NASA Solicitation: Altair Request for Information

Synopsis – Oct 06, 2008

General Information

Solicitation Number: RFI-ALTAIR-10-10-2008
Posted Date: Oct 06, 2008
FedBizOpps Posted Date: Oct 06, 2008
Original Response Date: Oct 10, 2008
Current Response Date: Oct 10, 2008
Classification Code: A — Research and Development
NAICS Code: 336414 – Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing

Contracting Office Address

NASA/Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston Texas, 77058-3696, Mail Code: BT

Description

I. Background

NASA is in the conceptual phase of identifying key performance indicators for the successful design and production of the “Altair” (Lunar Lander) vehicle. Our goal is to meet NASA’s Lunar Exploration requirements safely and at the lowest life cycle cost. As specified during the Industry Day meeting conducted September 25, 2008, NASA will be awarding multiple fixed price contracts in early CY 2009. This interim developmental design effort is intended to continue industry involvement and build on the knowledge developed under the Altair study contracts by supplementing the NASA design team emphasizing the areas of human space flight production, manufacturing, and operability. Contracts are planned to run into the 2012/2013 timeframe in support of the Altair Systems Requirements Review (SRR) and Systems Design Review (SDR).

II. Objective

This RFI is issued to request information from the aerospace industry regarding potential implementation mechanisms for the multiple contractor procurement strategy.

III. Technical Requirements

The Altair project has a technical requirement to supplement the existing NASA design team to aid in maturing the current design with an emphasis on human space flight production, manufacturing, and operability requirements/capabilities. The intent is to utilize multiple contractor resources equitably to improve the single, government led, Altair design.

IV. Acquisition Strategy

Market research has begun for the Altair vehicle. Continued industry involvement early in the NASA led design and development phase is highly desirable. Therefore, we are seeking input from industry regarding the day to day implementation of a multiple contractor procurement strategy, with the goal of improving a single design concept, and the inclusion of small businesses in this procurement. NASA intends to maintain the designer role through SDR for the Altair project; however, in order to ensure a robust design, NASA is soliciting input on supplementing its current NASA team with industry partners who have proven experience in human space flight production, manufacturing, and operability applicable to the Altair vehicle. The Altair planned acquisition approach will utilize these guiding principles:

1. Maximize competition to include the ability to re-compete at appropriate times. 2. Effectively enable a blend of NASA led design efforts with contractor involvement while maintaining a competitive environment until the most effective time to award full scale development and production contract(s). 3. Develop a set of metrics or measurement criteria that would be used to evaluate the technical performance of the awardee(s) as it relates to this interim developmental design effort. 4. Leverage existing industry programs. 5. Maximize the use of all categories of small businesses, with particular emphasis in significant technical areas. 6. Mitigate conflict of interest risks including identifying barriers to competition for Altair that could be mitigated and subsequently foster a more competitive environment.

V. Summary

While there is no formal page limit or format, a page guideline of 5 pages is recommended for the primary narrative text response. Inputs shall be compliant with all legal and regulatory requirements concerning limitations on export controlled items.

Responses are requested to be submitted in Microsoft Office products in a user friendly environment to facilitate review. One hard copy and 3 CDs or DVDs are requested. Responses are to be submitted no later than October 10, 2008, to Tim A. Boyes/BT/Johnson Space Center, TX 77058.

Altair will be the vehicle to enable the United States to return to the moon and beyond. Merging NASA’s and industry’s core expertise will foster this endeavor. We solicit your response and will continue to utilize this site to provide further updates to include the possibility of an Altair Industry Day. Any questions can be directed to Tim A. Boyes at 281-483-1838.

Point of Contact

Name: Timothy A. Boyes
Title: Contracting Officer
Phone: 281-483-1838
Fax: 281-483-0503
Email: timothy.a.boyes@nasa.gov

Name: Timothy A. Boyes
Title: Contracting Officer
Phone: 281-483-1838
Fax: 281-483-0503
Email: timothy.a.boyes@nasa.gov