Low Enriched Uranium Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Rocket Engine
NASA/MSFC has a requirement for the formulation, conceptual design, analysis, and manufacturing evaluation of a nuclear reactor, core and fuel elements, for a Low Enriched Uranium Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) Rocket Engine. The work is part of a larger NTP project managed by Marshall Space Flight Center under the NASA Headquarters Space Technology Mission Directorate, Game Changing Development Program. The services include, but are limited to:
1.1 Project Management and Reporting
1.2 Reactor Conceptual Design
1.2.1 Perform advanced concept work to focus on the optimum reactor core design.
1.3 Fabrication Technology and Fuel Tests
1.3.1 Core and Fabrication Development
1.3.2 Fuel Fabrication Development
1.3.3 Fuel Test Specimen Development
1.4 Oversight and Consultation of Licensing and Engine Test Preparations
1.4.1 Licensing Support
1.4.2 Testing Support
This synopsis is provided for informational purposes only. NASA/MSFC intends to procure these services on a sole source basis from BWX Nuclear Energy, Incorporated pursuant to FAR 6.302-1, which implements the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304(c) (1) which implements the authority for U.S.C. 2304(c)(1), for the acquisition of supplies and services from only one responsible source and no other type of supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. In accordance with FAR 6.302-1(a)(2)(iii)(A), services may be deemed to be available only from the original source for the continued provision of highly specialized services when it is likely that award to any other source would result in substantial duplication of cost to the Government that is not expected to be recovered through competition and unacceptable delays in fulfilling the agency's requirements.
BWX Nuclear Energy, Incorporated is uniquely qualified to satisfy the Government requirements based on the following:
• Extensive and ongoing experience in developing and fabricating nuclear fuels, including fuels used in naval reactors.
• Current capability to work with safeguards "Category 1" quantities of Highly Enriched Uranium.
• Current capability to work with uranium enriched at 19.75%.
• Experience in developing fuels designed to allow reactors previously fueled by Highly Enriched Uranium to be fueled by Low Enriched Uranium.
• Extensive and ongoing experience interacting with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
• Extensive and ongoing experience in the design of reactors and reactor components for mobile and other non-commercial power applications of fission technology.
• Experience in space nuclear applications and with gas cooled reactors.
• Extensive and ongoing experience related to the testing of fuel materials.
The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12.
NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/pub/pub_library/Omb.html .
Mary K. Cooper, Contracting Officer, Phone 256-961-0159, Email kathy.cooper@nasa.gov - Melinda E Swenson, Contracting Officer, Phone 256-544-0381, Email melinda.e.swenson@nasa.gov
