NASA Request for Information: Planetary Science Division Technology Infusion Study
Synopsis – Mar 20, 2013
Technology Infusion Appendices – Posted on Mar 20, 2013 New!
General Information
Solicitation Number: NNH13ZDA008L
Posted Date: Mar 20, 2013
FedBizOpps Posted Date: Mar 20, 2013
Recovery and Reinvestment Act Action: No
Original Response Date: Apr 19, 2013
Current Response Date: Apr 19, 2013
Classification Code: A — Research and Development
NAICS Code: 541712
Contracting Office Address
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA Headquarters Acquisition Branch, Code 210.H, Greenbelt, MD 20771
Description
The Planetary Science Division (PSD) within the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Headquarters seeks to understand how to better realize a scientific return on spacecraft system technology investments. This Request for Information (RFI), will provide PSD with recommendations on how to effectively infuse new spacecraft systems technologies that it develops into future competed missions, enabling increased scientific discoveries, lower mission cost, or both. We are collecting input on how to maximize the return on and benefits from current technology investments and thereby improve the prospects of the inclusion of these investments within future competed missions opportunities. We are requesting from the science and mission communities input on specific questions, their assessment of barriers to technology infusion as related to infusion approach, technology readiness, information and documentation products, communication, integration considerations, interaction with technology development areas, costs capped mission areas, risk considerations, system level impacts and implementation, and mission pull. Other volunteered input not supporting one of these areas from responders will also be considered.
To this end, the PSD has formed a team comprised of Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) Program and In-Space Propulsion Technology (ISPT) Program staff to execute this study. This team will engage the science and mission communities and seek inputs from industry, universities, and other organizations. This team also may seek opinions and analysis from consultants and contractors as needed to achieve the objective of this study.
The most recent PSD Announcements of Opportunities (AOs) have offered the availability of the following technologies to the proposers: The Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG), aerocapture and aeroshell hardware technologies, the NASA Evolutionary Xenon Thruster (NEXT) ion propulsion system, and the Advanced Materials Bi-propellant Rocket (AMBR) engine. Specific input on the use of these technologies are also being requested.
Following the collection of the data from this RFI, with agreement from the responder, NASA may request one-on-one visits either virtually or face-to-face with the responders. This RFI does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that NASA will take procurement action in this matter. Further, neither NASA nor the Government will be responsible for any cost incurred in furnishing this information.
Technology Infusion Study Process:
This study will consist of five phases briefly noted below:
Data collection Phase: NASA is utilizing the RFI vehicle to collect a broad range of input from members of the science and mission communities. This input is requested through the questions contained in the attached appendices:
* Appendix A provides the General List of Questions to be addressed by respondents regarding technology infusion barriers. It is requested that all respondents address these questions.
* Appendix B provides the list of questions for the In-Space Technology Program
* Appendix C provides the list of questions for the Radioisotope Power Systems Program. o Appendix B and C can be addressed as determined appropriate by the respondents.
* Appendix D is for reference regarding current targeted technologies and both programs.
The Assessment team will be contacting respondents, as appropriate, for additional detailed discussions during the Discussion Phase. NASA also intends to directly contact and work with known proposers from the Discovery 12 AO.
Analysis Phase: During this phase, the study team will generate common themes across the input received and identify any unique responses. The results of this phase will be shared with the PSD stakeholders prior to any contact with the outside community. The contact plan for follow-on discussions with responders, where considered necessary or requested, will be formulated based on the outcome of the activities in this phase.
Discussion Phase: During this phase, individual contact will be made with select RFI responders. There will be specific follow-up questions, but these discussions will be structured to have a dialogue and better understand the community and allow for further understanding of the written response. This phase will also allow for the technology specific questions to be discussed in greater detail.
Recommendation Phase: This phase will document all information received and will abstract the information into recommendations to PSD management that will identify opportunities to improve technology development planning and technology infusion opportunities for future AOs.
Post Main Study Phase: In this phase, the study team will share the common themes and results of this study with the broad science and mission community. It is envisioned that this will occur at appropriate planetary assessment group meetings and conferences and will cover the study results and seek feedback.
RFI Response Details
RFI responses must include: * Name of the primary point of contact for the response and business title * Institution or organization affiliation * Postal address, E-mail address, and phone number * Identification of other key individuals who collaborated on the RFI response * Indication if the responder is willing to be contacted upon NASA’s determination of need for further discussion * Indication if the responder requests to be contacted. NASA will make every effort to contact those that indicate the request to be contacted. * Responses to questions listed in Appendix A at a minimum, and Appendices B and C, as desired.
Response Submission Requirements:
* The response time has been set for 30 days. * Responses to this RFI must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM Eastern Time, on April 19, 2013. RFI submissions will be accepted as E-mail attachments only. All responses must be sent to carl.e.sandifer@nasa.gov, with “PSD Technology Infusion RFI Response from…” in the subject line. * All files with confidential or proprietary information should be sent via any means of secure file transfer. If a secure file transfer system is not available, please contact Carl Sandifer for assistance. * Responses should include references as appropriate. * Use single-spaced, 12-point, Times New Roman font. * Requested file formats are: Microsoft Word (.docx) or Portable Document Format (PDF). * An E-mail confirmation of receipt from NASA will be sent within a one-week period to the designated point of contact.
Additional Details:
* Although all comments received will be carefully reviewed and considered for inclusion in any possible later action, the initiators of this request make no commitment to include any particular recommendations. * Please DO NOT include any proposal specific information in the response to the RFI, unless the description of some mission parameters are necessary to provide the necessary context for a response.
DISCLAIMER: This RFI is used solely for information planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this RFI are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. The Government is under no obligation to issue a solicitation or to award any contract on the basis of this RFI. The specific information provided in responses to this RFI will not be made public in an effort to protect any propriety company information. The RFI evaluation team will use the submitted information to complete the assessment; the results of which will be reported out. Nonetheless, respondents should clearly and properly mark any propriety or restricted data contained within its submission so it can be identified and protected. Respondents are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. Responses to this RFI will not be returned, and respondents will not be notified of the result of the review.
Point of Contact for Submission Inquiries: Carl E. Sandifer, II Radioisotope Power Systems Program Carl.E.Sandifer@nasa.gov 216-433-8727
Point of Contacts for Technical Inquiries: David Anderson In-Space Propulsion Technology Program David.J.Anderson@nasa.gov 216-433-8709
June F. Zakrajsek Radioisotope Power Systems Program June.F.Zakrajsek@nasa.gov 216-977-7470
Point of Contact
Name: Carl E Sandifer
Title: Submissions Manager
Phone: 216-433-8727
Fax: 216-433-8000
Email: Carl.E.Sandifer@nasa.gov
