Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) Operations Contract II (NOC II)   4

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Johnson Space Center (JSC) plans to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) Operations Contract II (NOC II). The principal purpose of this requirement is to specify technical, managerial, administrative, safety, and dive operations work needed to ensure the availability, integrity, and reliability of the systems and subsystems of integrated hardware and software used in the preparation for and performance of mission operations at the NBL supporting NASA human spaceflight programs. The objectives of this contract are to provide support (labor and expertise) to ensure the continuing safe operations of the NBL and support all required events and increase opportunities for synergy across all functions, processes, and systems. NASA will collaborate with the Contractor to develop technical and procedural innovations that improve safety, enhance quality, ensure user satisfaction, and reduce cost.

The NBL is a key Agency asset that supports human space flight training by simulating weightless and partial gravity environments through underwater diving operations. It provides capabilities for astronaut training, real-time mission troubleshooting, flight hardware development and verification, water survival training, and support of external customers. Because of the NBL's importance to the NASA mission, and the highly hazardous operations performed there, the NBL has high-visibility to agency management and the general public. The NBL also includes a Logistics and Mockup Facility (LMF) that provides fabrication, repair, and maintenance of mockups.

The NBL is operated by JSC's Flight Operations Directorate (FOD). The NBL currently supports the International Space Station (ISS), Artemis (including Orion, Gateway, and Lunar Surface operations), other NASA space programs, and other JSC directorates (e.g., Engineering, Health and Human Performance, and Public Affairs). In addition to the JSC directorates, the NBL also supports other NASA field centers, other Government agencies (e.g., U.S. Coast Guard), and commercial companies.

The support provided includes the use of the NBL for submerged and surface activities. The LMF is also available to provide hardware repairs or modifications to increase productivity in the NBL.

The mockups used in the NBL are full-scale (1:1) models of spacecraft, spacecraft components, or lunar surface features. Depending on their purpose, mockups can vary from low fidelity, which models the basic volume and shape of the item, to high fidelity, which very closely matches the look and feel of the item. Mockups can be built to last briefly (e.g., for short-term engineering evaluations) or for many years. NBL mockups are usually made from stainless steel, composites and plastics and are intended for multi-year use.

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

The NAICS Code and Size Standard are 541715 and 1,000 employees, respectively.

The anticipated release date of the RFP is on or about August 30, 2023, with an anticipated offer due date of on or about September 29, 2023.

All responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency.

A Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) facilities clearance is anticipated to be required at proposal submission for this acquisition in accordance with the DD Form 254, Contract Security Classification Specification. For proposals submitted as joint ventures, the joint venture itself or the individual partner(s) to the joint venture that will perform the necessary security work must have a facility security clearance.

NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at https://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/regs/Procurement-Ombuds-Comp-Advocate-Listing.pdf

If a solicitation is released, then it and any additional documents will be available on www.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).

Prospective offerors are encouraged to notify this office of their intent to submit an offer.