Phillips Laboratory, Directorate of Contracting, 2251 Maxwell Avenue SE, Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5773

A -- BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT FOR ADVANCED SPACE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT SOL BAA 99-01 POC Point of Contact -- RUDY CHAVEZ, CONTRACT SPECIALIST, 505-846-4987, SHARI BARNETT, CONTRACTING OFFICER, 505-846-6189 WEB: Broad Agency Announcement 99-01, http://www.plk.af.mil. E-MAIL: chavezr@plk.af.mil, chavezr@plk.af.mil. A -- (This is part one of a two part synopsis) The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Space Vehicles Directorate (VS) at Kirtland AFB, NM and AFRL/VSB at HANSCOM AFB, MA is interested in receiving proposals from all offerors capable of satisfying the Government's needs on research to advance its capability in space technology. Proposals with new or unique ideas which enhance the state-of-the-art and scientific knowledge are solicited. At Kirtland AFB, NM the eight (8) technical areas are: (1) Space Vehicle Miniaturization or Multi-Functionalization, (2) Space Cryogenic Cooling, (3) Space Power Thermal Management, (4) Space Electronics, (5) Remote Sensing, (6) Smart Optical Systems, (7) Space Structures, and (8) Spacecraft Mechanisms and Controls. At AFRL/VSB, Hanscom AFB MA the six (6) technical areas are: (1) Space Effects on Air Force Systems, (2) Global Ionospheric Specification and Forecast, (3) Ionospheric Effects, (4) Background Clutter Mitigation, (5) Background Characterization, and (6) Target Acquisition for Combat Operations. ALL POTENTIAL OFFERORS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT DUE TO UNANTICIPATED BUDGET FLUCTUATIONS, FUNDING IN ANY OR ALL AREAS CAN CHANGE WITH LITTLE OR NO NOTICE. Consequently, it is imperative that ALL potential offerors contact the appropriate technical point of contact (listed below) PRIOR to committing resources to preparing a proposal in response to this Broad Agency Announcement (BAA). Refer to section D, Proposal Preparation Instructions for proposal submittal dates. B -- REQUIREMENTS (KIRTLAND AFB, NM ): Proposals are desired in all facets of space and missiles technologies as discussed below including, but not limited to, design, development and use of technologies for missiles and satellite buses, payloads, communications, electronics, sensors, structures, power and thermal management, orbital determination and autonomous operation technologies. Proposals which either enable future space systems to meet performance, reliability, maintainability, supportability and affordability goals, or which enhance performance or significantly reduce cost, schedule, or risk of existing technologies, are of particular interest specifically. The Kirtland AFB technical areas are: (1) SPACE VEHICLE MINIATURIZATION OR MULTI-FUNCTIONALIZATION. New technologies for power systems, electronics, micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), structures, and payloads, which enable highly capable micro-satellites 100 kg, are sought. It is estimated that satellites supplying >l kW prime power and with >1 GFLOP processing capability can be mass-produced at less than 100 kg in the near future. AFRL is interested in developing technology to realize this capability. Offerors may propose concepts on technologies including miniaturization and integration of advanced power, structures, electronics, attitude control, communications, propulsion, and thermal technologies to enable low-cost, mass producible, highly capable micro-satellites. Multi-functional subsystems that perform several functions traditionally allocated to a single subsystem, permits dramatic savings in both power and weight. These concepts play a key role in permitting tightly integrated, automated production of micro-satellites and are of high interest to AFRL. In addition, offerors may propose in the area of operational aspects of forming a virtual satellite from a cluster of micro-satellites: formation flying dynamics and control, enhanced satellite autonomy, precision station keeping, and collaborative command, control, and data processing. Increased intelligence of micro-satellite systems, through artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and multi-level intelligent agent technologies, is critical to implement these functions at reduced life cycle cost. Technologies enabling these or other innovative concepts are sought. Funding is estimated at 1-30 man-years for this area. Proposals will be accepted during the first and fourth quarters. Technical point of contact: VSDD, Captain Richard Cobb, (505) 846-2767, Fax (505) 846-7877, e-mail cobbr@plk.af.mil. (2) SPACE CRYOGENIC COOLING -- This area covers all long life cryogenic cooling associated with space applications of IR sensors, superconducting devices and supercooled electronics. This includes producibility/manufacturability technologies, lightweight components, radiation hardened electronics, highly reliable components, and innovative cryocooling technologies. Areas of concern include modeling and simulation of cryocooler performance, issues associated