Lunar Freezer System
ID: 80JSC023LFSType: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNASA JOHNSON SPACE CENTERHOUSTON, TX, 77058, USA

PSC

GENERAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY R&D SVCS; GENERAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY; EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT (AJ13)
Timeline
    Description

    NASA's Johnson Space Center is seeking proposals for the Lunar Freezer System (LFS), aimed at developing a robust system to transport temperature-sensitive scientific samples from the Moon and Gateway Space Station back to Earth. The LFS will support various payloads, including geological and biological research samples, and is critical for advancing lunar exploration and scientific research. This procurement will be conducted as a Full and Open competition leading to a single Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, with a base period of 66 months and two optional one-year extensions. Interested parties are encouraged to provide feedback on the draft solicitation by January 6, 2025, with the final RFP expected to be released around January 22, 2025. For further inquiries, potential offerors can contact Linda Benitez at linda.b.benitezrivera@nasa.gov or Jonathan Anzures at jonathan.anzures@nasa.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
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    NASA's Lunar Freezer System Request for Information (RFI) outlines plans to develop a system designed to transport and preserve lunar samples collected during Artemis missions. This system will facilitate the safe return of frozen lunar materials, including rocks and regolith, to Earth, utilizing spacecraft such as the Human Landing System (HLS) and Orion crew vehicle. Additionally, it will accommodate biological samples and may remain onboard the Gateway lunar outpost to support sample conditioning prior to return. The project adopts a two-phased approach, with short-term objectives focusing on utilizing existing freezer technology for early Artemis missions, while long-term efforts will aim for advanced cooling capabilities and larger sample capacities. The anticipated delivery of the first flight units is by late 2027, targeted for the Artemis V mission. Key project deadlines include a qualification unit delivery within 36 months and a first flight unit 42 months post-authorization. This initiative underscores NASA's commitment to enhancing scientific exploration of the Moon, preparing for future Moon-to-Mars objectives.
    This file pertains to a government contract, identified as Contract # [redacted], and focuses on data requirements and descriptions, indicating a procurement objective centered on acquiring specific data-related services or solutions. Unfortunately, with the provided content, I cannot provide further specifics about the exact nature of the data or the context of the contract. However, here is a summary: The document, which includes a Data Requirements List (DRL) and Data Requirements Descriptions (DRD), outlines the data-related needs and expectations associated with the contract. While the specific contract details and values are not provided, the emphasis on data suggests that the procurement objective is to acquire specialized data services, analysis, or management solutions. The DRL and DRD sections would elaborate on the precise data requirements, specifications, and deliverables that a contractor would need to adhere to, ensuring that the data-related objectives of the contract are met. This suggests a scope of work that involves data collection, processing, analysis, or management tasks, with potential technical specifications and quality standards outlined in the DRD. Without additional context, it is challenging to determine the contract's value, key dates, or evaluation criteria. However, the presence of Appendix B and a dedicated Data Requirements List indicates a structured and detailed approach to procuring data-related services, with specific requirements that potential vendors must address in their proposals.
    This document outlines the data requirements, documentation processes, and various reports essential for a contract related to the Lunar Freezer System (LFS) by NASA. It specifies the necessity of the Data Requirements List (DRL) and associated Data Requirements Descriptions (DRDs) that define the expected data deliverables, including certifications for flight hardware. The contractor must comply with FAR regulations, ensure thorough data documentation, and follow established maintenance protocols. Key areas covered include management of government property, comprehensive record-keeping for inventory, and reporting on property usage and loss. There are strict guidelines for the submission of financial and property reports (NF 1018, NF 533) detailing both planned and actual expenditures, with an emphasis on accuracy and timely reporting. Additionally, the document describes the requirements for IT security training, risk management strategies, quality assurance, and configuration management plans necessary for maintaining operational integrity. The overarching purpose is to ensure compliance, data fidelity, and accountability throughout the contract duration while enhancing participation from diverse communities in the contracting process. This adherence reflects governmental expectations for thorough documentation and process transparency in federal projects.
    NASA's Johnson Space Center has issued a Draft Request for Proposal (DRFP) for the Lunar Freezer System (LFS) to procure hardware and software necessary for transporting temperature-sensitive scientific samples from the Moon and Gateway Space Station back to Earth. The LFS will support various payloads, including geological and biological research samples. This acquisition will be a Full and Open competition leading to a single, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, spanning approximately 7.5 years, with a base period of 66 months and two optional one-year extensions. Potential offerors are invited to provide feedback on the draft solicitation, including requirements and evaluation approaches, by January 6, 2025. The final RFP is anticipated to be released on or about January 22, 2025, with proposal submissions due approximately 30 days later. A pre-proposal conference is planned for January 29, 2025. Offerors must submit proposals electronically via NASA's certified platform, ensuring compliance with federal guidelines. This DRFP aims to optimize the procurement process by encouraging comments to refine the solicitation prior to the final release. Overall, this initiative highlights NASA's commitment to advancing lunar exploration and scientific research.
