NASA LaRC Solicitation: New Worlds Imager

Synopsis – Feb 24, 2006

General Information

Solicitation Number: N/A
Reference Number: NNG06-GDJ-0001
Posted Date: Feb 24, 2006
FedBizOpps Posted Date: Feb 24, 2006
Original Response Date: Mar 13, 2006
Current Response Date: Mar 13, 2006
Classification Code: A — Research and Development
NAICS Code: 541710 – Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences

Contracting Office Address

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

Description

NASA/GSFC intends to issue a sole-source Request for Proposal (RFP) to the Northrop Grumman Corp. and Ball Aerospace Corp. for the further development of the New Worlds Imager concept. This concept was conceived in a study led by Prof. Webster Cash of the University of Colorado under the sponsorship of the NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts (www.niac.usra.edu). The NIAC’s charter is to stimulate the development of a broad range of advanced concepts and unique, innovative ideas in aeronautics and space. These concepts are solicited via a Call for Proposals, and those deemed meritorious are selected through a highly competitive, peer-reviewed process. The two companies named above were, and continue to be, co-investigators in the competitively selected NIAC study under which the initial New Worlds Imager concept was formulated.

The New Worlds Imager concept is a deep-space astronomical mission involving the deployment of large structures in space. Specifically, the mission uses a space telescope and a large occulting mask external to the telescope to make coronagraphic observations in search of planets around nearby stars. It involves precision star tracking and requires an understanding of diffraction and scattering theory, as well as orbital analysis and flight dynamics to control the spacecraft over a wide range in velocity If this concept is selected for further study, the proposed contract would have a 12-month period of performance. Under this contract, NGC and Ball would conduct a Phase-A study of a mission based on the New Worlds Imager concept. This study will conform to the guidelines given in NPR 7120.5B (NASA Program and Project Management Processes and Requirements). Because Northrop Grumman and Ball are integral members of the team that formulated the initial concept, they are the only sources capable of further developing this unique concept as part of a Phase-A mission study.

The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. See Note 26.

See note 22.

Statutory authority for this sole source procurement is 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1)–Only One Responsible Source. However, organizations who believe they can provide these services should fully identify their interest and qualifications/capabilities by the response date of this synopsis to point of contact identified below. Such qualifications/ capabilities will be used solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. Responses received after the due day or without the required information will be considered non-responsive to the synopsis and will not be considered. A determination by the Government to not compete this proposed effort on a full and open competitive 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.

An Ombudsman has been appointed. See NASA Specific Note “B”.

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

Point of Contact

Name: Carlos R McKenzie
Title: Contracting Officer
Phone: (301) 286-3318
Fax: (301) 286-1773
Email: Carlos.R.McKenzie@nasa.gov