Final NASA Research Announcement (NRA) - Small Satellite Cross-Link Systems
ID: 80GRC024R0017Type: Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNASA GLENN RESEARCH CENTERCLEVELAND, OH, 44135, USA

NAICS

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

PSC

SPACE R&D SERVICES; SPACE FLIGHT, RESEARCH AND SUPPORTING ACTIVITIES; EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT (AR13)

Set Aside

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

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/3900fc9c31234ccf96d36992c56f0d1c/view
Timeline
    Description

    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Glenn Research Center has issued a solicitation for Small Satellite Cross-Link Systems (SS-CLS) as a small business set-aside competition. NASA aims to demonstrate and characterize a V-Band cross-link capability for efficient data transmission related to small satellites, facilitating low-latency transfers of large science data volumes.

    This procurement also intends to provide academic institutions with opportunities to conduct experiments using this cross-link capability. The agency seeks a single firm to develop, implement, and flight-demonstrate a comprehensive V-Band cross-link solution within a five-year contract period.

    Offerors should possess a matching CAGE code and submit proposals in accordance with the solicitation's specified formats, including a detailed work plan, cost breakdown, and milestones. Critical to the evaluation of proposals is their technical merit, cost effectiveness, and relevance to the project scope.

    Proposals must be submitted by August 9, 2024, through the Box account-based platform outlined in the solicitation. NASA plans to award a Firm-Fixed Price contract of around $14.3 million for the selected bid, with key contract terms and conditions detailed in the solicitation.

