NASA/Ames Research Center, JA:M/S 241-1, Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000

D -- SATELLITE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM DUE 091297 POC Micheli Hull, Contract Specialist, Phone (650) 604-1751, Fax (650) 604-4646, Email mhull@mail.arc.nasa.gov WEB: Click here for the latest information about this notice, http://procurement.nasa.gov/EPS/ARC/date.html#RFI2-36303-MMH. E-MAIL: Micheli Hull, mhull@mail.arc.nasa.gov. This Request for Information (RFI) supersedes RFI #970001MMH. In order that potential sources may offer comments on the Satellite Communication System, a Request for Information (RFI) will be published on the Internet approximately August 11, 1997. Description of procurement: Information is requested on available satellite based communication systems and services to provide real-time, over-the-horizon data communications from small, pilotless aircraft to remote ground stations. The required aircraft-to-ground downlink data rate is 9.6 kbps minimum to 56 kbps and a control uplink of at least 250 bps. The airborne avionics and antenna system needs to be small enough to fit in small remotely piloted aircraft (RPA). This dictates a weight of less than 20 kg and minimal volume. The flight environment requires operaition from +50 degrees celsius to -60 degrees celsius, and sea level to 25 km altitude. Global area coverage is desired including the higher latitude and polar regions as possible. The system shall include ground terminal facilities for data and command input/output. The Satcom System will be used by the Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) Program which is a NASA-industry alliance for promoting the development of RPA's as high altitude and long duration science instrument platforms. Qualified parties should submit company profile and qualifications to identified point of contact no later than 5:00 p.m. on September 12, 1997. Responses may be submitted by mail, electronic transmission or by facsimile transmission. Any information marked as proprietary will be evaluated an protected, however, non-proprietary data is preferred. Any proprietary data should not be submitted via e-mail or via facsimile transmission. All responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency. This synopsis is for information and planning purposes and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government, nor will the Government pay for the information solicited. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the review. Any questions regarding this announcement should be directed to the identified point of contact. Comments shall be received no later than September 12, 1997. In responding reference RFI2-36303(MMH). An ombudsman has been appointed -- See Note "B". The solicitation and any documents related to this procurement will be available over the Internet. These documents will be in ASCII or RTF format and will reside on a World-Wide Web (WWW) server, which may be accessed using a WWW browser application. The WWW address, or URL, of the NASA/ARC Business Opportunities home page is http://procurement.nasa.gov/EPS/ARC/class.html. Any referenced numbered notes can be viewed at the following URL: http://genesis.gsfc.nasa.gov/nnotes.htm. (0223)

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