SOLICITATION NOTICE
A -- MARS SCIENCE LABORATORY ENTRY DESCENT AND LANDING INSTRUMENTATION ARCJET TESTING OF AN ABLATIVE THERMAL PROTECTION SYSTEM MATERIAL
- Notice Date
- 1/3/2007
- Notice Type
- Solicitation Notice
- NAICS
- 488190
— Other Support Activities for Air Transportation
- Contracting Office
- NASA/Langley Research Center, Mail Stop 144, Industry Assistance Office, Hampton, VA 23681-0001
- ZIP Code
- 23681-0001
- Solicitation Number
- NNL07AB42Q
- Response Due
- 1/15/2007
- Archive Date
- 1/3/2008
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- NASA/LaRC has a requirement to conduct arcjet testing of an ablative thermal protection system (TPS) material. The Mars Science Laboratory Entry, Descent and Landing Instrumentation (MEDLI) project has been approved to incorporate an atmospheric data system into the Mars Science Laboratory heatshield, for collecting valuable environmental data during the Mars entry. This data system includes a series of pressure ports, through the TPS, which feed to pressure transducers mounted inside the aeroshell. The MEDLI project is on a very aggressive schedule, and an early determination of the proper port configuration is critical to successful integration with the MSL schedule. A matrix of arcjet tests is necessary to find the port diameter that can be sustained under pyrolysis and ablation, providing a good pressure measurement without compromising heatshield integrity. Expected conditions at the pressure port locations range between 60 and 110 W/cm2 in heat rate, and 0.1 to 0.3 atmospheres in pressure. The test matrix consists of 9 points spanning these conditions, with 3 port diameters to be compared at each condition. Approximately six survivability tests at 225 W/cm2 will be required, once the optimal port diameters are determined. NASA will fabricate all of the necessary samples. The facility shall also have the ability to safeguard proprietary materials, such as keeping the test samples in a locked cabinet and limiting personnel access to the tests. NASA/LaRC intends to purchase the arcjet testing services from Boeing, Inc. who is the only known commercial source for providing these arcjet testing conditions. While NASA facilities have been identified that can perform the services, the facilities cannot accommodate the required schedule. NASA intends to commence the tests in late January 2007 to define the configuration. The authority for this action is the test program for commercial items (section 4202 of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996), and 10 USC 2304(c)(1). The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12 and Part 13.5, Test Program for Certain Commercial Items. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 4:30 p.m. local time on January 15, 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. All responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency. An Ombudsman has been appointed. See NASA Specific Note "B". Any referenced notes may be viewed at the following URLs linked below.
- Web Link
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- Record
- SN01204809-W 20070105/070103221136 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
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