NASA/George C. Marshall Space Flight Center, Procurement Office, Marshall Space Flight Center, AL 35812

66 -- GEIGER-MODE AVALANCHE PHOTODIODE (APD) ARRAYS SOL 8-1-9-ES-C2440 DUE 030899 POC Glen A. Alexander, Contract Specialist, Phone (256) 544-3797, Fax (256) 544-8656, Email glen.alexander@msfc.nasa.gov -- Carlos M. Smiley, Contracting Officer, Phone (256) 544-0355, Fax (256) 544-8656, Email carlos.smiley@msfc.nasa.gov WEB: Click here for the latest information about this notice, http://nais.nasa.gov/EPS/MSFC/date.html#8-1-9-ES-C2440. E-MAIL: Glen A. Alexander, glen.alexander@msfc.nasa.gov. This notice is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. "Development of Geiger-Mode Avalanche Photodiode (APD) Arrays as Readout Devices for Scintillating Fibers The contractor shall design and fabricate arrays of APDs in conjunction with a new type of detector system for gamma-ray astronomy. These arrays are to be considered as prototypes of a large number of devices that will be used in the Geiger Mode to read-out scintillation pulses for a very large array (>100,000 channels) of plastic scintillation fibers. For the prototype arrays, the scintillation fibers will be furnished by NASA or by a University contractor as part of the Advanced Technology Development Program for the GLAST Mission and for the Office of Space Science Researchand Analysis Program. The APD arrays shall incorporate optical concentrators integral to the APD array of a type, or multiple types, developed by the contractor. These optical concentrators may be of a single design, or of multiple designs, for performance testing. The concentrator design shall attempt to maximize light collection for this application, while taking into consideration ease-of-manufacture and cost. The scintillation pulses and the plastic scintillation fibers will have the following characteristics: Fiber diameter: 0.8 mm, nominal* Signal level: 10-15 photons/pulse Signal pulse width: ~20 ns Signal event rate: ~1 cps, typical; <~100 cps, max. Emission wavelength ~550 nm Characteristics of APD Arrays (9 total): Gain >10^8 (Geiger mode) Array size 64 elements (8x8) Pitch ~1.0 mm* Element diameter 100, 200, 350 microns (3 of each) Quantum efficiency ~60% @ 550nm Pulse detection efficiency >90% Crosstalk between elements <5% Dark count <1000cps @0 deg. C Recovery time <10 microsec Risetime <40 nsec to 50 mV Pulse height >500 mV Operating Temperature -30 to +30 deg. C Bias Voltage <50V *- Exact specifications to be provided to the contractor by NASA within 30 days after starting date of contract. The contractor will provide nine APD arrays delivered to NASA or to a designated University contractor, three of each of the following diameters: 100, 200, and 350 microns. These arrays and their associated optical concentrators will be made to accept fibers of ~0.8 mm diameter. (The specification of the fiber diameter will be provided to the contractor by NASA within 30 days after starting date of contract.) Associated connectors or couplers and insertion procedures shall be provided by the contractor for insertion of the scintillation fibers by a University contractor. The optical coupling design should be performed in consultation with the NASA-specified University contractor. The scintillation performance testing of the combined arrays and fibers will be done by the University contractor. Prior to delivery for radiation performance testing, the contractor shall determine and document the following characteristics of the arrays: Optimum bias voltage to meet the above specifications Dark count vs. bias voltage for each element Energy per pulse (ergs) Detection Efficiency verses optical pulse size The contractor shall provide the prototype devices, with test documentation, within eight months after the starting date of the contract. The above specifications shall be considered design goals, MSFC expects that improved characteristics will be attained on a best-effort basis, using the expert judgment of the contractor to end each task as objectives are completed in consideration of the total, limited effort. Additional arrays from this prototype run may be procured at a price to be negotiated at a later time, based upon their performance and expected yield. A final report shall be prepared which documents the results and the outcome of this prototype development effort. The final report shall document that proper scientific methods have been used to assess the feasibility (or non-feasibility) of continued research leading to the use of avalanche photodiodes as readout devices for gamma-ray astronomy. This final report shall be due within twelve months after the starting date of the contract. The provisions and clauses in the RFQ are those in effect through FAC 97-08. This procurement is a total small business set-aside. See Note 1. The SIC Code and Size Standard are 3674 and 500, respectively.The quoter shall state in their quotation their size status for this procurement. Delivery to MSFC, Bldg 4471 is required within 45 days ARO. Delivery shall be FOB Destination. The DPAS Rating for this procurment is DO C9. Quotations for the items(s) described above may be mailed or faxed to the identified point of contact by the date/time specified and include, solicitation number, FOB destination to this Center, proposed delivery schedule, discount/payment terms, warranty duration (if applicable), taxpayer identification number (TIN), identification of any special commercial terms, and be signed by an authorized company representative. Quoters are encouraged to use the Standard Form 1449, Solicitation/Contract/Order for Commercial Items form found at URL: http://procure.arc.nasa.gov/Acq/Forms/Index.html to submit a quotation. Quoters shall provide the information required by FAR 52.212-1. Addenda to FAR 52.212-1 are as follows: MSFC 52.23-91, NFS 1852.211-70, 1852.214-71 and 1852.215-84. Reserve paragraph(s) (d), (e), (f), (h), & (i) in 52.212-1. The Representations and Certifications required by FAR 52.2l2-3 may be obtained via the internet at URL: http://ec.msfc.nasa.gov/msfc/pub/reps_certs/sats/ Addenda to FAR 52.212-4 are as follows: MSFC 52.211-90-90, MSFC 52.232-90, NFS 1852.246-71, FAR 52.204-4, 52.211-15 and 52.247-34. FAR 52.212-5 incorporated by referenced: 52.222-26, 52.222-35, 52.222-36, 52.222.37, and 52.225-3. If the end product(s) quoted is other than domestic end product(s) as defined in the clause entitled "Buy American Act -- Supplies," the quoter shall so state and shall list the country of origin. Quotations are due by March 8, 1999, 4:00 PM CST to the address specified above. Selection and award will be made to the lowest priced, technically acceptable quoter. Technical acceptability will be determined by information submitted by the quoter providing a description in sufficient detail to show that the product quoted meets the Government's requirement. Quoters must provide copies of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representation and Certifications -- Commercial Items with their quote. See above for where to obtain copies of the form via the Internet. An ombudsman has been appointed -- See Internet Note "B". It is the quoter's responsibility to monitor this site for the release of amendments (if any). Potential quoters will be responsible for downloading their own copy of this combination synopsis/solicitation and amendments (if any). Any referenced notes can be viewed at the following URL: http://genesis.gsfc.nasa.gov/nasanote.html. Posted 02/16/99 (D-SN298587). (0047)

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