Partnering Opportunity for Scalable High Energy oPtics for Astronomy Returns and Discovery (SHEPARD)
ID: SS_LaRC_2025_ECI-01Type: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNASA LANGLEY RESEARCH CENTERHAMPTON, VA, 23681, USA

NAICS

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

PSC

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

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/8ec95b3798cd4ed4be24cd9105d8a577/view
Timeline
    Description

    NASA's Langley Research Center is seeking partners for the Scalable High Energy oPtics for Astronomy Discovery and Returns (SHEPARD) initiative, which is part of the Early Career Initiative focused on developing innovative space technology. The project aims to advance X-ray mirror technology for astrophysical observation by exploring flow-form manufacturing as a scalable solution for creating high-precision, affordable X-ray mirrors, while also incorporating a digital twin architecture to enhance manufacturing reliability. This initiative is crucial for improving the resolution and cost-effectiveness of X-ray telescopes, which are essential for astronomical discoveries. Interested organizations with expertise in flow-form manufacturing, metrology, and precision machining should submit their responses by February 5, 2025, to Octavia Hicks at octavia.l.hicks@nasa.gov, as this solicitation serves as a preliminary call for proposals and promotes strategic partnerships aligned with NASA’s mission in space technology.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Octavia Hicks
    octavia.l.hicks@nasa.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    RFI FY25 SHEPARD v2 (003).pdf
    NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) is seeking partners for the Scalable High Energy oPtics for Astronomy Discovery and Returns (SHEPARD) project, part of an Early Career Initiative aimed at enhancing the professional development of early-career NASA technologists. Interested organizations, including educational institutions and industry, must respond by January 29, 2025. The initiative focuses on developing innovative projects related to X-ray optics, necessitating participation from teams comprised of NASA early career employees. The project will utilize flow forming manufacturing techniques to create precision X-ray mirrors and employs a digital twin architecture for risk mitigation during development. LaRC invites collaboration in specific areas such as flow-forming guidance, metrology system development, and precision surface machining. Partners must demonstrate expertise, technical qualifications, and management capabilities. The selection will be based on a detailed evaluation of responses, which should not exceed five pages, addressing established criteria including technical qualifications, management approach, and integration of team members. This request for information underscores NASA's commitment to advancing space technology through collaborative innovation.
    RFI FY25 SHEPARD v3 (003).pdf
    NASA Langley Research Center is seeking partners for the Scalable High Energy oPtics for Astronomy Discovery and Returns (SHEPARD) initiative, part of the Early Career Initiative aimed at developing innovative space technology. Open to U.S. and select non-U.S. organizations, the project focuses on advancing X-ray mirror technology for astrophysical observation, which currently lags in resolution and cost-effectiveness despite the success of existing telescopes. The SHEPARD project aims to explore flow-form manufacturing as a scalable solution for creating high-precision, affordable X-ray mirrors, while incorporating a digital twin architecture to enhance manufacturing reliability. Interested partners should possess expertise in flow-form manufacturing, metrology, and precision machining. The collaboration emphasizes a core team led by a NASA early career employee and emphasizes innovative management and team integration. Responses are due by February 5, 2025, and should address specific evaluation criteria related to technical qualifications and project management. This solicitation serves as a preliminary call for proposals and is not indicative of contract awards but promotes strategic partnerships aligned with NASA’s mission and objectives in space technology.
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