    Interested parties should carefully review the solicitation's instructions, ensuring compliance with requirements, and contact Tyler Braden or Eric Hartman, whose details are provided in the solicitation, for any clarifications or further information.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Attachment A - DRAFT Model Contract - Small Satellite Cross-Link Systems (SS-CLS).pdf
    The government seeks a firm-fixed-price contract for Small Satellite Cross-Link Systems (SS-CLS). The primary objective is to acquire a specified quantity of SS-CLS terminals and antennas, with a focus on technical performance and delivery. These systems enable cross-link communications for satellite constellations. Offerors must provide a detailed work plan and cost breakdown for delivering the specified hardware. Key technical specifications include compliance with detailed technical standards and the ability to withstand harsh space environments. The hardware must support real-time data transmission and on-board processing, with specific frequency and data rate requirements. NASA reserves the right to provide some components, and contractors must adhere to technical direction from the agency. Contractors will be responsible for delivering the systems, including integration and testing. The work includes periodic progress reports and a final report, with deadlines for submission. NASA emphasizes the importance of timely delivery and the potential for penalties or reductions in fee for delays. The contract's estimated value is specified as [$OFI], and contractors must adhere to NASA's technical and administrative requirements, including those related to export controls, intellectual property, and data rights. The agency will evaluate proposals based on technical merit, with particular attention to the SS-CLS's technical capabilities and compliance with requirements.
    Attachment B - Excel Pricing Model.xlsx
    The file outlines a comprehensive procurement plan spanning five years, focusing on acquiring labor services and managing associated costs. The prime offeror, Company XYZ, Inc., is responsible for overseeing the entire operation. The plan breaks down labor costs, differentiating between the prime offeror and subcontractors, with detailed monthly hour breakdowns. Additionally, it encompasses other direct costs (ODC), including materials, travel, and miscellaneous expenses, further segmented between the prime and subcontractors. The ODC section requires detailed breakdowns and estimation rationales. Offerors are expected to provide indirect rates and additional information on materials, equipment, supplies, and travel costs, with corresponding indirect burdens. The BOE section includes travel estimates based on published prices and web searches. Company XYZ, Inc. aims to award the contract to a capable party, with evaluation criteria likely involving cost-effectiveness, experience, and compliance with specified requirements. Key dates and contract specifics are missing but essential for a complete understanding.
    Attachment C - Data Requirements List.pdf
    The government seeks to procure robust IT security management and organizational conflict of interest (OCI) plans from prospective contractors. The IT security management plan must outline procedures to safeguard IT resources associated with the contract while the OCI plan aims to comprehensive manage potential conflicts. These plans are crucial for maintaining ethical and secure operations. Contractors will be required to submit these plans in compatible Microsoft Office formats. Additionally, the RFP emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) by requesting a DEI plan that demonstrates the contractor's commitment to creating an inclusive workplace. This plan should highlight measurable initiatives for recruitment and retention of a diverse workforce, with a focus on underserved communities. NASA will use this plan as an assessment tool to monitor the contractor's progress on diversity goals. Critical submission deadlines are 30 days after contract award for both the IT security management plan and DEI plan.
    Attachment D - EFSS-Box-Offeror-Proposal-Submission-Instructions.pdf
    Attachment D - EFSS-Box-Offeror-Proposal-Submission-InstructionsP.pdf
    NASA is seeking a cloud storage solution for managing proposal information. Offerors are required to set up Box accounts, through which NASA will share a folder for uploading proposal files. This process is outlined in detail, aiming to facilitate the submission of proposals. The agency recommends US citizens or permanent residents follow these steps, emphasizing the need for efficient data sharing and collaboration.
    Attachment E - Eligibility Certification US Persons.pdf
    The focus of this file is on assessing the eligibility of organizations wishing to propose a Non-Reimbursable Agreement (NRA). Specifically, it seeks to determine whether these organizations have demonstrated a substantial commitment to the United States market. This is achieved through investments in long-term research, development, and manufacturing in the country or by contributing significantly to its employment. If the organizations can show such commitment, they become eligible to propose for the NRA. The evaluation criteria weigh an organization's commitment to the United States in terms of R&D investments, manufacturing activities, and their impact on local employment. Organizations must provide detailed information on their operations, facilities, and revenue attributed to these activities to be considered for the NRA.
    Draft NASA Research Announcement (NRA) Cover Letter.pdf
    Draft NRA SS-CLS 80GRC024R0017.pdf
    DRAFT Statement of Objectives (SOO) - Small Satellite Cross-Link Systems Rev2.pdf
    Final NASA Research Announcement (NRA) Cover Letter.pdf
    NASA's Glenn Research Center issues a solicitation for Small Satellite Cross-Link Systems (SS-CLS), seeking proposals from small businesses. The primary objective is to demonstrate and evaluate a V-Band cross-link capability for efficient data transmission and to provide academic institutions with an opportunity for related experiments. Offerors should carefully review the solicitation's details, emphasizing the non-exhaustive list of requirements, which includes having a matching CAGE code and submitting proposals in specified electronic formats. The solicitation mandates a firm-fixed price contract with an anticipated award date by the end of September 2024. Potential vendors are advised to closely review the solicitation's instructions and deadlines, with proposals due on August 9, 2024. Evaluation of proposals will be based on multiple factors, including the specific criteria outlined in the solicitation.
    Final NRA SS-CLS 80GRC024R0017.pdf
    NASA seeks innovative solutions for demonstrating and characterizing small satellite V-Band cross-link systems. This procurement aims to enable efficient transmission of large volumes of scientific data. Offerors are invited to submit competitive project proposals outlining a flight demonstration of V-Band cross-link capabilities using small satellites. The focus is on low-latency data transmission and the characterization of system performance. Proposals should include plans for academic institutions to conduct experiments on this capability. Key dates are August 2nd for question submissions and August 9th for proposal deadlines. NASA intends to award a single Firm-Fixed Price contract of around $14.3M for a five-year period. Evaluations will primarily consider the relevance and technical merit of proposals, with price reasonableness also factored in. The selected proposal will aim to achieve a successful in-space demonstration and characterization of the V-Band cross-link system, benefiting NASA's remote sensing and scientific objectives.
    SS-CLS Draft NRA Questions and Responses.pdf
    NASA's upcoming procurement seeks a single firm to develop and demonstrate a V-Band cross-link capability for small satellites. The goal is to establish a point-to-point network architecture, with the potential for other architectures to be considered. Offerors must propose a comprehensive solution covering the entire project scope, from concept to flight demonstration. This includes characterizing the V-Band cross-link and defining performance characteristics, with all deliverables to be completed within a five-year contract period. NASA doesn't prescribe specific technical details, allowing Offerors flexibility in defining the system. The $14.3M procurement will be awarded as a firm-fixed-price contract, with no Government Furnished Equipment provided. Offerors can suggest enabling subsystems and technologies, but milestones must be achievable within the given timeline. Proposals will be evaluated based on their technical merit and cost effectiveness. Key dates and other administrative details are pending.
    SS-CLS Pre-Solicitation Synopsis Questions and Responses.pdf
    Standard Form 33 - Solicitation Offer and Award.pdf
    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Glenn Research Center issues this solicitation for supplies or services. This is a sealed bid, with offers to be submitted by the specified date and time. The main procurement objective relates to furnishings for NASA's facility, as detailed in the Schedule of the solicitation. The agency seeks a timely response, with a contract award notice to be sent to the successful bidder. The solicitation outlines specific requirements and expectations for the supplies or services, broken down into sections covering description, quantities, work statements, packaging, delivery, and performance. Offerors are advised to carefully review these provisions. The contract resulting from this solicitation will likely be a firm-fixed-price agreement, with an estimated value provided upon request. Key dates include the submission deadline, anticipated to be within a few weeks of the solicitation's release. The evaluation of bids will consider factors such as price, delivery timelines, and compliance with technical requirements. NASA encourages bidders to ask any questions regarding this solicitation promptly, with a contact email provided.
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