This procurement is to acquire services to deliver a conceptual design of the flight system for the ARRIVAL aerocapture technology demonstration mission.
ID: 80NSSC25904249QType: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNASA SHARED SERVICES CENTERSTENNIS SPACE CENTER, MS, 39529, USA

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) (541715)

PSC

EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT, & SOCIAL SVCS R&D SVCS; EDUCATION SVCS R&D; BASIC RESEARCH (AF11)

Set Aside

Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) (SBA)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/5c8768312bd8472884fb757b2c57fe9d/view
Timeline
    Description

    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is seeking services to deliver a conceptual design for the flight system of the ARRIVAL aerocapture technology demonstration mission. The procurement aims to develop designs for an ARRIVAL Flight System (AFS) and a SmallSat, focusing on critical aspects such as propulsion systems, attitude control, and mechanical integration, while ensuring feasibility for mass and volume accommodation. This initiative is significant for advancing aerocapture technology, which is essential for efficient orbital insertion in future exploration missions. Interested small businesses must submit their quotations by June 13, 2025, referencing tracking number 80NSSC25904249Q, and can contact Shanna Patterson or Susan Hicks for further information.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Shanna Patterson
    shanna.l.patterson@nasa.gov
    Susan Hicks
    susan.r.hicks@nasa.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    SATPC0038479 Tab 04 4 SOW..pdf
    The ARRIVAL (Aerocapture to Reliably Reduce Inertial Velocity with Aerodynamics and Lift) project by NASA Langley Research Center focuses on developing and demonstrating aerocapture capabilities to lower spacecraft velocity for efficient orbital insertion. The conceptual design outlined in the Statement of Work (SOW) requires a contractor to create designs for an ARRIVAL Flight System (AFS), including a SmallSat capable of supporting various NASA and commercial missions. Key objectives involve ensuring feasibility for mass and volume accommodation, executing multiple deployment events, and acquiring necessary flight data within constraints. The scope encompasses conceptual designs for both the AFS and SmallSat subsystems, including propulsion systems, attitude control, telecommunications, and mechanical integration. The contractor must also provide a rough-order-of-magnitude cost estimate and a development timeline. With a mission based on a Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO), the proposal outlines high-level operational sequences for the AFS, focusing on aerothermal environments, trajectory management, and post-mission data transmission. Deliverables are expected within 90 days post-contract award, along with participation in progress meetings and concept reviews to ensure alignment with objectives. This initiative presents advancements in aerocapture technology, potentially streamlining future exploration missions.
    SATPC0038479 Tab 10 RFQ Open Market Template.pdf
    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) issued a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for the "ARRIVAL Aerocapture Flight System Conceptual Design" on June 5, 2025. The solicitation includes a detailed Statement of Work, instructions for offerors, certification provisions, clauses, and evaluation criteria. Vendors are required to provide essential details such as CAGE/UEI codes, lead time for delivery, and point of contact information in their quotations, due by June 13, 2025. This opportunity is open exclusively to small businesses, which must register on SAM.gov to qualify. Key requirements include compliance with various federal acquisition regulations regarding telecommunications equipment, small businesses, and contractor responsibilities. Offerors need to explicitly state their affiliation status, such as small business or veteran-owned business, and provide necessary certifications regarding tax liabilities and past convictions. The solicitation reflects strict adherence to federal contracting standards and is structured to ensure accountability and compliance in the procurement process. This RFQ exemplifies the federal government's commitment to facilitating small business participation while meeting advanced aerospace project requirements.
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