NASA Science Mission Directorate Requests Information on Space Station Utilization

Synopsis – Sep 21, 2007

General Information

Solicitation Number: NNH07ZDA004R
Posted Date: Sep 21, 2007
FedBizOpps Posted Date: Sep 21, 2007
Original Response Date: Oct 12, 2007
Current Response Date: Oct 12, 2007
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, NASA Headquarters Acquisition Branch, Code 210.H, Greenbelt, MD 20771

Description

Request for Information (NNH07ZDA004R): Earth and Space Science Payloads on the International Space Station RFI Issued: September 21, 2007 Response Due Date: October 12, 2007

The NASA Science Mission Directorate requests information on potential small Earth and space science payloads that could be deployed on the International Space Station (ISS). NASA is interested in (i) potential investigations for ISS-utilization in the post-2010 timeframe and (ii) the identification of experiments that are essentially ready-to-go and could be launched to the ISS in 2009 or 2010. In both cases, NASA is only interested in investigations, payloads, and/or experiments that contribute to NASA’s science objectives in Earth and space science. This information will be used to inform NASA’s program planning, including consideration of whether to solicit ISS-attached payloads in its Earth and Space Science program.

NASA has determined that there may be payload opportunities for small Earth and space science payloads to be attached to the International Space Station. Available external attach points include both zenith and nadir pointing locations. NASA has available launch opportunities in 2009 and 2010 on the Space Shuttle and annual launch opportunities after 2010 on the Japanese HTV launch vehicle. The NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) has issued this Request for Information (RFI) to survey the Earth and space science community for potential science investigations and small payloads that can take advantage of the International Space Station. External accommodations for payloads include Express Logistics Carriers (ELCs) mounted to the ISS truss structure, the Japanese Experiment Module-Exposed Facility (JEM-EF) and the Columbus Orbiting Facility-Exposed Facility (COF-EF). Internal accommodations for smaller instruments are also available in the pressurized environment via the Window Observational Research Facility (WORF).

The response to this RFI will be in the form of a PDF document that is uploaded through NASA’s NSPIRES system. The response should not exceed three pages in length. NASA is soliciting information that might be used by NASA to facilitate planning for science utilization of the ISS. Material in a RFI response is confidential, nonbinding on the respondent, and will be used by NASA for information and planning purposes only. This RFI is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government nor will the Government pay for information solicited. No proposals will be awarded funding as a result of this RFI.

The complete RFI including background, requested information, and instructions for responding may be found at http:/nspires.nasaprs.com/ (select “Solicitations” then “Open Solicitations” then “Request for Information (NNH07ZDA004R): Earth and Space Science Payloads on the International Space Station”).

Responses to this RFI must be submitted no later than October 12, 2007.

For further information on International Space Station payload constraints, launch opportunities, and other technical matters, please contact Mr. William R. Jones, ISS Payloads Office, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058; email william.r.jones@nasa.gov.

For further information on NASA’s Earth and space science programs and programmatic matters, please contact Dr. Paul Hertz, Science Mission Directorate, NASA, Washington, DC 20546; email paul.hertz@nasa.gov.

Point of Contact

Name: Mr. William R Jones
Title: ISS Payloads Office
Phone: 281-244-7941
Fax: 281-244-8958
Email: william.r.jones@nasa.gov