Intramural Call for Human and Robotic (H&RT) Proposals

General Information

Document Type: Sources Sought Notice

Solicitation Number: 2004-500

Posted Date: May 17, 2004

Original Response Date: May 28, 2004

Current Response Date: May 28, 2004

Original Archive Date: May 17, 2005

Current Archive Date: May 17, 2005

Classification Code: A — Research & Development

Contracting Office Address
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, Code 210.S, Greenbelt, MD 20771

Description

This notice is issued by the NASA/GSFC to post a Request for Information (RFI) via the internet, and solicit responses from interested parties.    

This document is for information and planning purposes and to allow industry the opportunity to verify reasonableness and feasibility of the requirement, as well as promote competition. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal, Invitation to Bid, or Request for Quotation, and it is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to enter into a contract. This RFI is subject to review or cancellation at any time.    

As a result of this RFI, GSFC anticipates entering into a partnering phase activity with potential respondents who are determined to be viable contributors to the proposal development and technology development if the proposal is selected during the NASA H&RT ICP process. GSFC has the right to select more than one partner who meets the selection criteria and are deemed viable partners. GSFC has posted certain information (gsfctechnology web site) to enable potential respondents to learn more about the H&RT programs, and to enable them to respond to this RFI. The information contained on this web site is essential for developing an understanding of the H&RT effort.    

The objective of this RFI is to invite potential respondents to submit information that allows NASA GSFC to advise the respondents about their potential to be viable partners and contributors to the development of the H&RT relevant technologies; to promote competition; to improve potential respondents’ understanding of NASA’s requirements; and to improve NASA’s knowledge of industries’ capabilities.    

This notice constitutes all information concerning the H&RT Intramural Call for Proposals partnering opportunity that will be furnished at this time. Firms interested in obtaining supplemental information should submit a request by email to Ms. Lisa Wood Callahan at Lisa.W.Callahan@nasa.gov. Please do not request other information until you have read the attached Partnership documentation available through the web site listed above.              

This synopsis is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government nor will the Government pay for the       information solicited. An ombudsman has been appointed. See NASA Specific Note “B”. Any reference notes can be viewed at the following URL:     http://genesis.gsfc.nasa.gov/nasanote.html     .    

**Please do not contact the designated POC for information related to this RFI.

Original Point of Contact

Dawn M. Fountain, Contracting Officer, Phone (301) 286-3815, Fax (301) 286-1773, Email dfountai@pop200.gsfc.nasa.gov
Email your questions to Dawn M. Fountain at dfountai@pop200.gsfc.nasa.gov

Additional Information

Procurement Opportunity Document 01 – Posted on May 17, 2004

RFI-H&RT POD-502

Human and Robotic Technology (H&RT) Intramural Call for Proposals

Partnering Opportunity Document (POD)

Request for Information (RFI)

Effective Date: May 17, 2004

Publication Date: May 17, 2004

National Aeronautics and Goddard Space Flight Center

Space Administration Greenbelt, Maryland

The Human and Robotic Technology (H&RT)

Intramural Call for Proposals

Partnering Opportunity Document

Request for Information

May 2004

Initiated by:

Signed by Lisa Wood Callahan May 17, 2004

Lisa Wood Callahan Date

Deputy Chief Technologist

Goddard Technology Management Office

Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, Maryland
20771

PREFACE

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Code 502, is issuing this Request For Information (RFI) for the purpose of openly soliciting information regarding the availability, cost, and capabilities of potential partners in the formulation of proposals for the Human and Robotic Technology Theme call for proposals for the Advanced Space Technology Program (ASTP) and the Technology Maturation Program (TMP). The overall objective of these two H&RT programs is to contribute to the development of new technologies and systems necessary to support the Exploration Vision, as implemented by the Exploration Systems Enterprise (ExE).

General information regarding this RFI:

Solicitation Number: N/A

Reference Number: N/A

NASA Acquisition Internet Service (NAIS) Page Posted Date: May 17 2004

Response Date: Due May 28, 2004 no later than 5:00 p.m. EDT

Classification Code: A–Research and Development

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Page

Section 1. Introduction 1

1.1 General Information 1

1.2 RFI Purpose 1

Section 2. RFI Scope 3

2.1 Overview 3

2.2 Details of the Opportunity 3

Section 3. RFI Responses 6

3.1 GSFC’s Evaluation Criteria 6

3.2 RFI Response Instructions 6

SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 GENERAL INFORMATION

NASA’s Exploration Systems Enterprise (ExE) has issued an Intramural Call for Proposals (ICP) as part of its Human and Robotic Technology (H&RT) Theme. The H&RT Theme ICP includes the following two H&RT programs:

Advanced Space Technology Program (ASTP) – This program funds research and development of high-leverage space technologies to support solar system exploration and other NASA applications. This program will conduct fundamental research, technology development, and tool development. AST will work closely with Technology Maturation to identify technologies to meet solar system explorations needs.

