NASA ARC Solicitation: Max Rover
Synopsis – Aug 15, 2008
General Information
Solicitation Number: NNA08264578P-AMF
Posted Date: Aug 15, 2008
FedBizOpps Posted Date: Aug 15, 2008
Original Response Date: Aug 26, 2008
Current Response Date: Aug 26, 2008
Classification Code: 18 — Space vehicles
NAICS Code: 336414 – Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing
Contracting Office Address
NASA/Ames Research Center, JA:M/S 241-1, Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000
Description
NASA/ARC is hereby soliciting information about potential sources for an Educational Mobile Robot Platform and a High Performance Research Rover which both will be used in field research.
NASA/ARC intends to purchase this item from the following company: Senseta Inc., 717 Maplewood Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94043 pursuant to FAR 6.302-1. Senseta Inc. is a unique manufacturer the Max 5 rover who has demonstrated the ability to traverse over desert surface without damaging the soil crust. The Max 5 rover is also compatible with the computers and operating system already in use by Spaceward Bound for field tele-operations. The specifications are as follows:
We require three Max 5 rovers to support Spaceward Bound field activities. The rovers will be used in field settings to conduct tele-operated field work related to planetary geology and astrobiology. Spaceward Bound is an exemplary NASA educational program. The goal of Spaceward Bound is to train the next generation of space explorers through involvement in real field work in Mars and Moon analog environments. Rovers are needed to support the field work being done by Spaceward Bound crews by providing a teleoperated robotic vehicle in extreme environments to study moon and Mars analogs. The rovers will also provide a comparative tool to analyze the difference between human and machine capabilities. The will be used to engage in outreach activities to schools (including but not limited to NASA Explorer Schools, low income and minority schools), science related conferences, and other public events to encourage interest in science and engineering.
The rovers will be used in three distinct applications: 1. Long term field deployment at the Mars Desert Research Station for use by crews conducting Mars mission simulations. 2) Test and development platform for here at Ames. 3) Deployment on short term expeditions of Spaceward Bound to deserts and polar regions.
To meet the requirements, three rovers will be purchased. These are:
Two basic Max 5R rovers
One basic Max 5J rover with the more powerful computer and the stereo cam. (not needed are the LIDAR, Sonar, or INU.
In addition to the hardware we require a one-year support contract for the operation and maintenance of the rovers.
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.
Vendors having the capabilities necessary to meet or exceed the stated requirements are invited to submit appropriate documentation, literature, brochures, and references. 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 not acceptable in response to this notice. All responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency.
The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12.
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. All responses shall be submitted to Brandon P. Nguyen no later than 4:00 p.m. August 26, 2008. Responses may be mailed to the following address: NASA AMES RESEARCH CENTER Attn: Brandon P. Nguyen M/S 213-13 Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000. Please reference NNA08264578P-AMF in any response. Any referenced notes may be viewed at the following URLs linked below.
An Ombudsman has been appointed. See NASA Specific Note “B”.
Point of Contact
Name: Brandon P Nguyen
Title: Purchasing Agent
Phone: 650-604-1995
Fax: 650-604-2593
Email: bnguyen@mail.arc.nasa.gov
Name: AnJennette C. Rodriguez
Title: Contract Specialist
Phone: 650-604-0976
Fax: 650-604-2593
Email: anjennette.c.rodriguez@nasa.gov
