Extravehicular Activity Helmet Mounted Display
Synopsis – Apr 28, 2008
Draft Document – Posted on Apr 28, 2008 New!
General Information
Solicitation Number: N/A
Reference Number: NNC08ZCH020O
Posted Date: Apr 28, 2008
FedBizOpps Posted Date: Apr 28, 2008
Original Response Date: May 12, 2008
Current Response Date: May 12, 2008
Classification Code: A — Research and Development
NAICS Code: 541712 – Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Contracting Office Address
NASA/Glenn Research Center, 21000 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, OH 44135
Description
NASA/GRC is hereby soliciting information about potential sources for an Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Helmet Mounted Display (HMD).
PURPOSE OF THIS SYNOPSIS:
The purpose of this synopsis is to request information on capabilities of potential offerors to develop the anticipated HMD as described in the attached “Proposed Requirements for EVA Helmet Mounted Display”. The information received will assist us in determining if this will be a small business set-aside or a full and open competition. Information received as a result of this notice will be considered by the Government and used for acquisition planning purposes only:
BACKGROUND:
Current ISS and Shuttle EVA crewmember information displays will not meet the need of Constellation Program’s Extravehicular Activities that will be performed on the Lunar surface. Crewmembers will need access to extended information including: procedural checklists, suit status information, caution and warning information, navigational aids, biomedical sensor readings, metabolic rate, and still imagery and video. The Constellation Program’s next generation of space suits will require the means to display the graphical information listed above, ideally using a hands free device, such as an HMD.
PROPOSED WORK:
NASA Glenn Research Center is anticipating a 2 phase requirement, with the phases described as follows:
Phase 1: Development of the optical technologies needed to create a usable, decoupled HMD system. Phase 1 is the development of a functional model that can be used for lab-based and field-based evaluations of the display concept. Since the packing of the optical delivery system is as much a technology driver as optical performance, the initial phase must be in a form, fit, and function close to that called for in a flight system. Less important in the first phase is packaging and power consumption of associated electronics and microdisplay source. In phase 1, any prototype should have the ability to be located in multiple places so that display positioning can be evaluated. As optical performance is key, the goal will be to produce a prototype with optics that permit Technology Readiness Level (TRL) between 3 and 4, with evaluation in a prototype suit, ideally with the helmet installed and the suit pressurized. See “Proposed Requirements for EVA Helmet Mounted Display” attached for further Phase 1 requirements.
Phase 2: Will be an option, and will consist of developing a higher fidelity model with tighter packaging and power constraints using more flight-like materials. The Phase 2 prototype would permit TRL between 5 and 6. Phase 2 will also be used to improve upon Phase 1 optical parameters that were identified as deficient following the Phase 1 evaluation and field-testing.
Note: Prototype systems will be delivered at the completion of each phase. Integral to all phases of development is the physical interface with the suit helmet and bubble.
HOW TO RESPOND:
The response MUST include the following, and MUST include REFERENCE NUMBER NNC08ZCH020O:
1) Company name, address, point of contact, phone, fax, e-mail, and website (if applicable).
2) Indication of whether your company is a Large business, Small business, Small Disadvantaged Business, 8(a) Set-aside Small business, HUBZone Small business, Woman-owned Small business, Veteran-owned Small business, HBCU/MI, Service-Disabled Veteran-owned Small business for NAICS code 541712. The size standard is 500 employees.
3) Indication of whether or not your company has a DCAA approved accounting system to support a cost type contract.
4) A capability statement of 10 PAGES or less. There is no required font size and/or type designed for this statement.
No solicitation exists; therefore, do not request a copy of the solicitation. If a solicitation is released it will be synopsized in FedBizOpps and on the NASA Acquisition Internet Service. It is the potential offeror’s responsibility to monitor these sites for the release of any solicitation or synopsis.
Technical questions should be directed to: Michael Lewis at 216-433-6602. Procurement related questions should be directed to: Heidi Shaw at 216-433-5346.
Please advise if the requirement is considered to be a commercial or commercial-type product. A commercial item is defined in FAR 2.101.
This synopsis is for information and planning purposes and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government nor will the Government pay for information solicited. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the evaluation. Respondents deemed fully qualified will be considered in any resultant solicitation for the requirement.
The Government reserves the right to consider a small business or 8(a) set-aside based on responses hereto.
Responses are requested by: May 12, 2008.
Responses may be sent via the following methods:
E-Mail to: Heidi.D.Shaw@nasa.gov FAX: 216-433-2480, Attn: Heidi D. Shaw Mail: NASA Glenn Research Center Attn: Heidi D. Shaw, M.S. 500-319 21000 Brookpark Road Cleveland, OH 44135
Point of Contact
Name: Heidi D. Shaw
Title: Contract Specialist
Phone: 216-433-5346
Fax: 216-433-2480
Email: Heidi.D.Shaw@grc.nasa.gov
Name: Michael Lewis
Title: Technical Point of Contact
Phone: 216-433-6602
Fax: 216-433-8000
Email: Michael.J.Lewis@nasa.gov
