NASA/Ames Research Center, JA:M/S 241-1, Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000

D -- CONVERSION OF SHUTTLE ORBITER DRAWINGS TO DIGITAL FORMAT SOL RFI2-37139-RRG DUE 091500 POC Ronnee R. Gonzalez, Contracting Officer, Phone (650) 604-4386, Fax (650) 604-4357, Email rgonzalez@mail.arc.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=21#RFI2-37139-RRG. E-MAIL: Ronnee R. Gonzalez, rgonzalez@mail.arc.nasa.gov. THIS IS NOT A NOTICE OF SOLICITATION ISSUANCE. NASA is performing a pilot-study to determine whether it is feasible to (technical, cost and schedule feasibility's) and under what methodology to convert the paper non-wiring (i.e. mechanical/structural) drawings of the Space Shuttle Orbiter Vehicle to a three-dimensional solid model electronic (CAD) format. Further, the study seeks to determine what information technologies and tools may be feasible to apply to the "Virtual Orbiter" to streamline normal Shuttle operations which include: sustaining engineering, planned modifications/upgrades and changes to accommodate payloads and cargo, maintenance and ground/flight vehicle processing. The current state of the Orbiter drawings, i.e. the geometric description, is mostly described by hand drawn vellum and mylar drawings. They are kept in a temperature and humidity controlled vault. Some of the drawings were done on obsolete CAD systems in the early 80's. These are stored on tapes but hardcopy plots of these exist and are in file cabinets. A small percentage of the vehicle is modeled in CATIA versions 4.0 and lower. There are Engineering Change Orders (EO) held against many of the drawings, which will need to be incorporated. There is estimated to be over a million drawing sheets used to describe all four Orbiters. Three Orbiters are similar in design and the fourth is estimated to be 25% different. A single Orbiter has approximately 2 million working parts. Approximately 31,000 discrete parts would need to be modeled. The work would also involve assembly modeling, and drawing input validation & verification. There exists a Master Dimensions Specification book, which has information on the outer and inner mold lines of the orbiter and the inner dimensions (mold lines) of the crew compartment. This book also describes the coordinate systems used to locate many of the structural parts of the orbiter with respect to a local reference and the master reference plane. The Master Dimensions Book describes equations of curves and is used to guide the lofting or surfacing of the outer vehicle shape. All other discrete (non-lofted) parts are described by the drawings referenced above. An informational set of representative drawings can be provided for estimation purposes contingent on and after receipt of a valid capabilities and qualifications statement. This set of drawings is subject to export control regulations. Specific export control restrictions will be provided with the drawing package. Further information on the Space Shuttle Orbiter can be found at the web address: http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/shuttle/reference/. Information Requested Two documents are required in response to this request for information. A) In the first document, NASA is seeking capabilities and qualification statement s that demonstrates that the responder would be a suitable candidate to comment on and provide answers to the following: 7 A creative and cost efficient approach for taking a 2-D paper description of the Space Shuttle Orbiter to a three-dimensional (3-D) electronic version. 7 A rough-order-of-magnitude (ROM) cost and schedule basis for the item above. 7 "Lessons-learned" and metrics for cost/time savings due to past conversions of a complex system described by paper drawings to an electronic format. 7 Inventive ideas on how to best leverage the three dimensional electronic database to streamline normal operations. The capabilities and qualifications statement shall include details that: 1. Show past experience on conversion of complex systems (aerospace and/or non-aerospace) from paper drawings to a three-dimensional electronic format. 2. Demonstrate an understanding of state of the art tools as applied to computer aided lifecycle management. The lifecycle elements covered should include conceptual studies through the retirement of a product. 3. Demonstrate a comprehension and expertise in the use of a single or numerous CAD tools and how to pair these tool(s) with other state of the art tools. This document shall also include an indication of the Responder's business size using 8711 and $4M as the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code and size standard, respectively. The capabilities and qualifications statement should be submitted no later than August 16, 2000 (one week after RFI release). This statement should be no less than 2 pages and no longer than 5 pages (8.5" x 11") in length. Additional back-up material may be provided in an appendix. B) The information supplied in the second document provided by the Responder shall have the following: 1. Details of the assumed approach including tools and methodologies that would be utilized for the conversion from paper to three-dimensional electronic. 2. Standards that would be applied to create and then maintain the three-dimensional electronic format. 3. A rough-order of magnitude estimate of time and cost for the conversion, and, the generalized approach used to generate this information. 4. What process would be employed to assure that the drawing information was input correctly, i.e. verification of 3-D model. Note that this may be in partnership with the NASA Space Shuttle Program and its contractors. 5. What assumed software and hardware architecture and systems that would be required to develop and maintain the future three-dimensional geometric database. Optional pieces of information are the following: 1. "Lessons-learned" in past experience in the conversion from paper drawings to three-dimensional electronic. 2. Anticipated benefits to be achieved by the conversion to an electronic format. The second response document should be no more than 50 pages (8.5" x 11") in length and shall be submitted electronically by September 15, 2000. Please ensure that the format for both documents is compatible with MS Office 97 or Adobe Acrobat Reader. If other software applications are used, please contact the Contracting Officer to ensure compatibility. In responding, reference RFI2-37139-RRG. Comments or questions surrounding this RFI may be forwarded to Ronnee R. Gonzalez, at the address herein, via electronic transmission or by facsimile transmission. To ensure clarity, telephone comments will not be accepted. Response to all comments and questions will be made available to all responders. This synopsis is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government, nor will the Government pay for the information solicited. Any questions regarding this announcement should be directed to the identified point of contact. Posted 08/09/00 (D-SN484116). (0222)

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