NASA Solicitation: JPL High Data Rate Ka Band Transmitters for a Future Earth Science Mission Request for Information
Synopsis – Mar 30, 2009
General Information
Solicitation Number: TS-09-03
Posted Date: Mar 30, 2009
FedBizOpps Posted Date: Mar 30, 2009
Recovery and Reinvestment Act Action: No
Original Response Date: Apr 06, 2009
Current Response Date: Apr 06, 2009
Classification Code: A — Research and Development
NAICS Code: 334511 – Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
Contracting Office Address
4800 Oak Grove Drive, Mail Stop 190-205, Pasadena, California 91109-8099
Description
The California Institute of Technology’s (Caltech) Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is issuing the subject RFI to obtain information to assess current manufacturing capabilities and receive ROM cost and schedule estimates, for the design, development and build of High Data Rate Ka-Band Transmitters. BACKGROUND: The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is evaluating high data rate transmitters for use in a future Earth Science Mission, named DESDynI (Deformation Ecosystem Structure and Dynamics of Ice). There is currently a mission being studied at JPL, which will feature instruments that can produce a total data volume of 3-4 Terabits per orbit. With such large data volumes, there is a need to downlink these data at high data rates to accommodate additional data acquisition. The mission will operate in the low-Earth orbit regime and will have a lifetime of five (5) years. In support of this mission study, JPL is seeking information about space-qualified, high data rate transmitters that are compatible with the near-Earth Ka-band frequency segment (~25 to ~27 GHz) of the electromagnetic spectrum. This system will be utilized to communicate with either the Tracking Data and Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) or the proposed upgrade to the NASA Ground Network. JPL is also interested in understanding any emergent capabilities, nearing Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6, which may be suitable for this application. This information will be used to optimize the payload design specifications, observation strategy, and the command and data handling architecture of the spacecraft. REQUIREMENTS: High Data Rate Transmitter System Information Requested: A. FOR SPACE-QUALIFIED, COTS: What is the highest data rate capability available? How many identical products has your company produced? How many similar products has your company produced? What is the average lifetime for the identical or similar product? What is the cost for this transmitter or similar transmitter? What types of input interfaces are compatible with this transmitter? What speeds are used for those interfaces? What are the modulation and coding techniques employed by the transmitter? What CCDSDS formatting can be applied by the transmitter? What are the physical dimensions, including the mass, of transmitter? What is the input power and voltage of the transmitter? How long would it take to deliver an Engineering Model (EM) unit suitable for use in a ground test bed? What is the cost of such an EM model? B. FOR THE EMERGENCT CAPABILITY: What is the highest data rate capability planned? What is the technology basis for this emergent capability? What is the projected cost of the emergent capability? What types of input interfaces are compatible with the emergent capability? What are the physical dimensions, including the mass, of the emergent capability? What is the input power and voltage of the emergent capability? Describe the remaining costs and objectives needed to achieve flight readiness. What are the projected dates for achieving flight readiness? DISCLAIMER: The requested information is for preliminary planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that JPL will solicit you for such procurement in the future. Neither JPL nor the Government will be responsible for any costs incurred by you in furnishing this information. Perspective subcontractors are advised that any information provided shall be deemed to be furnished with unlimited rights to JPL, with JPL assuming no liability for the disclosure, use or reproduction of such data. U.S. EXPORT REGULATIONS: The technical data in this document is controlled under the U.S. Export Regulations and may not be released to foreign persons without export authorization, e.g., a license, license exception or exemption. RESPONSE DEADLINE: Please provide the requested information no later than 04/06/2009 via E-Mail to the JPL Contract Technical Manager (CTM), Peter Xaypraseuth at peter.xaypraseuth@jpl.nasa.gov and the Subcontracts Manager (SM), Tony Sherrill at anthony.p.sherrill@jpl.nasa.gov
Point of Contact
Name: Mary Helen Ruiz
Title: JPL Business Opportunities Office
Phone: 818-354-7532
Fax: 818-393-1746
Email: maryhelen.ruiz@jpl.nasa.gov
