Management and Operations of NASA's Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF)

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Headquarters (HQ) has a requirement for continued on-site operation, maintenance, and development of the telescope system for the Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF) that supports the HQ Planetary Science Division and NASA's science and mission goals.

NASA HQ Procurement intends to issue a sole source contract to acquire services from the University of Hawaii (UH), Institute for Astronomy with an anticipated period of performance of up to nine and one-half (9.5) years (1-year base period, eight (8) 1-year option period(s), and one 6-month option period). The University of Hawaii, Institute for Astronomy has over four decades of experience operating the IRTF and managing the science and instrument development strategy in support of NASA's science and mission objectives. The University of Hawaii, Institute for Astronomy is the only source that can seamlessly continue the facility management and operations, science planning, and instrument development that is critical to support the Science Mission Directorate mission encounters, respond to target-of-opportunity events (e.g., potentially hazardous asteroids), and to obtain science for NASA mission development.

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

Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications in writing to perform the effort electronically via email to Mike Chabala, Contract Specialist, carl.m.chabala@nasa.gov not later than 3:00pm ET, on August 23, 2023. 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.

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

Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.

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.