NASA/GSFC has a requirement for member participation in the Mid Atlantic  Crossroads (MAX) to acquire network traffic connectivity services for the Earth Science Data Information System (ESDIS) project. MAX membership includes: full connectivity to Internet2 and Federal Networks such as DREN, ESNet, and all other MAX peering networks; high rate connection to the MAX networks; redundant high rate; and interface maintenance. This interface will continue to provide the necessary connectivity for the network traffic for the Earth Observing System (EOS) Missions including our flagship missions: Terra, Aqua, and Aura to Universities, International peers, and other Federal networks.

NASA/GSFC intends to issue a sole source contract to acquire the services from the University of Maryland (UMD), under the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1), as implemented by Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302-1.

The University of Maryland through  MAX is the only source capable of  providing ESDIS with direct connectivity into Internet 2 with full partner status.  Connectivity at less than full partner status, such as through a peering network, would prohibit ESDIS data transfers to several necessary partners such as Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) due to Internet 2 usage policies.

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 Carlos E. Natera at [email protected] not later than 4:30 p.m. local time on Tuesday, October 27, 2022. 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.

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