NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, Code 287 Greenbelt, MD

99 -- GEOSCIENCE LASER ALTIMETER SYSTEM (GLAS) 532 NM WAVELENGTH OPTICAL DETECTOR FOR THIN CLOUD LIDAR SOL RFP5-14691/230 POC CATHERINE A. CAVEY, CONTRACTING OFFICER, (301)286-3721. 99--Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS) 532 nm wavelength optical detector for Thin Cloud Lidar. The Goddard Space Flight Center intends to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP)5-14691/230 for the design, build, test and delivery of two prototype 532 nm wavelength sensitive photon counting photomultiplier tube detectors and test data. The specification sets forth the following optical detection goals: 532 nm detection wavelength, single photon discrimination sensitivity, 10^6 pulse to pulse dynamic range, largest lidar return signals (maximum photon counting rate) of 3 x 10^8 photons, quantum efficiency of )40% @ 532nm, RF response: detect 40 Hz repetition rate pulses with a 4 ns pulse width, degradation over 3 year mission life with continuous operation: at 1/2 response of Beginning of Life (BOL). Silicon photon counting Avalanche Photo Diodes (APDs) are not acceptable due to degradation (increased dark current) from space proton radiation. These prototypes do not need to meet space qualification vibration or thermal vacuum specifications. The proposed contract will be for six months. We anticipate a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. the RFP is expected to be released in May. All responsible sources may submit an offer which will be considered. All requests for the solicitation must be in writing to Catherine A. Cavey at the above address or by fax to (301)286-1720. See Note(s): 12. (0122)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0366 19950503\99-0001.SOL)