NASA/MSFC plans to issue a Request for Offer (RFO) for a research effort entitled "Proof Test Design & Analysis: NASGRO (Nonlinear Fatigue Crack Growth) Modules." NASA/MSFC intends to purchase subject research effort from Southwest Research Institute (SWRI), San Antonio, Texas. This procurement includes development, integration, and verification of software modules which incorporate existing flaw geometries and proof test methodologies with elastic-plastic fracture mechanics solutions, previously developed by SWRI, into the NASGRO fracture mechanics code. These software modules are an essential part of NASA's needs for design and analysis of structural elements in space flight hardware and ground support. SWRI has the unique capabilities and techniques that cannot be duplicated in a timely or cost effective manner. The elastic-plastic fracture and proof test methodologies developed by SWRI are immediately available and directly applicable to the development of these software modules. Only SWRI can provide the technical expertise required to continue this work within the period of performance and estimated cost. Prior involvement with elastic-plastic fracture and proof test research efforts has placed SWRI at the forefront of technical understanding of elastic-plastic methodologies as well as how to integrate these methodologies into the NASGRO code. Market research indicates that no other source has pursued or developed practical analytical tools for design and assessment of proof testing in the elastic-plastic regime. The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. See Note 26. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 4:30 p.m. local time on March 22, 2002. 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. An Ombudsman has been appointed. See NASA Specific Note "B". All qualified responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency. Any referenced notes can be viewed at the following URL: http://genesis.gsfc.nasa.gov/nasanote.html

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