with reliability, and advanced regenerator technology for low temperature (between 10 degrees and 35 degrees Kelvin). Proposals will be accepted at any time during the fiscal years. Funding is estimated at 1-4 man-years for this area. Technical point of contact: Mr Thom Davis, (505) 846-5754, Fax (505) 846-0486, email: davistm@plk.af.mil. (3) SPACECRAFT THERMAL MANAGEMENT -- This area covers all advanced thermal management technologies associated with spacecraft systems or satellites. Specific technology areas of interest include capillary pumped loop cooling systems and components, constant and variable conductance heat pipes, loop heat pipes, flexible heat pipes, electrochromic coatings for spacecraft, high thermally conductive technologies for boxes or small scale, high heat flux devices; non-deployable and deployable radiator technologies, innovative insulation technologies, and advanced thermal storage units. Funding is estimated at 1-10 man-years. No proposals are being accepted at this time for this technical area. Technical point of contact: Mr Waylon Gammill, (505) 846-2427, Fax (505) 846-0320, e-mail gammill@plk.af.mil. (4) SPACE ELECTRONICS -- This area covers electronic and photonic technologies associated with space and launch vehicles and ballistic missiles. The areas of interest include all electronic and photonic technologies applicable to future space computer architectures, spacecraft bus architectures, and payload processing. This also includes applied research in strategically hardened silicon on insulator (SOI) electronics including prompt transient and neutron hard analog or digital application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) metalization and circuit development. Reducing photocurrent response in radiation hardened devices and circuits with reduced feature size technology, commercially available yet strategically photocompensated high voltage breakdown linear devices and ASICs, are of special interest. Strategic missile, space and launch vehicle applied development in optoelectronic and photonic technologies with relevant device hardening, advanced hardened circuit technology such as strategically qualifiable, high throughput SOI single chip data processors, and other space qualified compiler programmable digital ASIC cores like an Analog Devices Signal Processor -- 21020. Proposals may span spacecraft, launch vehicle and ballistic missile-electronic and photonic processing, and device -- level development, integration, and packaging, through subsystem development. Specific proposals may include or incorporate, but are not limited to, low voltage electronics, programmable logic devices and microcontrollers. Funding is estimated at 1-30 man-years for this technical area. Proposals will be accepted during the third and fourth quarters. Technical points of contact: discuss satellite and spacecraft ideas with Captain Daniel King (505) 846-6067, Fax (505) 846-5815, email kingd@plk.af.mil; discuss launch vehicles and ballistic missiles ideas with Steven Sampson (505) 846-5816, Fax (505) 846-5815, email sampson@plk.af.mil. (5) REMOTE SENSING -- This area covers all technologies associated with space sensors (active and passive). Interest lies in innovative research to develop large, lightweight, multi-band space-based radar antennas and passive sensors for reconnaissance and surveillance spacecraft to enable broad area, all weather, day-night, non-deniable reconnaissance and surveillance capability for the warfighter. Development of proposals of specific interest and involving advanced radar signal processing, automatic target recognition, and cross cueing technologies for space-based surveillance systems, infrared detector materials for single multicolor and hyperspectral local plane arrays with fewer defects and improved efficiency to provide reliable missile warning & tracking and detection of dim targets, increased detection range, and improved clutter suppression, and low power infrared detector readout electronics to reduce sensor spacecraft power requirements by more than half and radiator weight, improving the affordability and operability of space based missile warning and thereby reconnaissance and surveillance satellites. Funding is estimated at 1 man-year. Proposals will be accepted during the first and fourth quarters. Technical point of contact: Dr Paul LeVan, (505) 846-9959, Fax (505) 846-6098, email: levan@plk.af.mil. (6) SMART OPTICAL SYSTEMS -- An "intelligent" optical sensor combines the optical detection, processing and control signal generation functions of a complete optical system in a single sensor package, multichip module or possibly on a single chip. Smart devices on satellites enable acquisition and onboard evaluation of optical data to minimize downlink bandwidth requirements and speed the flow of information to the end user. Such a sensor has the capability of discerning important target information from optical data by the intelligent use of onboard processing algorithms and utilizing the data for fine tuning its own configuration for optimized operation, or to cue and