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

A -- ELECTROMAGNETS FOR SPACEFLIGHT SOL RFP5-16828/238 POC DARLENE WALTER, CONTRACTING OFFICER, (301)286-4239. Electromagnets for Spaceflight Use. NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) intends to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP)5-16828/238 on a sole source basis to Ithaco Inc., for all the necessary personnel, facilities, and materials to fabricate and test 12 electromagnets for spaceflight use with options for up to 12 additional electromagnet units. The electromagnets will interface with the Attitude Control Electronics (ACE) and be used for payload attitude control for the TRACE and WIRE Small Explorer (SMEX) missions. Up to twelve optional electromagnets may be required for future SMEX missions. The Attitude Control and Stabilization Branch/Code 745 is currently utilizing Ithaco Inc., electromagnets in the SMEX attitude control system design. The initial procurement of this particular device was in 1990 under contract NAS5-31296 with delivery beginning in 1991. As a result of the selection of the TRACE and WIRE missions, two new attitude control systems are required for these spacecraft. The attitude control systems require identical devices which must meet the current specification to provide the same form, fit, and function, withstand a minimum total dose of electron and proton bombardment of 100 K rad, and be electrically and mechanically interchangeable with the existing units. This requires that the mechanical envelope, weight, power, transfer functions, electrical interface, and thermal properties be identical to the original units to avoid the costly re-design of the attitude control systems and the accompanying attitude control system software. If any other device is used, the cost to design new drive electronics and update the attitude control software, the ACS dynamic simulator software, and all associated component, subsystem, and spacecraft level procedures would be significant. Since both TRACE and WIRE are on extremely tight schedules, the flight qualified electromagnets must be delivered within 18 months of contract award. Over the past 25 years, Ithaco has designed, fabricated, tested, and delivered numerous electromagnets for spaceflight use to various customers. As a result of these efforts, Ithaco has furthered its unique capabilities in the field of electromagnets. Furthermore, this requirement is a continuation of the existing NASA SMEX effort and requires extensive knowledge of the previous work performed. Ithaco Inc., is the only company that can provide electromagnets capable of meeting the specifications without significant development time and cost, which would impact the TRACE and WIRE schedules. Ithaco Inc., is considered uniquely qualified under the statutory authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1), only one responsible source. Any persons desiring consideration are requested to fully identify their interest and capabilities within fifteen (15) days of the publication of this synopsis to the GSFC Contracting Officer listed above. See Note(s): 22. (0129)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0011 19950510\A-0011.SOL)