A--Exploration of AI/ML for Landsat Flight Operations

Amendment 1 is issued to post industry questions and answers. The Q&A is attached as "Industry Questions 1 - DOIGFBO250002." The United States Geological Survey (USGS) is issuing this Sources Sought to conduct market research to identify potential sources and learn about industry capabilities, emerging technologies, and strategies of employing advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) methods to optimize satellite flight operations. This announcement does not constitute a request for quotes, proposals, or bids; submission of any information in response to this market survey is purely voluntary; the Government assumes no financial responsibility for any costs incurred. Responses to this announcement are for planning purposes only. The results of the market research will contribute to the development of the requirement and guide decision-making. The primary North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code to be used for this requirement is 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology). Background: Landsat satellites have continuously acquired multispectral images of the land surface since the launch of Landsat 1 in 1972. Landsat represents the world's longest continuously acquired collection of space-based moderate-resolution land remote sensing data. Four plus decades of these data provide a unique resource for those who work in agriculture, geology, forestry, regional planning, education, mapping, and global change research. Landsat images are also invaluable for emergency response and disaster relief. These data also support government, commercial, industrial, civilian, military, and educational communities throughout the United States (U.S.) and worldwide. Consistent with U.S. law and government policy stated in both the Commercial Space Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-303), and the Land Remote Sensing Policy Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-555), the USGS partners with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in developing future Landsat capabilities. NASA develops the space segment (spacecraft and instruments) and provides the launch vehicle while the USGS develops the ground system and operates the mission after on-orbit commissioning. Purpose and Objectives: The USGS is seeking information from industry, academia, nonprofits, and research institutions on the opportunities and feasibility of employing advanced AI and ML methods to optimizing satellite flight operations. The USGS is interested in AI/ML technologies applied to areas including, but not limited to, anomaly triage and telemetry trending and analysis, and welcomes information in other areas of flight operations to consider. The USGS has an extensive library of telemetry data from Landsat 8 and 9 that can be utilized in research and development activities. This announcement is issued to help identify potential collaborators for a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to assess if and how AI/ML techniques can enhance decision making and operational efficiency to streamline satellite operations and improve mission reliability. Expected outcomes include a better understanding of the efficiency gains in flight operations through use of AI/ML technology and the feasibility of implementing AI/ML solutions across different satellite systems. Instructions for Respondents: If your firm is interested and can demonstrate ability, capability, and experience in the objectives outlined in the section above, you are encouraged to respond to this announcement with a statement of your qualifications and capability. In the response, please provide: * Firm information, including a point of contact with email address. * Narrative of your company's capability to provide services described in the section above. The narrative should include potential projects of interest to pursue in a cooperative agreement, as well as telemetry data and technical subject matter expertise required. * Description of experience on previous projects or contracts with similar requirements. Please keep responses as relevant and concise as possible and avoid any extraneous or lengthy responses. USGS anticipates that responses will be no more than 10 pages and should be submitted via email by December 13, 2024. Interested parties should be willing to execute a CRADA with USGS per the Stevenson Wydler Act (15 U.S.C. - 3710a, as amended). Respondents may submit questions for clarification via email. The information is requested for planning purposes only, subject to FAR Clause 52.215-3, entitled "Solicitation for Information for Planning Purposes." Only material suitable for internal government distribution shall be submitted. Any restricted information should be marked accordingly. The U.S. Government will protect all restricted information received from respondents, and distribution of any material will be based on a strict need-to-know basis. The U.S. Government will protect all restricted information received from respondents, and distribution of any material will be based on a strict need-to-know basis. However, note that the submissions may be subject to review by experts outside of the civil service, including NASA, and USGS contractors, each of whom is bound to protect restricted data from unauthorized use or disclosure per their respective contracts. No classified material should be provided. Submittals identified as containing such material shall be destroyed and not considered further. Any export-controlled information shall be marked. The USGS shall not be restricted in, nor incur liability for, disclosure, use, and reproduction of any information provided which is or becomes publicly available other than by breach of the parameters above; or which is known to the USGS at the time of disclosure; or which becomes known to the USGS from an independent source without breach of any agreement to the contrary; or which has no restricted markings. This announcement is open to all types of organizations, including U.S. businesses, industry, universities, nonprofit organizations, federal centers, federally funded research and development centers, and other U. S. Government agencies. It is emphasized that this announcement is for planning and information purposes only and is NOT to be construed as a commitment by the Government to enter into a contractual agreement, nor will the Government pay for information solicited. If the U.S. Government decides to proceed with a new procurement or announcement, the USGS will synopsize its intent on SAM. Responses to this announcement are strictly voluntary and will not in any way affect a firm's ability to submit a quote or offer, nor will it have any influence on the evaluation of any firm's response to a future solicitation, should one be issued. The Government may hold further exchanges (either in person or virtually) with none, some, or all responders depending on the Government's needs. Following responses, the Government may contact your organization for an opportunity for a one-on-one session and will coordinate accordingly. Please be sure the response contains the correct contact information for this potential communication. Responses shall be sent via electronic mail to: Ty DeHart Contract Specialist contact@example.gov