SOLICITATION NOTICE
A -- SUPPORT FOR ASTRO-H SXT MIRROR-ASSEMBLY STUDY
- Notice Date
- 11/18/2009
- Notice Type
- Presolicitation
- NAICS
- 541712
— Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Contracting Office
- NASA/George C. Marshall Space Flight Center, Procurement Office, Marshall SpaceFlight Center, AL 35812
- ZIP Code
- 35812
- Solicitation Number
- NNM10AB34R
- Response Due
- 12/4/2009
- Archive Date
- 11/18/2010
- Point of Contact
- Melinda E. Dodson, Contracting Officer, Phone 256-961-7454, Fax 256-961-7524, Email Melinda.E.Dodson@nasa.gov
- E-Mail Address
-
Melinda E. Dodson
(Melinda.E.Dodson@nasa.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- NASA/MSFC has a requirement for a the services of an organization with existing anddemonstrated expertise in mechanical finite-element modeling (FEM) of thin, segmentedoptics and in x-ray optical systems. The NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) isundertaking a one-year study to optimize alignment and mounting processes for integratingthin, segmented mirrors into a Wolter-1-type x-ray mirror assembly. The immediate goal ofthis study is to identify, analyze, and test hardware and procedures for improving theimaging performance of the Soft X-ray Telescope (SXT) for the Astro-H mission. NASA/MSFC intends to purchase the items from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory(SAO), in Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02138. SAO has extensive experience withhigh-fidelity mechanical and optical analyses of thin shell x-ray optics. Specifically,they are modeling mountinginduced distortions in ultra-thin x-ray reflectors andtechniques for assembling heavily nested mirror modules while preserving the reflectorangular. This acknowledged expertise is exactly what is required for the MSFC analysis.SAO combines the highly specialized knowledge of x-ray optics with the necessarymechanical modeling tools specifically developed and experimentally validated for thisapplication. The required analysis is part of a Headquarters-requested, MSFC-led feasibility study forimprovements in optics scheduled to be flown aboard the Japanese ASTRO-H mission in 2014.The work is thus tied to a flight schedule, with a preliminary design review scheduledfor at the end of FY 2010. To support this, it is vital that the feasibility study beconcluded within approximately one year, and this in turn means that the requested 1-yearmodeling effort must be started prior to the end of 2009. This urgency reinforces thedesirability of SAO performing the modeling effort, as they have the necessary tools andexpertise to start immediately and complete the effort on time, with no additional delayscoming up to speed with the problems and no delays compiling the necessary computermodels. The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12.See Note26.Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform theeffort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 4:30 p.m. MarshallSpace Flight Center local time on December 4, 2009. Such capabilities/qualificationswill be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct thisprocurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to competethis proposed effort on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to thisnotice, 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 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
- SN02006802-W 20091120/091119000206-1dd7534443d59d761b480084999c81fa (fbodaily.com)
- Source
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