SOURCES SOUGHT
C -- HIGH DEFINITION INFRARED CAMERA SYSTEMS SUITABLE FOR LOW EARTH ORBITGEOSYNCHRONOUS EARTH ORBIT AND INTERPLANETARY SPACEFLIGHT
- Notice Date
- 7/27/2015
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 333316
— Photographic and Photocopying Equipment Manufacturing
- Contracting Office
- NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, Code 210.S, Greenbelt, MD 20771
- ZIP Code
- 20771
- Solicitation Number
- NNG15FB01RFI
- Response Due
- 8/10/2015
- Archive Date
- 7/27/2016
- Point of Contact
- Ashley N McQueen, Contracting Officer, Phone 301-286-2691, Fax 301-286-6023, Email ashley.n.mcqueen@nasa.gov - Dean S Patterson, Procurement Manager, Phone 301-286-8085, Fax 301-286-1670, Email Dean.S.Patterson@nasa.gov
- E-Mail Address
-
Ashley N McQueen
(ashley.n.mcqueen@nasa.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- NASA is seeking broad information to update its market research regarding previously flown camera systems, systems currently in development for other non-NASA missions, as well as future camera technologies that are relevant to spacecraft missions in A) Low Earth Orbit (LEO), B) Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO), and C) Interplanetary Orbits (IO). In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), the information requested is for planning purposes only and is not intended to bind the Government. 1.Background: For the past several years, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has undertaken several studies to identify the required technologies to complete satellite servicing endeavors at a variety of orbital destinations (LEO, GEO, and IO). Early results of theses various studies have shown that a high definition infrared camera system suitable for a long-term space mission is useful for several different applications. These applications include long-range vehicle inspections, close-range worksite inspections, rendezvous & proximity operations (RPO), and localized situational awareness monitoring in low / no light scenarios. NASA GSFC is therefore seeking information regarding infrared cameras currently in existence with proven space flight heritage as well as camera systems currently under development within the aerospace industry for future space missions. During previous market research, NASA GSFC has identified a lack of space capable infrared camera systems with large format / high pixel density Focal Plane Arrays (FPA). We are therefore also soliciting information on the timelines and Non-Reoccurring Engineering (NRE) costs associated with developing an infrared camera system with a one megapixel or greater FPA. This Request For Information (RFI) is an intermediate step in identifying relevant and interested industry partners for developing a space capable, high definition infrared camera system to meet on-orbit requirements. The main intent of this RFI is to solicit updated responses from the aerospace industry to allow budget and schedule planning for future missions within the Satellite Servicing Capabilities Office (SSCO) at NASA GSFC. 2.Camera System Details: For purposes of this RFI, NASA is generally interested in the following type of infrared camera system.In the interests of broadening its market research, NASA GSFC encourages submission of all types of infrared camera systems even if their specifications do not meet each of the guidelines presented below. Wavelength: Long Wave Infra-Red (LWIR), typically defined as within the eight to fifteen micron range of the electromagnetic spectrum. Detector: Uncooled micro-bolometer, generally of the Vanadium Oxide (VOX) type or other uncoated detector. Optics: Athermalized optical refractive lens system suitable for the wavelength and optical format of the focal plane array to which it is paired. Mechanical: Internal or external shutter mechanism to provide i.Focal plane array protection from extensive sun exposure within the cameras Field of View (FOV). ii.Onboard calibration / flat fielding for improved camera imaging performance. Electrical Interface: Standard flight-qualified physical (RS-422, LVDS, 1553, etc.) and logical interfaces (UART, SpaceWire, HDLC, etc.) are preferred. 3.Generic Technical Specifications: In preparing responses to this RFI, the respondent must ensure that the camera system shall meet the following general specifications: Availability: General: GSFC prefers infrared camera systems that have either a successful spaceflight heritage (Technology Readiness Level* 9) or those that are already in development at a modest TRL (4 and above). Conceptualized or notional camera systems with extremely low TRLs (1 or 2) will not be considered. Camera Emulator(s): Can be available 6 to 8 months After Receipt of Order (ARO). Engineering Development Units (EDU): Can be available 12 - 16 months ARO. Flight Unit(s): Can be available 24 months ARO. Operational Lifespan: NASA is investigating various mission concepts including a twelve-month LEO mission, a five-year GEO mission, and a multi-year interplanetary mission. NASA seeks existing designs that can meet these various lifespans with little to no modifications. That is, one camera design compatible with all of these mission scenarios. Environmental: Radiation: GSFC has yet to choose a specific radiation model, but many models exist in the literature to provide a starting point for both the LEO and GEO environments. NASA seeks designs that ensure the survivability of the optics, optical coatings, detectors, and accompanying electronics in the radiation environment for the orbital lifespan. Survival Temperatures: Camera specifications must account for the thermal limitations of the environment in which the camera will fly. Internal camera components are likely to set the survivability temperatures for the cameras themselves. For example, temperature limits for both survival and operation may be held by internal camera heaters or thermal blanketing depending on the final temperature limitations of the hardware. Power used for internal heaters in a cold environment must be included in worst-case maximum power numbers. Launch Loads: Standard GSFC General Environmental Verification Specification (GEVS) for a generic expendable launch vehicle shall apply. 