99--RFI LDCM FLIGHT OPERATIONS TEAM

LDCM FLIGHT OPERATIONS TEAM (FOT) Description This is not a notice for a solicitation. This is only a Request for Information (RFI). The government does not intend to award a contract or any type of agreement on the basis of this RFI or to otherwise pay for the information solicited under this RFI. This is NOT a request for proposal or an invitation to bid but merely a request for information. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) plans to issue a RFP in FY2007/FY2008 for the procurement of the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM) Flight Operations Team (FOT) services. The FOT will operate the LDCM Observatory from the LDCM Mission Operations Center (MOC) located at the USGS Center for Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and at a geographically separate Back-up MOC (bMOC) Facility (location TBD) for contingency operations. The primary responsibilities of the FOT will include LDCM Observatory command and control, mission planning and scheduling, trending and analysis, flight dynamics support (including analysis, planning product generation, maneuver planning and execution), health and safety monitoring functions, on-board storage management, flight software management, mission and flight simulation, and anomaly response. Prior to LDCM launch and subsequent mission operations, the FOT will have an integral role in Observatory (bus and instrument) and ground systems integration and test; in addition, launch preparation and readiness activities. In preparation for procurement of the FOT, the USGS seeks lessons learned and other relevant experience in satellite operations that will aid in conducting an effective FOT acquisition. The USGS solicits all relevant information, but the following sections list topics of specific interest. PRE-LAUNCH During the pre-launch phase, the FOT will support Spacecraft Bus I&T and Instrument I&T, Observatory I&T, Ground Systems I&T, and launch readiness activities. These activities will take place concurrently at a variety of government and contractor facilities. 1. The USGS seeks recommendations for how the FOT may be used effectively during the pre-launch activities. Responses should identify specific pre-launch activities, the role of the FOT in those activities, required skills, risks (e.g., integrating FOT personnel with a contractor team), mitigation strategies, feedback and past experiences with integration of FOT members into the spacecraft, instrument, and observatory I&T process, including on-site involvement of key flight operations sub-systems and instrument engineers in I&T procedure development and test execution, and any other information that might be relevant to crafting the most effective approach for FOT pre-launch support. 2. Training will be provided to the FOT during the pre-launch period. The USGS seeks recommendations on effective training for flight operations. Responses could include training content, approaches (e.g., classroom vs. hands-on, use of simulators, etc.), syllabi, schedules, etc. The USGS is also interested in approaches to capturing and maintaining this initial FOT training for use in training future FOT staff. FLIGHT OPERATIONS Post-launch, the FOT will operate the LDCM Observatory from the LDCM MOC at the USGS Center for EROS located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, using a suite of ground hardware and software that will be procured in parallel or after the FOT procurement. 1. The USGS seeks innovative FOT staffing approaches that provide benefits and/or reduced cost and risk. Candidate approaches should include key assumptions, recruitment and retention strategies, position descriptions, a candidate staffing profile, and any further information needed to evaluate the approach. Approaches may be contrasted or compared with relevant current satellite operations as appropriate. 2. As noted above, the LDCM MOC will be located in Sioux Falls, SD and represents the first MOC to be established at the EROS facility and in the Sioux Falls area. The USGS seeks lessons-learned and approaches on staffing the MOC at this facility. Responses should include ability to effectively address on-orbit anomalies, attract and retain needed expertise, and methods of addressing attrition/turnover. PROCUREMENT The following topics concern the FOT acquisition approach. 1. For the LDCM FOT, the USGS is considering a performance-based acquisition (FAR 37.6). USGS seeks suggestions of appropriate performance measures, metrics and performance thresholds for a FOT, as well as any lessons-learned on the use of performance-based contracts in a satellite operations environment. Information responding to this request should be received within 21 calendar days from publication of this notice. Concise responses are encouraged and appreciated; it is not necessary to respond to all parts of this RFI. Organizations interested in providing responses or additional information in person are requested to schedule a briefing/meeting at the USGS Center for EROS. Informational Documents The following informational documents can be accessed on the LDCM website at http://ldcm.gsfc.nasa.gov . LDCM Operations Concept Document (http://ldcm.gsfc.nasa.gov/library.html) LDCM Draft Mission Operations Element Requirements Document (http://ldcm.gsfc.nasa.gov/procurement.html) Point of Contact Name: Mr. Tom Hays Title: USGS LDCM Development Manager Phone: +1 (555) 000-0000 Fax: +1 (555) 000-0000 Email: contact@example.gov