SOURCES SOUGHT
A -- SATELLITE LASER RANGING (SLR) SYSTEM NETWORK REPLACEMENT PROJECT
- Notice Date
- 11/23/2004
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 517910
— Other Telecommunications
- Contracting Office
- NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, Code 210.M, Greenbelt, MD 20771
- ZIP Code
- 20771
- Solicitation Number
- NNG05Z21001L
- Response Due
- 12/22/2004
- Archive Date
- 11/23/2005
- Description
- The NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center is issuing this Request for Information to solicit early industry participation and identify potential sources for the Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) System Network Replacement Project. (Also see "Attachment" to this synopsis) NASA/GSFC has been operating and maintaining ground-based laser ranging systems since the early 1960's. The SLR systems track cube corner-equipped satellites by making time-of-flight measurements utilizing short pulse laser transmitters and photomultiplier tube-based timing receivers. The SLR data collected by Goddard's network is used in numerous earth science studies as well as providing support for ongoing orbital missions where precision orbit determination is required. Current systems have reached the performance limits for both data quality and quantity while the demand for precision tracking data continues to grow. The next generation replacement SLR system must employ new ideas, instrumentation, philosophies, and techniques to provide accurate, reliable, 24/7 tracking operations at greatly reduced costs. Through a competitive process NASA plans to replace the existing SLR Network with new automated systems that address these issues and that retire the electrical, chemical, ocular, and toxic fume hazards existing on current systems. NASA/GSFC currently has a prototype system (SLR2000) in development. The primary goals of prototype development is to evaluate single photon detection SLR systems operating at kilohertz rates, to demonstrate enabling key technologies, ideas and instrumentation, and to determine system hardware, software, and control algorithm performance levels and limitations. NASA/GSFC is interested in receiving information from industry to plan the procurement of the next generation Satellite Laser Ranging System Network. The SLR Network is expected to consist of eight to twelve systems which will be deployed globally. While the exact locations of the network have not been chosen yet, it is expected that the current NASA SLR system locations will be used, and that additional sites will be near existing facilities that can supply power and communication. The SLR systems will be expected to communicate in real-time to a Central Facility (not included as part of this RFI) which will coordinate and monitor the Network's performance. The new SLR system supplier will be required to demonstrate interim subsystem performance at the factory as well as system verification and performance assessment at the final location. Acceptance will be at each system's final location. (Also see "Attachment" to this synopsis for further information) All respondents are asked to submit a brief SLR system description including technical approach and risk assessment; a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate for the SLR system design, build, deployment, testing and training; an estimated time schedule for completion and delivery of up to 12 SLR systems; and an indication if you would be willing to bid on this as a fixed price contract. Respondents are also asked to submit capability statements, relative past experience, and any literature, brochures, and references necessary to support their ability to meet or exceed the stated requirements. All responses must be received by no later than 2:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time (EST), on December 22, 2004. Both written and electronic submissions are acceptable. Fax submissions will not be accepted. All written responses to this RFI shall be submitted to NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, ATTN: Regina Williams, Code 210M.4, 8800 Greenbelt Road, Greenbelt, MD 20771. All electronic responses shall be submitted to regina.a.williams@nasa.gov. (See "Attachment" to this synopsis for further instructions) This Request for Information is issued solely for information and planning purposes only and should not be construed as a commitment by the Government. This is not a solicitation for proposals and in accordance with FAR 15.201(e) responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. All respondents are solely responsible for any and all expenses associated with providing information in response to this notice. Responses to this RFI will not be returned and respondents will not be notified of the results of the Government's evaluation.
- Web Link
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- Record
- SN00712569-W 20041125/041123212347 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
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