Commercial Aviation Services to Support NASA Airborne Science

NASA/ARC has a requirement for The Airborne Science Program (ASP) within NASA’s Science Mission Directorate requires the addition of a Gulfstream IV to an already awarded contract for commercial aviation services supporting NASA’s airborne science missions. This modification aims to enhance capabilities by providing a long-range, high-altitude aircraft suitable for deploying remote sensing instruments, including imagers and LIDAR, essential for satellite calibration and earth system research. The Gulfstream IV must meet the following specifications by May 15, 2025:

• Range: Capable of at least 2,500 miles to cover mission areas.


• Altitude: Able to operate at a minimum of 35,000 feet for optimal data collection.


• Nadir Ports: Two ports, each 16 inches square, capable of supporting up to 100 lbs for instrument deployment.


• Crew Accommodation: Space for at least two instrument operators or technicians.


• Access: Aircraft must have nadir ports installed and operational by May 15, 2025.

NASA/ARC intends to issue a sole source contract to acquire the services from Dynamic Aviation under the authority of 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1) and FAR 6.302-1 as the only responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.

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

Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort electronically via email to Joshua.D.Taggart@nasa.gov not later than 12:00 p.m. CT on February 20, 2025. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether 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