DRAFT TEXT -- HABITABLE WORLDS OBSERVATORY SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATIONS AND MISSION ARCHITECTURE STUDIES-- HWOTAS
ID: NNH25ZDA003JType: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNASA HEADQUARTERSWASHINGTON, DC, 20546, USA

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life SciencesT (54171)

PSC

SPACE R&D SERVICES; SPACE FLIGHT, RESEARCH AND SUPPORTING ACTIVITIES; BASIC RESEARCH (AR11)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/25dff16de85547338963ad6a8a967f5d/view
Timeline
    Description

    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is inviting proposals for the Habitable Worlds Observatory System Technology Demonstrations and Mission Architecture Studies (HWOTAS) program, aimed at enhancing critical technologies and conducting mission architecture studies for the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO). This initiative seeks to elevate Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) through system-level demonstrations that address technology gaps, thereby reducing project risks and costs associated with direct imaging of Earth-sized planets around Sun-like stars. The program has an estimated budget of $25 million annually for three years, totaling up to $75 million, with proposals due by October 23, 2024, and the final opportunity announcement expected around October 9, 2024. Interested parties can direct inquiries to Julie A. Crooke at julie.a.crooke@nasa.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Julie A. Crooke - Astrophysics Division
    julie.a.crooke@nasa.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    DraftHWOTAS.pdf
    NASA's Astrophysics Division is soliciting industry-led proposals for technology demonstrations and mission architecture studies related to the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO), aimed at advancing ultra-stable observatory technologies. The program solicits proposals to improve Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) of critical technologies and assess mission architecture concepts to enable direct imaging of Earth-sized planets around Sun-like stars. Eligible candidates include for-profit U.S. organizations, while subcontractor participation is unrestricted. The budget for the program is approximately $25 million annually for three years, targeting a total of up to $75 million. Proposals will include two main focus areas: technology demonstrations to close gaps in systems-level technologies and mission architecture evaluations based on NASA's provided models. The proposal process mandates strict formatting and content guidelines, with a single PDF submission required. Key evaluation criteria include strategic value, cost reasonableness, intrinsic merit, risk assessment, and demonstrated past performance. Reporting requirements after funding will include monthly progress updates and final reports detailing outcomes and risk assessments. Overall, this solicitation is part of NASA's commitment to advancing space exploration technologies in alignment with the Astro2020 Decadal Survey recommendations for the next decade.
    Oct9email.pdf
    The D.19 Habitable Worlds Observatory System Technology Demonstrations and Mission Architecture Studies (HWOTAS) program seeks industry proposals to enhance critical technologies and conduct mission architecture studies for NASA’s Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO). The initiative aims to elevate Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) through system-level demonstrations that address technology gaps, thereby reducing project risks and costs. Additionally, mission architecture studies will assess NASA’s HWO concepts' benefits and sensitivities, improving concept maturity levels. Responses will lead to firm-fixed-price contracts with milestone payments. The draft for this initiative is released under the ROSES-2024 Amendment 58, with comments due by October 23, 2024. The final opportunity announcement is set to be posted around October 9, 2024, on NASA’s research opportunity webpage. This document underscores NASA's commitment to advancing technology and mission planning essential for the exploration of habitable worlds.
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