NASA Solicitation: Microsatellite Deployer Systems Engineering Design and Development Support

Synopsis – Jun 16, 2008

General Information

Solicitation Number: NNA08256480R-AMD
Posted Date: Jun 16, 2008
FedBizOpps Posted Date: Jun 16, 2008
Original Response Date: Jun 30, 2008
Current Response Date: Jun 30, 2008
Classification Code: 18 — Space vehicles
NAICS Code: 336419 – Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing

Contracting Office Address

NASA/Ames Research Center, JA:M/S 241-1, Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000

Description

NASA/ARC has a requirement for microsatellite deployers with systems engineering design and development support. Each microsatellite deployer shall carry up to 3 small CubeSat microsatellites or one 3U microsatellite spacecraft. A standard CubeSat is a 10 cm. (4 inch) cube with a mass of up to 1 kg. (2.2 pounds). CubeSats are flight certified and have been used on various NASA missions, including GeneSat. The present NASA Mission Office requirement specifies a 3U deployer that can launch either 3 single (1U each) cubes sequentially or an integrated 3U spacecraft from a single 3U deployer. All present NASA launch vehicles are configured for the 3U deployer.

NASA/ARC intends to purchase purchase these items from Cal Poly Corporation, a 501(c)(3), non-profit corporation that supports California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo, CA), in accordance with 10 USC 2304(c)(1), the only known responsible source for these items, and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. A Request for Information (RFI #NNA08242834L-AMD) was posted on the NAIS/ Fed Biz Opps websites on May 15, 2008. Numerous submittals from industry and academia provided inputs and suggestions on NASA’s proposed technical and procurement approach to this requirement. As a result of this information and ongoing market research, it has been determined that only Cal Poly can satisfy the current NASA requirement.

Cal Poly is the original developer of the Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployer (PPOD). The Cal Poly PPOD has a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 9, successfully launching on a number of academic, commercial, and US military and NASA flights. The PPOD was developed to support the CubeSat standard, but can be easily enhanced to accommodate spacecraft and mission requirements, while still maintaining flight certification.

These launch vehicles and adapters will form the basis of NASA’s near term spaceflight missions for the next 12 months. No additional qualification or certification will be required of the Cal Poly deployer outside of the routine pre-launch test and verification activities normally associated with flight projects.

Cal Poly is registered with the US Dept of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) to comply with all government regulations including the ITAR in 22 CFR 120-130. This is important as the launch program may include instances in which some NASA spacecraft may be aboard a commercial launch vehicle along with a spacecraft or payload from a foreign country.

The proposed procurement will require the following deliverables:

1. Engineering Design and Development of Engineering Development Unit (EDU) triple cube capacity PPODs, quantity 2, required delivery NLT 10/31/08.

2. Engineering Design and Development of Flight-ready, triple cube capacity PPODs, quantity 2, required delivery NLT 12/31/08; quantity 2, required NLT 4/1/09.

The solicitation and contract will include the clauses FAR 52.217-7 Option for Increased Quantity- Separately Priced Line Item, and FAR 52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract. If exercised, Cal Poly will deliver a partial or total quantity of the following:

3. An option to provide up to 2 additional Engineering Design and Development of Engineering Development Unit (EDU) triple cube capacity PPODs. 4. An option to provide up to 8 additional Engineering Design and Development of Flight-ready, triple cube capacity PPODs.

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

Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 10:30 a.m. Pacific time on June 30, 2008. 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”.

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

Point of Contact

Name: Marianne Shelley
Title: Contracting Officer
Phone: 650-604-4179
Fax: 650-604-0932
Email: marianne.shelley@nasa.gov

Name: Rachel Khattab
Title: Contracting Officer
Phone: 650-604-5237
Fax: 650-604-0932
Email: rachel.khattab@nasa.gov