Aluminum Off-Axis Parabola Mirrors for Lunar Lidar Prototype

This document addresses vendor questions regarding RFQ 80NSSC26931778Q for Aluminum Off-Axis Parabola Mirrors for a Lunar Lidar Prototype. The vendor sought clarification on surface references beyond the primary optical surface (S1). The customer clarified that S1 is the optical surface, while S2, S3, and S4 are reflective planar surfaces intended for alignment. S2 is located on the back of the mirror, and S3 and S4 are positioned on the sides, perpendicular to the parent axis. All these specifications are detailed in the provided drawings, guiding the manufacturing and alignment process for the mirrors.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Shared Services Center has issued Request for Quotation (RFQ) 80NSSC26931778Q for "Aluminum Off-Axis Parabola Mirrors for Lunar Lidar Prototype." This small business set-aside procurement seeks three types of high-precision, gold-plated aluminum mirrors (Transmitter Mirror 3, Transmitter Mirror 4, and Transmitter Mirror Collimator) for a swath-mapping space lidar prototype operating at 1550 nm. The mirrors require specific optical characteristics, coatings, and finishes. Quotes are due by May 19, 2026, 1:00 p.m. CT, to Laura Quave at laura.a.quave@nasa.gov. Technical questions must be submitted in writing by May 14, 2026, 12:00 p.m. CT. The contract will be awarded based on the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) offer, with a 20-week period of performance at NASA GSFC in Greenbelt, MD. Offerors must be registered with SAM.gov, and the solicitation includes provisions for duty-free entry, place of manufacture, export licenses, and an ombudsman.

This Statement of Work outlines the requirements for building a swath-mapping space lidar prototype that operates at 1550 nm. The project requires three types of high-precision gold-plated mirrors for the transmitter optics subsystem: Transmitter Mirror 3 (two units), Transmitter Mirror 4 (two units), and Transmitter Mirror Collimator (two units). All mirrors must be made of Aluminum RSA-6061 and feature specific concave surface characteristics, including precise radii of curvature, conic coefficients, and vertex offset distances. They must also meet stringent surface roughness, figure irregularity, and scratch/dig specifications. A key requirement for Surface 1 of all mirrors is an Enhanced Gold coating with a dielectric layer, ensuring a reflectance no lower than 95% between 1520 and 1580 nm. Surfaces 2, 3, and 4 require a planar finish, protective coating, and a black anodized finish for the non-optical surfaces. The place of performance is NASA GSFC, Code 698, Greenbelt, MD, with a period of performance of 20 weeks ARO. Drawings are available upon request.