Naval Research Laboratory, 4555 Overlook Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20375-5326

A -- BURST LOCATIONS WITH AN ARC SECOND TELESCOPE (BLAST) SOL N00014-97-R-DB01 POC Daniel Brinkworth, Contract Specialist, Code 3230.DB (202) 767-6746 Ernest K. Tunney, Contracting Officer, Code 3230.EK (202) 767-6746. The Naval Research Laboratory seeks an industry partner in support of the definition and subsequent development of a space flight mission BLAST, which will be proposed to NASA's Medium Class Explorer (MIDEX) program. This work shall be performed as a multi-phased program in accordance with the requirements of the NASA Medium-Class Explorer Missions. The phases are identified as: (1) Concept Phase (Basic) which supports the development of the BLAST concept and trade studies necessary to optimize the science mission and to identify the mission parameters. The concept phase will be unfunded or have token funding with a duration of about 18 months. (2) Definition Phase (Option 1). The definition phase option shall be executed if the BLAST concept is awarded a mission in the NASA MIDEX selection process. In the MIDEX guidelines, the definition phase is a 10-month period during which detailed designs, costs and schedules are developed for the manufacture and test of the BLAST instrument. These details are presented to NASA in a Preliminary Design Review/Non Advocacy Review (PDR/NAR). As a result of the PDR/NAR process, NASA shall make the decision to proceed with the Development Phase. (3) Development Phase (Option 2). Authorization from NASA to proceed with the BLAST mission is based on the PDR/NAR. The development phase option shall be executed when this authorization is obtained. The development phase shall (1) fabricate, test and calibrate the BLAST instrument, (2) integrate the instrument with the spacecraft, and (3) support launch and first month of mission operations activities of the mission. The duration of this phase is expected to be approximately 36 months. All responsible sources may submit a proposal that will be considered by NRL. Telephone requests for this solicitation will not be honored. Send requests for N00014-97-R-DB01 to Contracting Officer, Attn: Code 3230.DB, Naval Research Laboratory, 4555 Overlook ave.,SW. Washington, DC 20375-5000, (202)767-6746, fax (202)767-6197 or 767-5896. See Note #26. (0302)

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