Technology Maturation Program (TMP) – This program, comprising mid- to high-
TRL technology maturation, demonstration and flight experiments, will pursue new
technologies in the areas of high energy space systems, advanced space systems and
platforms, advanced space operations, and lunar & planetary surface operations. The
program will advance key technologies required to enable the U.S. Exploration Vision,
with a focus on the human and robotic exploration of the Moon, Mars and other
destinations.

The Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) is leading a proposal development effort in response to NASA Headquarters’ Intramural Call for Proposal Memorandum released on May 14, 2004. The Goddard Technology Management Office is soliciting information from industry for participation in the proposal development, and if the proposal is selected by NASA Headquarters, additional industry participation for the duration of the awarded contract. For the portion of this partnership opportunity dealing with the preparation of the initial proposal submission to the ICP there will be no exchange of funds between the teaming partners. It is emphasized that the requested information is for preliminary planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that NASA will solicit the submitter for a procurement of any related effort in the future. NASA will not be responsible for any costs incurred by submitters in furnishing this information. However, this is an opportunity to join the H&RT development team and be involved in the development of critical exploration technologies and capabilities.

Further AST and TM program descriptions as well as the H&RT Memorandum ICP can be found at gsfctechnology.gsfc.nasa.gov

1.2 RFI PURPOSE

This request for information (RFI) is being made available for information and planning purposes only, subject to FAR Clause 52.215-3, entitled “Solicitation for Information or Planning Purposes”. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal, Invitation to Bid, or Request for Quotation, and it is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to enter into a contract. This RFI is subject to review or cancellation at any time.

As a result of this RFI, GSFC anticipates entering into a partnering phase activity with potential respondents who are determined to be viable contributors to the proposal development and technology development if the proposal is selected during the NASA H&RT ICP process. GSFC has the right to select more than one partner who meets the selection criteria and are deemed viable partners.
GSFC has posted certain information (gsfctechnology web site) to enable potential respondents to learn more about the H&RT programs, and to enable them to respond to this RFI. The information contained on this web site is essential for developing an understanding of the H&RT effort.
The objective of this RFI is to invite potential respondents to submit information that allows NASA GSFC to advise the respondents about their potential to be viable partners and contributors to the development of the H&RT relevant technologies; to promote competition; to improve potential respondents’ understanding of NASA’s requirements; and to improve NASA’s knowledge of industries’ capabilities.

This notice constitutes all information concerning the H&RT Intramural Call for Proposals partnering opportunity that will be furnished at this time. Firms interested in obtaining supplemental information should submit a request by email to Ms. Lisa Wood Callahan at Lisa.W.Callahan@nasa.gov. Please do not request other information until you have read the documentation available through the web site listed above.

SECTION 2. RFI SCOPE

2.1 OVERVIEW

During the proposal development phase in response to NASA Headquarters’ ICP the selected partners will participate as part of the Intramural proposal team. If the technology proposal is selected by NASA Headquarters, additional industry participation in the development is expected during the duration of the contract. In response to this RFI, the respondent(s) will describe briefly the requested information below.

2.2 DETAILS OF THE OPPORTUNITY

The schedule of work is as follows:

Proposal Development Phase – May 28, 2004 – June 14, 2004

Development Phase – July 28, 2004 – March 29, 2008 (approximate dates)

Scope of Work for the Partner(s)
In advance of the proposal writing phase, partners are expected to provide technical expertise to describe their interest and capabilities to develop technology relevant to the H&RT Theme and consistent with GSFC core capabilities.

Advanced Space Technology Program includes the following element programs:

Advanced Studies, Concepts and Tools (ASCT) Program.

This program will be responsible for advanced studies, concepts and related activities to inform future decisions concerning all H&RT programs. The ASTP will develop prototypes of new models and tools for use by exploration requirements studies and activities (for example, by the Requirements Division of the Office of Exploration Systems).

Advanced Materials and Structural Concepts (AMSC) Program

This program will be responsible for low-TRL development and testing of novel materials and structural concepts for a wide range of future exploration applications.

Communications, Computing, Electronics & Imaging (CCEI) Program

This program will be responsible for low-TRL development and testing of novel communications, computing, electronics and imaging concepts and technologies for diverse future exploration applications. The special focus is on new devices and components for use in future space systems.

Software, Intelligent Systems and Modeling (SISM) Program

This program will be responsible for low-TRL development and testing of novel software, intelligent systems and modeling concepts and technologies for diverse future exploration applications. This element program will also be the focal point for H&RT utilization of NASA or other national supercomputing assets.

Power, Propulsion and Chemical Systems (PPCS) Program

The PPCS Program will pursue low-TRL technology research and development across a wide range of topics related to advanced power, propulsion and various chemical systems topics.

