Near-Term Beamed Energy Propulsion Feasability Study

General Information

Document Type: Presolicitation Notice

Solicitation Number: 8-1-2-TD-D9893

Posted Date: Jul 05, 2002

Original Response Date: Jul 19, 2002

Current Response Date: Jul 19, 2002

Original Archive Date: Jul 05, 2003

Current Archive Date: Jul 05, 2003

Classification Code: B — Special studies and analysis – not R&D

Contracting Office Address

NASA/George C. Marshall Space Flight Center, Procurement Office, Marshall Space Flight Center, AL 35812

Description

NASA/MSFC plans to issue a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for Near-Term Beamed Energy Propulsion Feasibility This procurement is being conducted under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). NASA/MSFC intends to purchase the the subject study from Microwave Science Inc. Pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.106-1 (a)(4),Microwave Science Inc., possesses unique expertise in the field of Microwave Beamed Propulsion. The augmentation of solar sail propulsion with beamed energy has the promise of greatly expanding the operational capabilities of a solar sail propelled spacecraft. The enhanced performance of a candidate polar observer mission will be analyzed where the characteristics of the mission are: – Location; X= 3.822 x 105 km, Z=8.811 x 105 km, Y= ?0.25 x 105 km – Sail Areas; 5 x 104m2 – Mission Mass; 495 kg

The contractor shall provide a table of characteristics for ground transmitters in the Earth’s polar regions that could be used for the candidate mission. The table shall include: – Location, – Operating organization, – Output power range, – Output frequency range – Max power density at target – Pointing accuracy to illuminate a target The contractor shall provide an analysis of the energy balance required for the candidate mission and an assessment of the suitability of the transmitter’s identified in task 3.1. The contractor shall provide analysis of a stable trajectory for the candidate mission given the energy balance derived in the above task. The contractor shall provide regular, informal, technical coordination and communication via telephone, telecon, and email with MSFC on an as-needed basis.

All reference documents, reports and related documents generated by the contactor on this effort shall be posted to the MSFC Space Transportation Information Network (STIN) in a timely manner A final report shall be prepared documenting the results of the analyses and assessments. The report shall be delivered in paper and electronic forms (MS Word compatible) to the MSFC COTR. Paper and electronic copies (MS PowerPoint compatible) of all presentation material shall be delivered at the time of informal and formal meetings and reviews. All deliverable reports, drawings, presentations, and related materials shall be generated in a computer format that is both Macintosh and Windows 2000 compatible.

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 4:30 p.m. local time on August 5, 2002. 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 can be viewed at the following URL: http://genesis.gsfc.nasa.gov/nasanote.html

Original Point of Contact

Marlyce E. Alexander, Contract Specialist, Phone (256) 544-8344, Fax (256) 544-6062, Email marlyce.alexander@msfc.nasa.gov

Email your questions to Marlyce E. Alexander at marlyce.alexander@msfc.nasa.gov

Current Point of Contact

Marlyce E. Alexander, Contract Specialist, Phone (256) 544-8344, Fax (256) 544-6062, Email marlyce.alexander@msfc.nasa.gov

Email your questions to Marlyce E. Alexander at marlyce.alexander@msfc.nasa.gov