NASA/MSFC has a requirement for electroless nickel plating of aluminum mandrels in the production of a x-ray telescope for the Micro-X project.

NASA/MSFC intends to purchase the items from North American En, Inc. (NAEN). The MSFC Micro-X project requires and currently uses very large, electroless nickel plated aluminum mandrels. NAEN is the only known source that can provide a pit free, high phosphor, nickel plated mandrel to allow MSFC to meet the specific, tight polishing requirements that are inherent to the successful use of electroless nickel-plated mandrels for a variety of x-ray telescope projects.

The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12.

Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact no later than 4:30 p.m. local time on April 22, 2014. 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.

Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.

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

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