U--GLOBAL FORUM ON SPACE ECONOMICS

NASA Headquarters (HQ), Office of Communications Planning, is planning to procure a membership to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Global Forum on Space Economics. The OECD provides a unique forum whereby governments of up to approximately 30 democracies, other non-governmental organization (NGOs), and the private sector work together to address the economic, social and environmental challenges of globalization. The OECD is widely recognized for the quality of its policy recommendations among members of States and the world community, and as a non-profit international organization, the OECD brings no commercial or political bias to its work. In addition, the OECD is known for their expertise in addressing political, economic, technological and social issues in a multilateral framework, including expertise in the rules that can be applied to enhance the smooth functioning of markets. Membership will enable NASA to access expertise and capabilities through this forum that it would otherwise not be able to access. In addition, it is anticipated that the successful development of this forum will help meet important U.S. policy objectives in the space sector. In 2005, the OECD completed a study and analysis of the development of the space infrastructure which was contained in “Space 2030: Tackling Society’s Challenges”. This report made a number of recommendations on issues to be addressed to improve international legal and institutional frameworks for government space polices. The recommendations from this report shall be used as the basis to address the key issues in the Global Forum on Space Economics. The OECD convenes the Global Forum on Space Economics. The Global Forum consists of a series of six intergovernmental meetings over a three year period. The purpose of the meetings is to provide an in-depth analysis of space issues, provide recommendations for improving the international legal and institutional frameworks, and provide recommendations regarding government space policies. To establish a platform for international discussion and analysis on a whole range of key economic issues effecting the future development of space infrastructure and space-based applications, NASA is seeking information on the following topics: (1) space sector statistics; (2) benefits of space based applications; (3) economic indicators; (4) various economic and business models; (5) governance, including international cooperation; and (6) legal and regulatory frameworks. Other related topics may be identified and added, as needed. After each meeting, the OECD will prepare and submit a detailed report. NASA Headquarters intends to solicit and negotiate sole source procurement for the above from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) the contract will be for a base year with 3 one year option periods. The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform this effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later that 12:30 p.m. local time on November 8, 2007. 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 will be considered by the agency. An ombudsman has been appointed. See NASA Specific Note “B.” This procurement is being conducted under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). The authority is only one responsible source 10U.S.C.2304(c)(1).