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

A -- ITERATIVE BIOLOGICAL CRYSTALLIZATION IN ISS MICROGRAVITY ENVIRONMENT -- ROBOTIC IMAGING OF GROWTH CELLS AND INTERNAL VIDEO OF ENCLOSURE SOL 8-1-0-SD-RFIB2 DUE 071200 POC Todd A. Holloway, AST, FLIGHT ACTIVITY PLANNING, Phone (256) 544-2073, Fax (256) 544-5848, Email Todd.Holloway@msfc.nasa.gov WEB: Click here for the latest information about this notice, http://nais.msfc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/EPS/bizops.cgi?gr=D&pin=62#8-1-0-SD- RFIB2. E-MAIL: Todd A. Holloway, Todd.Holloway@msfc.nasa.gov. THIS IS NOT A NOTICE OF SOLICITATION. NASA/George C. Marshall Space Flight Center is hereby soliciting comments, information and assessing the feasibility of developing an Iterative Biological Crystallization (IBC) Robotic Imaging and Video Subsystem (RIVS). This Request for Information (RFI) is being issued by NASA/George C. Marshall Space Flight Center for industry comments, statements of interest and to evaluate the feasibiligy of developing a robotic imaging system for use in conjunction with a spaced-based robotic mixing, dispensing, and crystal growth system for performing iterative biological crystallization experiments in the microgravity environment provided by the International Space Station (ISS). Companies who have existing imaging systems used in this or similar applications are of particular interest. Based on the results of this evaluation NASA/MSFC plans to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for an Iterative Biological Crystallization (IBC) Robotic Imaging and Video Subsystem (RIVS). Anoverview of the IBC concept and functional design may be viewed at the following URL: http://crystal.nasa.gov/procure/forecast/ IVS capabilities shall include: -- Capability to translate optical sensor or lens to a position above individual growth cells for high resolution in-situ viewing of the crystals -- Auto-focusing capability with commandable manual focusing -- Up to 100x optical magnification -- In-box "wide angle" NTSC quality video for safety viewing purposes -- Ability to extend capabilities to accommodate optical filtering of image and non-standard lighting of growth cells -- Conversion of imagery and video to digital formats for still- and motion-based images, including compression capabilities The IBC system is being developed in two stages, with basic capabilities ready for launch by April 2002 and subsequent additional capabilities ready for launch by December 2003. The IBC subsystems will initially be designed to operate in an ISS EXPRESS rack accommodation with possible migration to a dedicated International Standard Payload Rack at a later date. The design lifetime of IBC components is to be five years. A complete statement of work and flight unit specifications will be provided in a RFP. Interested firms have 28 days from the publication date of this synopsis on the NASA Acquisition Internet Service (NAIS) and in the CBD to submit in writing the following information: 1. Qualifications/Capabilities 2. Existing products or systems which may be directly applicable or adaptable to provide the capabilities stated above 3. Proposed implementation approach (optional) 4. Rough order of magnitude (ROM) costs associated with developing an IBC RIVS (optional) All responsible sources may submit the requested information which shall be considered by the agency. Responses received will be used solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to proceed with issuing the RFP. A determination by the Government not to proceed with this proposed contract, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. This RFI is for information and planning purposes and to allow industry the opportunity to verify reasonableness and feasibility of the requirement, as well as promote competition. Prospective offerors are invited to sumbit comments or questions to:NASA, SD45/Todd Holloway, Marshall Space Flight Center, AL 35812, no later than July 13, 2000. In responding reference 8-1-0-SD-RFIB2. Comments may be forwarded to Todd Holloway via electronic transmission (todd.holloway@msfc.nasa.gov) or by facsimile transmission, (256) 544-5848. No solicitation exists; therefore do not request a copy of the solicitation. If a solicitation is released it will be synopsized in the CBD and on the NASA Acquisition Internet System (NAIS). It is the potential offerors responsibility to monitor these sites for the release of any solicitation or synopsis. This Request for Information 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. The Government reserves the right to consider a small business or 8(a) set-aside on responses hereto. An ombudsman has been appointed -- See NASA Specific Note "B". Posted 06/14/00 (D-SN464859). (0166)

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