GSFC Fast Tracks Space Forensics Website (Update)

Space Forensics Website, NASA GSFC
“This announcement constitutes the only solicitation, which is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ); quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued … Questions regarding this acquisition must be submitted in writing via e-mail ino later than September 26, 2013].”
Keith’s 23 Sep note: NASA GSFC posts this solicitation on 20 September late in the day – the day before a weekend. That leaves 23, 24, 25, 26 September for any software firm that did not have a healthy heads from NASA up to create input for a credible proposal or quote – from scratch. In reality, this is clearly a sole source procurement masquerading as an open solicitation. Too bad GSFC can’t be honest enough to admit that. As for the intent of the solicitation – sounds interesting. Too bad NASA GSFC is not willing or able to allow sufficient time for the best possible input to be developed from a wide range of potential bidders. At the speed they are doing this GSFC might be able to pick a vendor before the end of the fiscal year. I’ll be that a simple FOIA request would reveal that they already know who they want to award this contract to.
Keith’s 24 Sep update: NASA has posted an Amendment to the solicitation: “The due date for responses has been extended to October 9, 2013. Questions will be due no later than October 7, 2013.” What a coincidence.