Technology Maturation Program includes the following element programs:

High Energy Space Systems (HESS) Program

The HESS technology program will develop and demonstrate a range of key new capabilities for human/robotic space exploration. These demonstrations may involve either a single new subsystem/system (e.g., a new approach to power generation and management) or the validation of several new systems in a larger, higher-fidelity demonstration or test bed.

Advanced Space Systems & Platforms (ASSP) Technology Program

The ASSP Technology Program will develop and demonstrate a range of key new capabilities for human/robotic space exploration. The formulation and later execution of this element program will be pursued in close coordination with related programs within H&RT, as well as within the Office of Biological and Physical Research.

Advanced Space Operations (ASO) Technology Program

The ASO Technology Program will be planned and implemented in close coordination with the ASSP Technology Program (described above); this will involve coordinated development of interfaces and interface standards, and may also involve jointly sponsored major demonstrations

Lunar & Planetary Surface Operations (LPSO) Technology Program

The LPSO Technology Program will be planned and implemented in close coordination with the ASSP Technology Program (described above); this will involve coordinated development of interfaces and interface standards, and may also involve jointly sponsored major demonstrations.

In-Space Technology Experiments (InSTEP) Program

The InSTEP program will enable the timely identification, development and flight of important experiments (at TRL 5 or lower) in space to validate novel technology applications, as well as occasional larger-scale and/or higher fidelity demonstrations incorporating multiple technologies in new, interdisciplinary systems concepts. In general, InSTEP will work in close concert with other H&RT programs, providing flight opportunities for lower TRL technologies emerging from the ASTP, as well as defining and flying technology flight experiments related to technology maturation efforts that are cross-cutting in character.

SECTION 3. RFI RESPONSES

3.1 GSFC’S EVALUATION CRITERIA
NASA will evaluate the submitted capability and qualification statements from the respondents by considering the following:

• Relevance of proposed technical capability/interest to GSFC core capabilities and H&RT needs
• The depth and relevance of experience and past performance history that convey a demonstrated ability to successfully perform proposal and concept development
• The adequacy and availability of necessary human resource, facilities, and other resources for conducting research and development
• The proper identification of the key challenges and technical effectiveness of your approach in dealing with these.

GSFC will advise each respondent, in writing, as to our assessment of viability as a partner under this potential opportunity. To be considered a viable competitor, you must be rated viable for all three criteria. GSFC anticipates completing this evaluation within one week of receiving capability and qualification statements. GSFC may ask for supplemental information to your statements if there is uncertainty as to your viability. If more than one proposal meets the selection criteria, GSFC reserves the right to select more than one industry partner. You will be contacted after this evaluation with the results. If you are found to be viable, you will be contacted to set up future meetings. If you are found not to be a viable competitor, NASA will advise you as to the basis for that determination. Non-viable respondents may request a one-on-one meeting by sending a written request to the GSFC Deputy Chief Technologist, Ms. Lisa Wood Callahan, at the address listed below.

3.2 RFI RESPONSE INSTRUCTIONS

Proposals are limited to no more than 5 pages in not less than 12-point font. Excluded from the page count are the cover letter, title pages, table of contents, list of acronyms page, and appendices. Respondents may feel free to attach additional appendices that describe their capabilities further, but we encourage brevity. Responses to this POD shall be in Adobe Acrobat Portable Data Format (PDF) or Microsoft Word. The acceptable embedded graphics are JPEG or GIF format.
The written package must include the following:

• The specific technology, concept or capability proposed to support the Exploration Vision. A description of capabilities and qualifications offered.
• The respondents should outline areas of participation, and provide evidence that supports claims of expertise and capability.

Respondents who intend to provide the capabilities and qualifications statement are requested to notify Ms. Lisa Wood Callahan, NASA GSFC Code 502 at Lisa.W.Callahan@nasa.gov within five business days of receiving this notice. This contact shall not be considered binding, but shall be used as the distribution list for any additional correspondence.

Questions concerning this POD may be asked during the first week after release of this document. All questions and answers will be documented and provided to the entire distribution list. The source of the questions will not be disseminated. All questions should be submitted to Ms. Lisa Wood Callahan via email at Lisa.W.Callahan@nasa.gov.

The respondents shall address the requirements of this Partnering Opportunity Document in written format as described in previous paragraphs. Interested firms are requested to submit their capabilities and qualifications statements by mail to Ms. Lisa Wood Callahan at the address below no later than 5 p.m. EDT on May 28, 2004.

It is the responsibility of potential respondents to monitor the NASA Acquisition Internet Service (NAIS), GSFC Procurement site http://genesis.gsfc.nasa.gov/procure.htm for information concerning this RFI.
RFI Point of Contact Information:

Name: Lisa Wood Callahan

Title: GSFC Deputy Chief Technologist

Address: NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, Mail Code 502, Room 284, Building 22, Greenbelt, MD 20771

Phone: (301) 286-1212

Fax: (301) 286-0301

Email: Lisa.W.Callahan@nasa.gov