NASA Solicitation: Continued Technology Development of NASA’s Evolutionary Xenon Thruster Ion Propulsion Power Processing Unit

Synopsis – Apr 20, 2011

General Information

Solicitation Number: NNC11ZMA11R
Posted Date: Apr 20, 2011
FedBizOpps Posted Date: Apr 20, 2011
Recovery and Reinvestment Act Action: No
Original Response Date: May 05, 2011
Current Response Date: May 05, 2011
Classification Code: A — Research and Development
NAICS Code: 336415 – Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Propulsion Unit and Propulsion Unit Parts Manufacturing

Contracting Office Address

NASA/Glenn Research Center, 21000 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, OH 44135

Description

NASA Glenn Research Center has a requirement for the continued technology development of the NASA’s Evolutionary Xenon Thruster (NEXT) ion propulsion power processing unit (PPU). The Statutory Basis for Other Than full and Open Competition: 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1), only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy Agency requirements.

The NASA Glenn Research Center intends to award a contract to L-3 Communications Electron Technologies, Inc. (L-3) for a follow-on contract to continue the development of the NASA’s Evolutionary Xenon Thruster (NEXT) ion propulsion power processing unit (PPU). The PPU is designed to function with a NASA’s Evolutionary Xenon Thruster (NEXT) ion thruster, providing output power ranging from approximately 550 to 7000 W at a range of voltages, with an unregulated input voltage ranging from 80 to 160V. The PPU is required to be over 94% efficient at full power. This effort will include update to the design, analysis, modification, and test of the L-3 developed PPU. As part of the In-Space Propulsion Technology Project, work has been accomplished under Contract NAS3-02158 which demonstrated the viability of the technology being developed, and which has advanced the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of NEXT PPU technology to TRL 4. The scope of this follow-on effort is solely to complete the PPU validation to TRL 6.

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

Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 4:30 p.m. local time on May 5, 2011. 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.

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

Point of Contact

Name: Kurt R. Brocone
Title: Contracting Officer
Phone: 216-433-2884
Fax: 216-433-2480
Email: Kurt.R.Brocone@nasa.gov