18 -- RFI for NPOESS SEM -2

National Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) Request for Information (RFI)for Space Environment Monitor-2 The NPOESS program received certification of its requirements under the Nunn-McCurdy process. The NPOESS Integrated Program Office (IPO) has been directed to develop a less complex and less expensive space environment sensor suite. The IPO threshold requirements are to maintain data continuity with legacy systems such as the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP), Polar Operational Environmental Satellites Project (POES), and Meteorological Operational satellite program (MetOp) while maintaining a growth potential to achieve the goals of the Integrated Operational Requirements Document (IORD). In the interest of assessing the availability of an industry-procured Space Environmental Sensor-2 (SEM-2) sensor (with one engineering design unit and two flight units), the IPO is requesting information on industrys interest and recommendations for mitigating perceived risks. The following description addresses basic passive space particle sensor concept(s), schedule, and risks that should be mitigated and provides a series of questions that will help the IPO develop a successful acquisition strategy for the new NPOESS space environment sensor. Questions or concerns regarding this request for information shall be sent, in writing to the Contracting Officer, via email contact@example.gov, or via letter to NPOESS Integrated Program Office, Attn: Mr. Jeff Dedrick, 8455 Colesville Road, Suite 1450, Silver Spring, MD 20910. This Request for Information (RFI) is for planning purposes only and shall not be construed as a Request for Inquiry (RFI), Request for Proposal (RFP), or as an obligation on the part of the Government to acquire any products and/or services. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise as a result submission of responses to this request for information and the Government's use of such information. Respondents of this request for information may be requested to provide additional information/details/demonstrations based on their initial submittals. Responses to this request for information are to be submitted and addressed to the Contracting Officer, at the referenced e-mail address, no later than 06 June 2007. Further this RFI is considered to also meet the requirements of a sources sought notice as required by FAR 5.2. Responses from small businesses and small disadvantaged business firms are highly encouraged. Firms responding should indicate if they are a small business, a socially and disadvantaged business, 8(a) firm, historically black colleges or universities and minority institutions. Applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 336414. This code serves to detail to potential offeror(s) who are deemed a small business under any resultant solicitation and/or award. Responses should also include the name and telephone number of a point of contact having authority and knowledge to discuss responses with Government representatives. ADDITIONAL DESCRIPTIVE INFORMATION WILL BE UPLOADED AND POSTED TO THIS RFI AS A SEPERATE ATTACHMENT.