B -- A PARAMETRIC INVESTIGATION OF UV-OPTICAL INTERFEROMETER CONCEPTS TO STUDY THE ACTIVITY AND INTERIOR OF SUN-LIKE STARS

Notice Date

December 12, 2000

Contracting Office

NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, Code 216, Greenbelt, MD 20771

ZIP Code

20771

Solicitation Number

681-17075-202

Response Due

January 8, 2001

Point of Contact

Veronica C. Stubbs, Contract Specialist, Phone (301)286-8386, Fax (301)286-1773, Email Veronica.C.Stubbs.1@gsfc.nasa.gov -- Leigh Anne C. Giraldi, Contracting Officer, Phone (301)286-3318, Fax (301)286-1773, Email Leigh.Anne.C.Giraldi.1@gsfc.nasa.gov

E-Mail Address

Veronica C. Stubbs (Veronica.C.Stubbs.1@gsfc.nasa.gov)

Description

NASA/GSFC plans to issue a Request for Quotation (RFQ)-5-681-17075-202 for A Parmetric Investigation of UV-Optical Interferometer Concepts to Study the Activity and Interior of Sun-like Stars. The investigation will be an exploratory design study for a UV-Optical stellar imaging interferometer, such as the Steller Imager(SI), and will produce the following: 1) A trade-off study of the telescope system design concepts versus scientific return and cost, specifically evaluating the required spatiotemporal resolution for asteroseismology and the integration time for disk imaging in the near ultraviolet, and the capability of the concepts for maximizing the understanding of solar/stellar activity. 2) A trade-off study of the aperture of the interferometer components versus number of components, as a function of different operational options, regarding both scientific return and mission cost. This aspect includes assessment of multiwavelength capacity to allow the SI to operate in a simultaneous-baseline mode by observing at widely different wavelengths from the near ultraviolet to the red. 3) Evaluation of applicability of technologies under development for other space-based interferometers, such as the Space Interferometer Mission (SIM) and the Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF). 4) Evaluation of the pointing requirements of the spacecraft carrying the primary optics. 5) Analysis of critical system elements, and the optimization towards a failure-tolerant observatory. 6) Determination of the initial design concept of the metrology and path-length stabilization system, and the impact on telescope effective area and signal-to-noise ratio. 7) Estimate of telemetry requirements and on-board data processing requirements, for various options of interferometer design. 8) Cost estimates for several initial design options. 9) Capability to test design and operations concepts using a ground based testbed. This procurement is being conducted under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). NASA/GSFC intends to purchase the items from Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space, Advanced Technology Center (LMMS/ATC), in accordance with FAR 6.302, Circumstances Permitting Other Than Full and Open Competition. The statutory authority for Other Than Full and Open Competition is 10 U.S.C 2304(c)(1), only one responsible source. LMMS/ATC's unique qualifications consist of a combined specialized scientific expertise related to solar/stellar activity along with extensive technical expertise and experience in space interferometry developed from their work on the SIM and TPF interferometer missions and previous space science missions. In addition, LLMS/ATC currently possesses in a ground based laboratory a phase-coherent 9-element optical imaging interferometer that can be used with only modest modifications as a testbed for interferometry algorithms and engineering studies. A new contractor would be required to duplicate substantial amounts of effort already undertaken by LLMS/ATC in the development of a similar testbed. The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. See Note 26. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 4:30 p.m. local time on Tuesday, January 2, 2001. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed effort on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the government. Oral communications are 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 NASA Specific Note "B". Any referenced notes can be viewed at the following URL: http://genesis.gsfc.nasa.gov/nasanote.html

Web Link

Click here for the latest information about this notice (http://nais.msfc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/EPS/bizops.cgi?gr=D&pin=51#681-17075-202)

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20001214/BSOL007.HTM (D-347 SN5086T0)