    The Lunar Freezer System (LFS) draft Request for Proposal (RFP) from NASA's Johnson Space Center outlines the procurement process for developing a robust and efficient freezer to handle temperature-sensitive scientific payloads returned from the Moon's surface and the Gateway Space Station. The document details the Statement of Work (SOW), which includes requirements for design, development, testing, delivery, and support of the LFS. It specifies various Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) for managing tasks like requirements definition, design, integration, and maintenance. The contractor selected will need to provide comprehensive management, documentation, and technical support while ensuring compliance with NASA's quality, safety, and assurance standards. Key milestones and associated documentation requirements are outlined to ensure transparent progress tracking and risk assessment. The RFP emphasizes collaboration with NASA through design reviews and ongoing project management meetings to align on objectives and resolve any issues. This initiative is central to NASA's broader mission to ensure the successful return of scientific samples essential for lunar research and development.
    This document presents an interested parties list for the "Lunar Freezer" project, detailing multiple companies and organizations that have expressed interest in participating. It includes information on each entity such as name, address, contact person, phone number, email, and business type (categorized as Large Business, Small Business, or Small Disadvantaged Business). Notable participants include Bastion Technologies, Northrop Grumman, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The structured format allows for easy identification of potential collaborators in the context of federal grants and RFPs related to space initiatives. This list is part of a broader effort to engage various stakeholders in governmental efforts surrounding lunar exploration and related technologies, illustrating the collaborative nature of modern aerospace projects.
    The document outlines the data requirements for the Lunar Freezer System contract managed by NASA, detailing the Data Requirements List (DRL) and their respective Data Requirements Descriptions (DRDs). It specifies how contractors must prepare, maintain, and submit data related to the contract in compliance with federal regulations. The focus is on documentation necessary for certifying flight hardware, with strict guidelines for data submission, revisions, and distribution. The document highlights important operational procedures, including maintaining government property, contractor management qualifications, property acquisition reports, and IT security requirements. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for a proactive approach in monitoring diverse workforce engagement and implementing practices that promote equity and inclusion. In addition to management responsibilities, various reports and documentation formats are prescribed, including monthly and semiannual inventory reports, contractor-acquired material reporting, and reliability and maintainability predictions. The purpose is to ensure thorough documentation and compliance to enhance operational efficiency, maintain security, and drive successful execution of the NASA contract while safeguarding compliance with governmental standards.
    The Lunar Freezer System Request for Information (RFI), dated September 2023, seeks innovative technologies and methods to develop a freezer capable of maintaining sample temperatures at or below -85°C for extended durations in a lunar environment. The document poses a series of inquiries regarding cooling methods, hardware transfer strategies, and materials resistant to environmental challenges such as salt spray and vacuum conditions. Key points include the need for a reliable cooling mechanism, experience in flight hardware design, and estimates for power requirements to achieve and sustain the desired temperatures. Additionally, the RFI addresses potential maintenance needs and design challenges related to airflow and depressurization. This initiative underscores the importance of thermal management in lunar missions, aiming to gather insights from industry experts to inform the development of a robust freezer system for space applications.
    The document outlines instructions and requirements for offerors responding to a federal Request for Proposal (RFP). It emphasizes the necessity for mathematical accuracy and clarity in the proposal, including filling in specified highlighted cells in provided templates. Key sections include a breakdown of Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) associated with specific Statements of Work (SOW) and cost structures, covering areas such as labor rates, materials, subcontractors, and other direct costs (ODC). Offerors are directed to provide detailed financial summaries for the base and option years, with clear delineation of costs attributed to each CLIN and SOW. Instructions further detail the required labor classifications, including specifying whether labor is exempt or non-exempt. Additional guidelines are provided for calculating fully burdened labor rates and managing overhead, general and administrative costs. The overall purpose of the document is to facilitate a structured and standardized approach for proposals, ensuring that submissions include all necessary information for evaluation in the context of federal procurement processes.
    The attachment outlines the "Past Performance Questionnaire" that must accompany proposals in response to NASA's RFP from the Johnson Space Center (JSC). The purpose of the questionnaire is to collect feedback from past and present clients regarding the contractor's performance on specific contracts identified by a unique contract name or number. It emphasizes the sensitive nature of the data collected, which must be sent directly to designated NASA personnel via email. The document includes sections for contractor information, details about the contract, and an evaluation of the contractor’s past performance across various categories, including technical performance, schedule adherence, cost management, and general compliance with safety and quality standards. Each category features a rating system from “Exceptional” to “Poor/Unsatisfactory” and asks evaluators to provide narratives explaining their ratings. Furthermore, it requires completion of specific metrics, including total contract value and key personnel turnover rates, to provide a comprehensive assessment of the contractor's capabilities and performance history. This structured approach ensures that proposals are evaluated on a detailed and consistent basis, reflecting the contractor's ability to meet NASA's requirements effectively.
