Design of modifying the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) High Bay 3 (HB-3) for the Space Launch System (SLS) Phase 3, PCN 99500.4
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Kennedy Space Center has issued a Justification for an Exception to Fair Opportunity for the design modification of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) High Bay 3 (HB-3) for the Space Launch System (SLS) Phase 3. This justification supports a sole-source award to Merrick & Company under the Southeast Regional Architect and Engineer (SERAE) contract.
Purpose of Justification
This document justifies issuing a firm-fixed-price task order to Merrick & Company without full and open competition. The basis for this exception is FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(C), citing that it is a logical follow-on to an order already issued under the contract, and is in the interest of economy and efficiency.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for the study and design modification of the VAB High Bay 3 (HB-3) at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, to support the Space Launch System (SLS) Block 1B Crew, Phase 3. This includes designing specialized platforms to be installed, which are a key component of the overall construction work. Merrick is also involved in evaluating integrated models for existing level B2 and C platforms.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price Task Order
- Parent Contract: Southeast Regional Architect and Engineer (SERAE) contract 80KSC022DA115
- Awardee: Merrick & Company
- Period of Performance: Estimated 245 days from award
- Product/Service Code: C219 (Other Architect And Engineering Services)
- Place of Performance: Kennedy Space Center, Florida
Basis for Exception
Merrick & Company is identified as the only Architect and Engineer (A&E) firm with the specialized expertise required to design the platforms and is the Engineer of Record (EOR) for the design. Procuring this design from another contractor would likely result in significant additional costs and schedule delays due to the need for extensive familiarization with the ongoing work and existing designs.
Additional Notes
This is a justification notice, not a solicitation for proposals. The Contracting Officer will continue to examine the market for alternative solutions for future acquisitions.