), under the authorities of FAR 6.302-1, Only one responsible source and no other supplies and services will satisfy agency requirements, and FAR 6.302-5, Authorized or required by statute. NAS can meet this requirement by maintaining expertise of the nation's foremost scientific scholars, researchers, and engineers. It is from its extensive network that NAS derives its membership for the panels, committees, boards, and roundtables, consistent with its charter, to examine NASA's issues or challenges relating to space science, Earth science, and biological and physical science in space recommendations to ensure the viability of these activities. In addition, NAS uses rigorous and independent review processes that guarantee the quality and integrity of its studies, evaluations, and reports. NAS provides NASA with a unique resource for meeting the need for expert research and guidance and for responding to inquiries pertaining to science and technology policy and oversight for NASA. NAS is also the source Congress calls out under Title 51 20301that states that in order to maintain a balanced space science portfolio, the Administrator should set science priorities by following the guidance provided by the scientific community through NAS' decadal surveys.

The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12.

Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort electronically via email to Brandon Lentz at brandon.m.lentz@nasa.gov not later than 5:30 PM on June 1, 2021. When responding reference Notice 80HQTR21R0002 . Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this acquisition on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to compete this acquisition on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government.

This presolicitation synopsis is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government, nor will the Government pay for the information submitted in response. The Government may not respond to questions/concerns submitted. The Government will use the information to finalize the procurement strategy and Request for Proposal as necessary.

All comments or questions shall be submitted electronically via email to Brandon Lentz at brandon.m.lentz@nasa.gov, no later than 5:30 PM on June 1, 2021 When responding reference Notice 80HQTR21R0002 .

NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/pub/pub_library/Omb.html

A solicitation is not intended to be released if this remains a sole source. If the final strategy changes to a competition and a solicitation is released, then it and any additional documents will be available on www.beta.sam.gov. It is the offeror's responsibility to monitor this website 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.