Sources Sought Notice; Seeking Offers to Disseminate NASA information by Means of Consumer Products or Services – STEREO Mission

General Information

Document Type: Sources Sought Notice
Solicitation Number: 05-2860918
Posted Date: Jun 03, 2005
Original Response Date: Jul 29, 2005
Current Response Date: Jul 29, 2005
Original Archive Date: Jun 03, 2006
Current Archive Date: Jun 03, 2006
Classification Code: 99 — Miscellaneous
Naics Code: 541810 — Advertising Agencies

Contracting Office Address

NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, Code 210.I, Greenbelt, MD 20771

Description

Seeking Offers to Disseminate NASA Information by Means of Consumer Products or Services Statement of Purpose The National Aeronautics and Space Administration seeks one or more unfunded collaborations with organizations that produce, market, and distribute consumer goods or services for the sole purpose of disseminating information nationally about NASA’s upcoming STEREO mission which will image the Sun in 3-D. NASA is interested in reviewing proposals from organizations that share NASA’s mission, values, and goals, and that would strategically enhance the Agency’s ability to provide information on NASA’s projects and missions to the public. For more information on the STEREO mission, set to launch in February 2006, please see: http://stereo.gsfc.nasa.gov    .  

NASA is interested in reviewing creative proposals from organizations that would enhance strategically the Agency’s ability to provide information on NASA’s projects and missions to the public, especially for the following age groups:

• 12 – 17
• 18 – 35

Key Assets of STEREO Mission

• The STEREO mission will be the first ever to image the Sun in 3-D.
• Images of the Sun transmitted to Earth from the two spacecraft will be in a glorious high-definition format around April 2006. Top-quality ‘mock’ images and complementary animations are available immediately for distribution.
• The mission utilizes an unusual combination of two nearly identical spacecraft working together to understand the Sun and solar wind. Launched on a single rocket, the STEREO mission will use the Moon to ‘slingshot’ the two spacecraft into their unique vantage points leading and lagging the Earth as it orbits the Sun.
• Visualizations and animations are available immediately in 3-D for print and broadcast formats.  
• STEREO will further the burgeoning field of “space weather forecasting,” providing information about the effects of solar events in other parts of the solar system, namely Mars, where we currently have very little information. This is a vital link to NASA’s Vision for Space Exploration.  
• STEREO will provide new insights into Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), among the most violent events in the solar system.  

When directed at Earth, these billion-ton eruptions of electrified gas can disrupt satellites, radio communications, and power systems. Energetic particles accelerated by CMEs are a substantial hazard to both spacecraft and astronauts. NASA will enter into as many qualified collaborations as possible, without limiting the types or categories of products or services considered. However, if multiple offers are received in one particular category, NASA may need to select only one offer in a product or service category for a specific time period (defined as “limited exclusivity”). It is intended that this request for entrepreneurial offers will result in the establishment of one or more non-reimbursable Space Act Agreements that will define the full roles and responsibilities of NASA and the proposing organization(s). Benefits to Corporate Partner In exchange for a collaborator’s investment to create and implement a means to creatively disseminate NASA information, NASA may consider negotiating brand placement, limited exclusivity (defined above) and other opportunities as part of a strategic collaboration. Consideration may be made for those offers that are commensurate to the value of the above, and that reflect NASA mission and vision. Evaluation Criteria All proposals must demonstrate the following to be considered:

• The mission statements for the product or service being offered must complement STEREO and NASA’s Vision and Mission: NASA’s Vision is “to improve life here, to extend life there and to find life beyond;” NASA’s Mission statement is “to understand and protect our home planet, to explore the universe and search for life, and to inspire the next generation of explorers – as only NASA can.”
• The product or service is available nationally, e.g. it could be used to disseminate NASA information across the nation. If these threshold requirements are met, NASA may enter into an agreement with the offeror(s) whose proposal is most advantageous to the government based on these eight factors:
• 1. Appropriateness of the product or service as a means to disseminate NASA information. This includes how much NASA information can be put forth on, in, or associated with the consumer product or service. In addition, the appropriateness and innovation of the dissemination method to provide national dissemination of NASA information to one of the above-mentioned target groups. NASA is looking for opportunities that will best utilize the product or service effectively to impart as much knowledge of NASA projects and programs as practical.

2. Documented metrics on the demographics and popularity of the product or service.

3. Documentation on the success of the product or service in reaching the target audience effectively, and other results-oriented documentation.

4. Information on the managing team. Specifically looking for metrics on their experience in conducting successful campaigns, as well as points of contact and top-level organizational structure.

5. Market analysis and strategy analysis of the product or service.

6. Evidence of financial stability, such as annual audits, balance sheets, and appropriate documentation.

7. Projected schedule and milestones to create and distribute the product or service to disseminate NASA information.

8. Any other aspects of collaboration with the offeror that would benefit NASA’s ability to meet its mission and vision. Additionally, the proposal and the proposed method of dissemination must be consistent with applicable NASA statutes, policy, and regulations.  

Requirements for Proposal Preparation This request will be open for eight weeks following the date of release of this announcement. Participation in this effort is strictly voluntary with no cost or obligation to be incurred by NASA. This request is not to be construed as a commitment by NASA, nor will NASA pay for the information solicited. Respondents will be sent an acknowledgement of the receipt of their materials. Any questions regarding this request should be directed to the identified point of contact. Submittals should be limited to no more than 15 pages double-spaced, 1″ margins using Times New Roman 12-point type. Excluded from the 15-page limitation are: documentation regarding factor 5 and 6 above. Submission may be in either hard-copy format or on compact disk in PDF format. Submission must be received at the address indicated below no later that 4:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, on July 29, 2005. Proposals hand-carried or delivered by commercial couriers must arrive at NASA’s Building 16W- Shipping and Receiving Dock at the street address below. NASA will use submissions only for evaluation purposes under this announcement. All proprietary information must be clearly marked in the proposals.

Submit proposals to:  

“Goddard Space Flight Center  Greenbelt, MD  20771
Building 16W-Shipping and Receiving Dock
RFI No.: 05-2860918
  Attention: Rachel Weintraub/Mail Code 130  
   Building 8, Room N150 PROPOSAL–DELIVER UNOPENED”

Point of Contact: Rachel Weintraub Code 130 NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Building 8, Rm. N150 8800 Greenbelt Road Greenbelt, MD 20771 For more information: 301-286-0918 (collect calls not accepted)

Point of Contact

R A Weintraub, STEREO PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER, Phone (301) 286-0918, Fax (301) 286-1707, Email Rachel.A.Weintraub@nasa.gov

Email your questions to R A Weintraub at Rachel.A.Weintraub@nasa.gov