A -- AEROSPACE SIMULATION OPERATION RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

Notice Date

August 8, 2001

Contracting Office

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

ZIP Code

94035-1000

E-Mail Address

Deborah E. Glass (dglass@mail.arc.nasa.gov)

Description

This is a REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. This is NOT a solicitation, request for proposal or invitation for bid, but market research to determine potential sources and feasibility. The government does not intend to award a contract or any other type of agreement on the basis of this synopsis, or to otherwise pay for the information solicited under this synopsis. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized in the Commerce Business Daily (CBD) and on the NASA Acquisition Internet Service (NAIS) Business Opportunities page. It is the potential offerors' responsibility to monitor these sites for the release of any solicitation or synopsis. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Simulation Laboratories (SimLabs) at Ames Research Center are seeking partners for collaborative research and/or proposals for researching and developing high fidelity motion and fixed base simulations of aircraft flight handling qualities, cockpit controls and displays, guidance and controls, visual data bases, automation, aviation human factors, airspace operations and air traffic management. The SimLabs consists of numerous simulators developed, operated and maintained by an in-house staff consisting of both contractors and civil servants which until now have been used primarily by NASA researchers. The laboratories are now being made available, on a limited basis, to Private Industry and Academia and other Government Agencies for aerospace simulation research. All proposals for use of the laboratories will be subject to approval by NASA and will be subject to facility usage fees. Fees will vary depending on the size, scope and complexity of the project. The laboratories consist of 3 main facilities: 1.) The Vertical Motion Simulator Complex (VMSC) consisting of the worlds largest motion base simulator and 5 interchangeable cabs (I-cabs) which can also be used for fixed base simulation. The I-cabs can support simulation of various types of flight vehicles including transports, Space Shuttle, helicopters, fighters, and rotorcraft to name a few. The facility is renowned for its large amplitude motion system, efficient production of high fidelity, low cost, and rapid concept to research data producing capability, of simulations for existing and future advanced aerospace vehicles. The VMSC is a stand alone facility with the ability to rapidly prototype any aspect of a simulation including but not limited to real time host computer interfaces, flight deck graphics systems, out the window image generation systems, cockpit controls, cueing devices and high fidelity motion. 2.) The Crew-Vehicle Systems Research Facility (CVSRF) consists of two hexapod motion systems used for the study of aviation human factors, airspace operations, and aviation safety. The laboratory is used to analyze performance characteristics of flight crews: formulate principles and design criteria for future aviation environments; evaluate new and contemporary air traffic control procedures; and develop new training and simulation techniques for the continued evolution of flight systems. Additionally, the CVSRF has a simulated Air Traffic Control (ATC) System capable of being integrated with either of the hexapod motion simulators. 3.) FutureFlight Central (FFC) is a is a full scale air traffic control tower simulator that has the "look and feel" of an actual airport tower with a 360-degree, continuous field of view, high fidelity out-the-window visual scene. The facility is used for planning new runway configurations, optimizing new ground traffic and tower communication procedures, testing new technologies and validating air traffic planning simulations based on SIMMOD, TAAM and other airport and airline planning tools. It supports cost-benefit studies, human factor assessments, and proof-of-concept evaluations through qualitative and quantitative measurements of workload, airport capacity and efficiency under realistic conditions. Our staff assists researchers with their simulation research providing expertise in all aspects of simulation including the capability to design and build simulators from concept specification through full operation, including all software, hardware, mechanical design and fabrication, etc. Please, see our web site(s) (http://www.simlabs.arc.nasa.gov) and (http://ffc.arc.nasa.gov/) for more detailed facility descriptions, information and photos. Interested parties are invited to submit comments or questions to Deborah Glass via electronic transmission at dglass@mail.arc.nasa.gov. In responding, reference RFI2-SIM-01. Response are due September 21, 2001. This is a request for information only. It does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that Ames Research Center will take procurement action in this particular matter. All comments received will be carefully reviewed and considered for inclusion in a later action. If issued, a formal request will take precedence over this document.

Web Link

Click here for the latest information about this notice (http://nais.msfc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/EPS/bizops.cgi?gr=D&pin=21#RFI2-SIM-01)

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010810/SPMSC005.HTM (D-220 SN50U469)