control other associated mechanical or optical subsystems. Such capabilities can rely on information collected by the sensor itself or by the fusion of data from other sensors. The development of intelligent optical sensors will fundamentally transform space-based surveillance and science missions from the current ground-based manpower-intensive approach to fully autonomous intelligent satellite systems capable of autonomous data acquisition system control and data processing, on-board cueing or mission reconfiguration, selective dissemination of information to users, and autonomous anomaly detection and correction. Automating payload mission control requires cooperating systems on satellites integrating mission planning, health and status, and guidance, navigation and control systems within a single satellite. Cooperative intelligent principles can also be extended to inter-satellite processing and control requirements of synthetic aperture measurements made by distributed satellite constellations. Systems are sought that enable all possible information to be derived from optical measurements of amplitude, phase, spectra, polarization sensor fusion, synthetic aperture measurements and their implementation on microsatellites or satellite constellations. The successful implementation of intelligent optical systems for space-based surveillance will enable the operation of sophisticated optical systems and constellations that are not currently achievable. It will dramatically increase the timeliness of information to battlefield commanders and DoD image analysts while reducing the rates of false alarms and false assurances associated with too much data and too little time. It will reduce the reliance on ground control staffing, leading to reduction in support costs and the capability to accommodate the growing number of satellites on orbit. Technology challenges include implementation of artificial intelligence techniques for autonomous situational awareness; on-board extraction of information from surveillance data relevant to target cueing and system reconfiguration; implementing multi-level control and communication of software and hardware systems; reduction of processing/storage requirements of autonomous systems; development of real-time mission and planning capabilities; multi-level communication between mission and bus related functions for fault detection and resolution; development of generic intelligent systems for use by multiple satellite families; and verification of correct performance of highly intelligent ground and space systems. No proposals are being accepted at this time for this technical area. Technical point of contact: Dr Lenore McMackin, (505) 846-2047, Fax (505) 846-6053, email: mcmackin@plk.af.mil; (7) SPACE STRUCTURES -- This area covers all structures technologies associated with satellites and launch vehicles including radiation hardened enclosures, advanced lightweight antenna and optical structures, including inflatable structures, magnetically-suspended momentum transfer devices, precision deployable structures, lightweight structures supporting Space Based Radar (SBR) and Space Based Laser (SBL) structures, multifunctional structures that embed various layers of communications and power into the spacecraft structural panels in lieu of the bundles of wires, and advanced spacecraft components, such as lightweight solar arrays, carbon-carbon thermal radiators, and precision optical components. Proposals in launch vehicle structures technology such as lightweight interstage fairings and payload shrouds, composite cryogenic tank, high temperature thermal protection structures, and advanced thrust structures and vehicle health monitoring systems are also solicited. Funding is estimated at 1-30 man-years for this area. Proposals will be accepted during the first and fourth quarters. Technical point of contact: Robert Acree, (505) 846-8257, Fax (505) 846-7877, email: acreer@plk.af.mil. (8) SPACECRAFT MECHANISMS AND CONTROLS -- This area covers active control, vibration suppression, isolation, mechanisms, and on-orbit servicing technologies associated with satellites and launch vehicles. Solicited topics include: vibration isolation and acoustic attenuation for launch vehicles; smart mechanisms such as shape memory release devices, gimbals, and control moment gyros; vibration and pointing control for precision deployable space structures, advanced control algorithms for adaptive and nonlinear control, advanced system identification methods; health monitoring systems; and technologies supporting autonomous on-orbit satellite servicing including algorithms, simulators, concepts for design of satellites for on-orbit serviceability, and mechanisms needed for rendezvous and docking. Funding is estimated at 1-30 man-years for this area. Proposals will be accepted during the first and fourth quarters. Technical point of contact: Dr Keith Denoyer, (505) 846-9335, Fax (505) 846-7877, email: denoyerk@plk.af.mil. C -- REQUIREMENTS (HANSCOM AFB, MA): At Hanscom AFB, MA the acquisition actions and contract support for the Battlespace