NASA/Langley Research Center, Mail Stop 144, Industry Assistance Office, Hampton, VA 23681-0001

A -- MARS AIRPLANCE PACKAGE DATA COMPRESSION STUDY SOL 1-168-RFH.1011 DUE 110499 POC Kimberly D. Duncan, Contracting Officer, Phone (757) 864-3566, Fax (757) 864-8863, Email k.d.duncan@larc.nasa.gov WEB: Click here for the latest information about this notice, http://nais.nasa.gov/EPS/LaRC/date.html#1-168-RFH.1011. E-MAIL: Kimberly D. Duncan, k.d.duncan@larc.nasa.gov. NASA/LaRC plans to issue a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for A Mars Airplane Package (MAP) Data Compression Study. The following tasks support the investigation and evaluation of lossy data compression algorithms for the MAP science instruments. The tradeoff of compression ratio versus data quality will be conducted for all lossy algorithm investigations. The studies will also investigate implementation approaches for selected compression algorithms including hardware and software architectures. Task (1): Investigate Lossy Compression Approaches The contractor shall evaluate lossy data compression algorithms for suitability in compressing the MAP science instrument data. This includes developing software to implement the selected algorithms and investigating algorithm performance using data sets from previous Mars orbiter and/or lander missions. As part of this task, the contractor shall evaluate algorithms that have been used by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and others for previous planetary missions. Task (2): Investigate Hardware and Software Implementation Approaches. The contractor shall develop hardware and/or software approaches to implementing the selected data compression algorithms. The contractor shall perform trades studies in investigating these approaches that take into consideration data processing throughput versus size, weight, power, cost, and system complexity/reliability. This procurement is being conducted under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). NASA/LaRC intends to purchase the items from Old Dominion University, unique services available from only one source. Old Dominion University has worked with the Langley Advanced Geostationary Sounder (AGS) study team and has developed an in-depth knowledge of data processing and compression techniques for imaging remote sensing instruments. The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. See Note 26. Interested firms have 15 days from the publication of this synopsis to submit in writing to the identified point of contact, their qualifications/capabilities. Such qualifications/capabilities will be used solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. Responses received after the 15 days or without the required information will be considered nonresponsive to the synopsis and will not be considered. A determination by the Government to not compete this proposed effort on a full and open competitive basis, based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. All responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency. An Ombudsman has been appointed. See Internet Note "B". Any referenced notes can be viewed at the following URL: http://genesis.gsfc.nasa.gov/nasanote.html Posted 10/20/99 (D-SN393198). (0293)

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