    The document outlines the requirement for a consent form from subcontractors that allows the disclosure of their past and present performance information to prime contractors during the source selection process. This consent is necessary as the Government needs explicit permission to share performance data to a private entity, such as a prime contractor. The letter serves as a sample template for subcontractors involved in proposals, particularly in response to a specific Request for Proposal (RFP) from NASA's Johnson Space Center for the Lunar Freezer System. The emphasis on past performance aims to enhance the evaluation process to ensure best value outcomes in contract awards. By signing the consent form, subcontractors facilitate the Government's assessment of their performance, which is increasingly critical in procurement decisions. The document is structured to include a formal request for consent followed by a sample letter format for ease of use by subcontractors.
    The document outlines the instructions for offerors in relation to providing a Past Performance Matrix of Relevant Experience as part of a government RFP process. It emphasizes the importance of detailing the roles of team members, including primes and subcontractors, in fulfilling the Statement of Work (SOW). Offerors are directed to indicate past performance by marking relevant cells to demonstrate each team member’s experience corresponding to specified SOW sections. Additionally, the matrix must align with the narrative information provided in Volume II of the proposal. The document serves as a guideline to ensure that offerors present a clear and organized view of their team's qualifications and past performance, facilitating the evaluation process in the context of federal grants and local RFPs.
    The document outlines the procedures for obtaining access to export-controlled scientific and technical information from NASA. It requires individuals to submit specific details to the Contracting Officer through an authorized company representative from Security or Human Resources. Essential information includes the company name, address, CAGE code, and verification of U.S. citizenship for the individuals requesting access. Foreign nationals have additional requirements, such as being part of a Programmatic Technology Transfer Control Plan (P-TTCP) and must sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). The document emphasizes that it is the company's responsibility to ensure compliance with U.S. export regulations. The process underscores the importance of adhering to export control laws, particularly in relation to foreign individuals seeking access to sensitive data. Overall, this guideline serves both to protect national security interests and to facilitate proper information handling within federal contracting frameworks.
    The NASA Gateway initiative, led by Chairperson Carolynn J. Kanelakos, focuses on developing a lunar-orbiting space station intended to support deep space exploration. The project aims to enhance safety and sustainability for future missions, particularly by serving as a staging point for astronauts traveling to the Moon and beyond. Key elements include modular construction, advanced technology integration, and international collaboration, reinforcing global partnerships in aerospace endeavors. NASA invites proposals for innovative solutions and technologies that can contribute to the Gateway's establishment, which is essential for extending human presence on the Moon and preparing for future Mars missions. The initiative emphasizes rigorous technical standards and feasibility assessments to ensure effective project execution and alignment with overall exploration goals.
    The document outlines key information regarding NASA's Lunar Freezer System (LFS) acquisition, emphasizing details pertinent to potential vendors. It clarifies that while this project isn’t a small business set-aside, small business participation goals are necessary. Feedback opportunities are available, with questions anticipated on SAM.gov. The LFS, part of the Artemis program, will utilize a single freezer design to address logistical constraints and require compatibility with multiple vehicle types, including the Orion and Blue Origin systems. The LFS will operate under stringent specifications such as a maximum power limit of 100 watts, temperature range requirements, and considerations for lunar dust protection. NASA emphasizes the importance of data capabilities within the freezer for monitoring mission performance. Key inquiry responses cover aspects such as equipment certification paths, sample handling during transport, and the anticipated operational life of 10 years. Vendors are encouraged to incorporate feedback regarding the design and can access additional technical specifications by applying for the Project Technical Requirements Specification document through SAM.gov. This process reflects NASA's commitment to transparency and vendor engagement within the acquisition framework.
    The document pertains to the Lunar Freezer System, detailing a request for proposals (RFP) aimed at selecting a contractor to provide specific services related to the project. Key components include the government's desire to clarify its intentions and expectations through a series of questions and responses, indicating an emphasis on transparency and communication between NASA and potential contractors. The structure consists of RFP language followed by inquiries, reflecting an organized approach to gather necessary information and ensure all parties understand the project's requirements. Overall, the RFP seeks to facilitate the development of a critical system for lunar exploration, ensuring that contractors are well-informed and capable of meeting government standards and deliverables efficiently.
    The document lists interested parties for the "Lunar Freezer" project as of October 17, 2024. It includes various companies and organizations capable of engaging in federal and state/local RFP processes. The participants range from small businesses (SB, SDB, WOSB) to large businesses (LB), showcasing diverse expertise. Companies such as Bastion Technologies, Honeybee Robotics, and Northrop Grumman are included, along with academic institutions like the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Each entry provides essential details such as the company name, address, contact information, and business type, which can facilitate partnerships or collaborations in response to government RFPs or grants related to aerospace and technology projects. The compilation serves as a resource for stakeholders looking to engage with qualified entities in the space sector.
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    Lunar Freezer System
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