NASA KSC Solicitation: LIFE-LIKE ROBOT

Synopsis/Solicitation Combo – Jul 12, 2010

Solicitation – Posted on Jul 12, 2010 New!

General Information

Solicitation Number: NNK10341662Q
Posted Date: Jul 12, 2010
FedBizOpps Posted Date: Jul 12, 2010
Recovery and Reinvestment Act Action: No
Original Response Date: Jul 26, 2010
Current Response Date: Jul 26, 2010
Classification Code: 69 — Training aids and devices
NAICS Code: 339999 – All Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing

Contracting Office Address

NASA/John F. Kennedy Space Center, Procurement, Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899

Description

NASA/KSC has a requirement for a 5’9″ Life-Like Robot, brand-name Engineered Arts Limited, RoboThespian, or equal. The solicitation (14 pages) is attached and includes: terms and conditions of order, salient characteristics for life-like robot, and questions/answers to inquiries about the Request for Information (RFI) that was previously posted.

This notice is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation, which is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ); quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. Offerors are required to use the On-Line RFQ system to submit their quote. The On-line RFQ system is linked above or it may be accessed at http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eps/bizops.cgi?gr=C&pin= . The information required by FAR Subpart 12.6 is included in the on-line RFQ.

The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12 and the Simplified Acquisition Procedures set forth in FAR Part 13.

Questions regarding this acquisition must be submitted in writing (e-mail is preferred) no later than 7/19/2010. It is the quoter’s responsibility to monitor this site for the release of amendments (if any). Potential quoters will be responsible for downloading their own copy of this notice, the on-line RFQ and amendments (if any).

[OMBUDSMAN STATEMENT IS REQUIRED] An ombudsman has been appointed – See NASA Specific Note “B”.

Any referenced notes may be viewed at the following URLs link below.

Point of Contact

Name: Nicole M. Rivera
Title: Contract Specialist
Phone: 321-867-3523
Fax: 321-867-2825
Email: Nicole.Rivera@nasa.gov

Characteristics for Life-Like Robot

– Robot height= no taller than 5’9″

– Package shall include: animation software, virtual animation files, recovery disc or recovery USB drive, touch screen console, base, 12-month warranty, delivery, assembly, installation, and one-day user training

– Programmable performance allows tailoring demonstrations to fit the audience – youth, K-12 student, teacher groups, and general public.

– Web-based controls for user customization and capability of experimental software for academic research

– Ability to see what the robot sees, make it move and tell it what to say from anywhere with a net connection

– Life-like size creates realism

– Easy to fix problems when they arise and easy to get support when needed

– Multi-lingual vocal ability (4 languages- English, Spanish, French, German) and eye movements add to life like social interaction

– Able to upload images to create emotional and controllable eye animations

– Ability to read scripts, say what is typed and access written content in all 4 languages

– Generate “lip-sync’d” mouth movement and control audio related gesturing

Questions – Life-Like Robot RFI #: NNK10341662L

1. Robot height:
a. Robot & shall be no taller than 6″ and weigh no more than 25 pounds.
b. Robot shall be no taller than 5’Y’ and weigh no more than 75 pounds.
c. Robot console shall be no taller than 40″ and weigh no more than 85 pounds.

2. Package shall include: animation software, virtual animation files, recovery disc or recovery USB drive, touch screen console, base, 12-month warranty, delivery, assembly, installation, and one-day user training.

Is the base for the console or the robot? – Base is for the robot

* Is the touch screen console for public interaction with robot, or a programming console?

– Both

* Will the robot be in a permanent location or travel?

– Occasional travel

3. Programmable performance allows tailoring demonstrations to fit the audience youth, K-12 student, teacher groups, and general public. Is the intent to control the robot in “real-time” to switch between demonstrations or create multiple programs, which can be selected by an instructor prior to the start of the demonstration?

-Should be able to operate from console via programs with operator override for designated demonstrations

4. Web-based controls for user customization and capability of experimental software for academic research. Please elaborate on the function of the experimental software. Is it to control the figure? Survey the audience? Is collection of responses part of this scope?

– Any software submitted as research should be tailored to the robot’s capabilities

5. Life-like size creates realism. Is it a realistic human figure? If so, will the features replicate those of a real person, living or historical?

– The size should be lifelike, about 6 feet tall with proportional limbs and movements. A human representation is not required

6. Multi-lingual vocal ability (4 languages- English, Spanish, French, German). Does the robot need to understand verbal questions in all four languages?

– For interactive programs the robot should understand verbal prompts

7. Eye movements add to life like social interaction. Will eyes be controlled in “real time?’

– Eye movements should be operable from the console via programs

Is facial recognition required?

-Facial recognition is not required

8. Able to upload images to create emotional and controllable eye animations. Please define how images are used to create eye animations.

-The robot should be programmable with images as part of the selectable facial characterizations

9. Ability to read scripts, say what is typed and access written content in all 4 languages. Generate lip-syncd mouth movement and control audio related gesturing. Will robot be required to recognize which language it is reading?

-Robot should utilize languages from programs, operated from the console via programs with operator override for certain demonstrations

10. Where do you anticipate the touch screen being located? -The touch screen should be built into the console within viewing distance of the robot and robot’s reaction to console selected commands

11. Do you anticipate the base being something other than a stand for the character?

– No not really but all suggestions will be reviewed if proposed

12. What other movements are required other than eyes and lips?

-The robot should move limbs at the joints