66 -- REQUEST FOR INFORMATION FROM POTENTIAL VENDORS FOR ADAPTIVE OPTICS SUBSYSTEMS

Notice Date

October 5, 2000

Contracting Office

Gemini 8-M Telescopes Project, Aura, 950 N. Cherry Ave, PO Box 26732, Tucson, Arizona 85719

ZIP Code

85719

Solicitation Number

N201364

Point of Contact

Andrew Flach, Gemini Contracts Manager, 520-318-8537

E-Mail Address

Click here to send email to the Gemini Contracts Manager (aflach@gemini.edu)

Description

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc, acting at the operator of the Gemini Observatory, is designing an adaptive optics system intended for use at the Gemini South Observatory in Cerro Pachon, Chile. The entire project consists of several subsystems including the adaptive optics module (AO module), which contains most of the active optics, its related electronics and structural and environmental support. The general preliminary design of the AO module is nearing completion and in a number of months AURA will conduct procurements for the final design and fabrication of the AO module. AURA anticipates that it will not issue one RFP for the entire AO module, but will instead issue a number of RFPs for bundles of subsystems that AURA will integrate after they are delivered. AURA is interested in learning about the capabilities of companies that might be interested in bidding on these later RFPs and receiving input on how best to divide the expected work into desirable packages with a goal of increasing competition by appropriate grouping of the tasks. Although the overall architecture of the adaptive optics module is established, we are still interested in suggestions for improving the designs of individual subsystems. To implement these goals, AURA will be releasing Request for Information No. N201364, which will contain the current design of the AO module and a description of what information AURA would like to receive from firms interested in the upcoming procurements. Firms interested in receiving this RFI should fax a letter of interest to Andrew Flach, Gemini Contracts Manager at 520-318-8590 by no later than 13 October, 2000. Please wait until you receive the RFI package to submit detailed information about your firm.

Web Link

General information about the Gemini Observatory (http://www.gemini.edu)

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20001010/66SOL007.HTM (W-279 SN5037E1)