Environment Division (AFRL/VSB) are performed by the contracting organization at the Electronic Systems Center (ESC), Directorate of Contracting, R&D Contracting Division (ESC/PKR), 104 Barksdale St, Hanscom AFB MA 01731-1806. Proposals for the Hanscom Site Technical Areas will be accepted at any time during the fiscal year. Proposals are to be submitted to the Hanscom Site BAA Monitor. Points of contact: Mr John W. Flaherty, Contracting Officer and Division Chief, (781) 377-2529; email: flahertyjo@hanscom.af.mil; Ms Claire A. Marcotte, AFRL/VSOP (Hanscom Site BAA Monitor), (781) 377-2598, email: marcottec@plh.af.mil. The Hanscom Site technical areas are: (1) SPACE EFFECTS ON AIR FORCE SYSTEMS -- The general objective is to define the impact of the Earth's space environment on Air Force systems and to achieve a capability for specifying, predicting, mitigating, and exploiting the effects of the space environment that can disrupt or degrade Air Force operational systems. Of particular interest to USAF operations is the forecasting of solar and interplanetary conditions, which cause geomagnetic disturbances; understanding and specification of the Earth's radiation belts; high altitude particles, currents, and field effects; environmentally induced adverse effects on large, high-power space systems, and active techniques for space environment modification. Specific objectives are: (a) SPACE PARTICLE MODELING EFFECTS: This research is directed toward providing updated radiation belt models anddetermining space radiation effects on advanced microelectronics and materials systems. Research proposals pertaining to using high energy particle data from near-Earth satellites to support the model development are desired. Also desired are theoretical calculations and computer simulations of the dynamic behavior of the radiation belts for better understanding of the basic physical processes at work. Experimental studies to provide a better understanding of the near-Earth space particle environment are also required, as are innovative instruments to better measure and actively reduce or enhance the effects of space particles on systems, especially with respect to particle injection, pitch angle distribution, energy spectra, and species separation. Analysis relating space particles to system radiation, single extend upsets and spacecraft charging is needed. Technical point of contact: Dr Gregory Ginet, (781) 377-3974, Fax: (781) 377-5974; email: ginet@plh.af.mil; (b) SPACE WEATHER SPECIFICATION/FORECASTING—SOLAR WIND AND MAGNETOSPHERE -- This research is directed toward analytical, empirical and experimental studies required for understanding the dynamics of near-Earth space environments created by solar driven processes. The focus is on the morphology and dynamics of magnetospheric plasmas and the transfer of their energy and momentum to the near-Earth space environment, especially during magnetic storms and substorms. The long-range goal is to develop the capability to treat the solar-terrestrial system as a predictable system. Proposals for research to meet this goal are desired, specifically to include the following: (i) Improved measurement programs to map the space environment plasma, magnetic fields, and electric fields; (ii) Theory and analysis to estimate the coupling and acceleration processes such as auroral and polar cap current systems, wave-particle interactions, and the causes of plasma irregularities; (iii) Analyses of satellite particle, field, and plasma measurements which will improve the understanding of energy transfer between regions; (iv) Modeling of the dynamics of the global distribution of electric fields, currents, and thermal plasmas to enhance our ability to specify and predict geomagnetic storms; (v) Theory and analysis to identify critical physical mechanisms, both macroscopic and microscopic, which control energy transfer from the solar wind to the near-Earth region; (vi) Theory and analysis to describe the generation and variability of the solar wind and its impact on the magnetosphere; (vii) Theoretical and experimental studies of the effect of the injection of small quantities of chemicals, particle-beams, and/or electro-magnetic waves. Technical Point of Contact: Dr Gregory Ginet, (781) 377-3974; Fax: (781) 377-5974; email: ginet@plh.af.mil; (c) SPACE WEATHER SPECIFICATION/FORECASTING; SOLAR HAZARDS PREDICTIONS -- This research is directed toward understanding and predicting solar activity. Proposals are desired in the following areas: (i) Studies to improve ground-based solar observational techniques; (ii) Instrumentation for a satellite dedicated to the study of solar emissions, which impact the shape and content of the magnetosphere; (iii) Instrumentation capable of producing high-resolution images of solar features in near real-time, relatively free from distortions produced by the Earth's atmosphere; (iv) Theoretical studies dealing with emission mechanisms and energy transport in white-light solar flares, and their relationsh Posted 09/29/98 (W-SN256088). (0272)

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