18 -- SPACE SHUTTLE COMMUNICATION, SIGNAL PROCESSING, AND RENDEZVOUS/PROXIMITY SYSTEM UPGRADE

Notice Date

September 4, 2001

Contracting Office

United Space Alliance (USA), 600 Gemini Avenue, Houston, TX 77058

ZIP Code

77058

Point of Contact

Alan M Fuller, Project Lead for Upgrades Subcontracts Mgmt., Phone (281) 282-3303, Fax (281) 282-3703, Email alan.m.fuller@usahq.unitedspacealliance.com -- Henry G. Howard, Subcontract Administrator, Phone (281) 282-6723, Fax (281) 282-3703, Email henry.g.howard@usahq.unitedspacealliance.com

E-Mail Address

Alan M Fuller (alan.m.fuller@usahq.unitedspacealliance.com)

Description

Communication, Signal Processing, and Rendezvous/Proximity System Upgrade Acquisition Overview United Space Alliance (USA) is providing this informational notice to assess interest from potential suppliers for a Space Shuttle Upgrades acquisition in support of the NASA Space Flight Operations Contract. The purpose of this acquisition is to acquire upgraded Ku-band RF high data rate communications and signal processing capabilities and rendezvous/proximity radar capabilities for integration and operational use on the Space Shuttle. USA is seeking a subcontractor or supplier team that has experience in the development, production, test, integration, and qualification for space operations and environments of high-criticality communications, signal processing, and rendezvous/proximity systems. This supplier, working in an Integrated Product Team environment with USA and NASA, must be capable of system requirements refinement and allocation to the end-item level; analysis to insure proper system operation and integration; development of teaming arrangements with other suppliers and vendors where necessary; manufacturing, testing and integrating system components at the system level; and working with vehicle and ground systems test and integration teams. This supplier will support but will not be responsible for vehicle integration activities. USA is responsible for the procurement activities, and coordinates the system upgrade acquisition activities with its customer, NASA. USA will be responsible for selection and subsequent oversight of the supplier team. The goal is to provide an upgraded system based on best overall value to NASA. This Best Value assessment will be based on an integrated evaluation of the proposed approach, proposal risk (technical, schedule, programmatic, cost), performance risk, and estimated cost (including lifecycle cost). Along with meeting the technical requirements, the supplier must understand and manage those factors that contribute to upgraded system lifecycle costs and impact project control milestones. This acquisition will replace the current Ku-band Space Shuttle high data rate communication, signal processing, and rendezvous/proximity radar system functional capabilities along with some improvements. The current system utilizes a shared antenna and deployment mechanism. The interface definitions (mechanical, electrical, and thermal) are stable and system operations are supported by well-documented flight operations and maintenance procedures. The principal improvements from the current system are (1) the TDRS link will be changed from "Shuttle unique" to "standard user" and (2) the return data link will be capable of a higher data rate of 150 Mbps. Potential upgrade suppliers are encouraged to propose the best upgrade solution based on value. A more detailed description of the upgrade objectives and constraints description may be obtained by contacting the Subcontract Administrator identified below. Potential suppliers' approaches may provide different, more efficient technologies or functional allocations than those used in the current system. However, the proposed approach must fit within the volume, weight, and power allocations that are described in the upgrade objectives and constraints description. This informational synopsis is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) nor does its issuance restrict USA or the Government as to the ultimate acquisition approach. Neither USA nor the government will reimburse the contractor for any cost associated with preparing or submitting a response to this informational notice. A draft Request for Proposal and bidder's conference to implement this acquisition is planned for the late November- early December 2001 timeframe. Suppliers wanting to be kept informed on its status and to receive future correspondence related to the RFP should notify, in writing, the Buyer Procurement Representative identified below. Potential suppliers are cautioned that future dialog concerning this acquisition may be limited solely to those suppliers who respond to this notice. Written notice of interest is to be provided to: 1. Name: United Space Alliance, LLC 600 Gemini Door 10 Houston, Texas 77058 Attn: John Hamilton (USH801M) Subcontract Management 2. Telephone: (281) 282-5719 3. Facsimile: (281) 282-4065 (Call to verify that the fax was received.)

Web Link

Click here for the latest information about this notice (http://nais.msfc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/EPS/bizops.cgi?gr=D&pin=73#KU-RPSS-CBD-001)

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010906/18SOL001.HTM (D-247 SN50W6N6)