4.Disclaimer It is not NASAs intent to publicly disclose vendor proprietary information obtained during this solicitation. To the full extent that it is protected pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act and other laws and regulations, information identified by a Respondent as Proprietary or Confidential will be kept confidential. It is emphasized that this RFI is NOT a Request for Proposal, Quotation, or Invitation for Bid. This RFI is for information and planning purposes only, subject to FAR Clause 52.215-3 titled Solicitation for Information or Planning Purposes, and is NOT to be construed as a commitment by the Government to enter into a contractual agreement, nor will the Government pay for information submitted in response to this RFI. No solicitation exists; therefore, do not request a copy of the solicitation. If a solicitation is released it will be synopsized in FedBizOpps and on the NASA Acquisition Internet Service (NAIS). It is the potential offerors responsibility to monitor these sites for the release of any solicitation, synopsis, or related documents. The Government reserves the right to consider a small business or 8(a) set-aside based on responses hereto. All questions shall be submitted in writing to the points of contact listed below. As part of its assessment of industry capabilities, NASA-GSFC may contact respondents to this Request for Information (RFI) if clarifications or further information is needed. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the analysis of the RFI responses. 5.Instructions to Respondents: NASA GSFC appreciates responses from all capable and qualified sources including, but not limited to, NASA Centers, universities, university affiliated research centers, federally funded research and development centers, private or public companies, and government research laboratories. RFI responses shall include the following information for the respective camera systems being described: Summary of the camera system and how it could be used in a system/mission context Actual or estimated mass of unit Actual or estimated bounding box dimensions (length, width, height) Actual or estimated nominal and peak power draw Actual or estimated power on in-rush current Command, telemetry and video interface: both physical and logical protocols Maximum commanding bandwidth (where applicable) Maximum telemetry bandwidth (where applicable) Maximum video bandwidth Operational & survivability temperature ranges Detector type, detector manufacturer, spectral response, pixel resolution, pixel pitch, optical format, sensitivity, and maximum full frame rate Optics description & specifications (lens effective focal length, f/#, focus distance, FOV, DOF, geometric distortion, lens mount type). Previous flight mission heritage; including specific application details (where applicable) Respondents shall also address the following programmatic items: Name of corporate point of contact, telephone number, full mailing address, and e-mail address. Corporate competencies and past performance experience with regard to the development and production of similar camera systems. Respondents previous experiences in building flight hardware for NASA, DoD, or private firms. Respondents ability to conduct functional acceptance testing of camera units prior to delivery, and ability to provide relevant test plans, procedures, and the results of these tests at the time of the flight unit(s) delivery. This includes both functional performance testing and environmental qualification tests such as thermal vacuum and vibration testing. Such activities would be required under any future award call. Respondents ability to provide relevant camera system specification documents including, but not limited to, system drawings, parts lists, electrical, optical, and software Interface Control Documents (ICDs). A Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate for each individual camera system. Please break out costs for the various camera hardware deliverables (emulators, EDUs, flight). Delivery lead times for the various camera hardware deliverables (emulators, EDUs, flight) from the date of any potential ARO. If proposing an existing camera system, please provide cost and lead times of these units as described above. If proposing modifications to an existing design, please break out any NRE costs associated with its development when providing your ROM. If proposing modifications to an existing camera design, respondents are also encouraged to provide a ROM cost estimate for future additional flight hardware units under the assumption that no further NRE costs or design changes will be required. 6.How to Respond: All final submissions shall be submitted via e-mail to both points of contact listed below no later than August 10, 2015, 4:00 pm Eastern Standard Time. Files may be submitted in Microsoft Word or Portable Document Format (PDF). All responses shall include an executive summary of no more than five (5) pages. A page is defined as one (1) sheet 8 1⁄2 x 11 inches using a minimum of 12-point font size for text and one-inch margins.There is no limit on supporting documentation. Responses must properly mark proprietary information. Reference NNG14FA94RFI in any response. NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/pub/p ub_library/Omb.html. The solicitation and any documents related to this procurement will be available over the Internet. These documents will reside on a World Wide Web (WWW) server, which may be accessed using a WWW browser application. The Internet site, or URL, for the NASA/GSFC Business Opportunities home page is http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eps/bizops.cgi?gr=D&pin=51 It is the offeror's responsibility to monitor the Internet cite for the release of the solicitation and amendments (if any). Potential offerors will be responsible for downloading their own copy of the solicitation and amendments, if any.
- Web Link
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FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/NASA/GSFC/OPDC20220/NNG15FB01RFI/listing.html)
- Record
- SN03810974-W 20150729/150727234637-b789fbe6e06f6e34f2a5a5a584c523ff (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
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