Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, 60 Garden Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138-1516

A -- CONCEPTUAL DESIGN OF THE SPACE FRAME OPTICS SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR VERITAS SOL RFP 558-05-00 POC EJ Dotts, Contracting Officer, 617-496-7562, 617-496-7978(fax), edotts@cfa.harvard.edu E-MAIL: To contact the Contracting Officer via email, edotts@cfa.harvard.edu. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), operating under a grant from the Department of Energy, seeks a contractor for the conceptual design of a 10m optical reflector with minutes of arc resolution. The reflector will consist of a 10m space frame structure (the Optics Support Structure (OSS)) that will support 250 mirror facets, a cover system mounted on the OSS to protect the facets, and a positioner to point the OSS at any point in the sky with fast slew and sidereal tracking capability. Each 0.6m mirror weighs 10kg. The OSS will support a quadrapod structure to support a 200kg camera 12m in front of the OSS. It is anticipated that seven duplicate reflectors will be constructed for the VERITAS project, which will be located in Southern Arizona. Further details of the VERITAS project may be obtained at the VERITAS web site, http://earth.physics.purdue.edu/veritas/index.shtml. A firm-fixed price contract for this conceptual design is contemplated. The conceptual design will be conducted in three phases. Phase 2 and phase 3 will be options whose award will depend upon the successful completion of the prior phase. In phase 1, the contractor will develop three or more configurations for the OSS, mirror cover and positioner. One of these configurations will have a steel OSS with a geared/counter-weighted commercial/custom positioner similar to the 10m reflector currently being operated at the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory on Mt. Hopkins near Amado, AZ. SAO will select one of these designs based on the results of the contractor's presentation at the end of Phase 1. Phase 1 will be due 45 days ARO. In phase 2, the selected configuration design will be developed in detail. The contractor will conduct parametric studies to examine cost/image quality, cost/mirror-collection-area, and cost/pointing accuracy relationships. Based on these studies, SAO will select the final parameters. Phase 2 will be due 45 days after the option is exercised. In phase 3, the contractor will incorporate the selected parameters into a final report containing drawings, a technical discussion, and a cost estimate for the selected configuration's conceptual design. This final report will include enough detail to allow SAO to prepare the specifications and statement of work for the detailed design, fabrication, delivery, installation, and testing of the OSS, covers, and positioners. This report will be due 30 days after the option is exercised. Offers will be evaluated on price, technical proposal, past performance, and ability to meet the schedule. The anticipated release date of the RFP is on or about June 15, 2000, with an anticipated proposal due date on or about July 13, 2000. The anticipated award date is on or about August 4, 2000. The firm date for receipt of proposals will be stated in the RFP. Only written, fax, or email requests for a solicitation received directly from the requester are acceptable. No telephone requests for the solicitation will be accepted. The Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code and size standard are 8731 and 500 employees, respectively. All qualified responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency. This acquisition is being conducted under methods similar to FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures. Posted 05/23/00 (W-SN457834). (0144)

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