A--POWER SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT FOR NUCLEAR ELECTRIC PROPULSION

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Glenn Research Center intends to conduct research projects over the next several years focused on Power System Development for Nuclear Electric Propulsion. The goal is to conduct conceptual design studies and to address key technology needs. Both deep space and near-Earth environments should be considered. The In-Space Propulsion Technologies Program fosters the development of innovative space propulsion concepts and the assessment of those concepts in ground, flight, or engineering model demonstrations. NASA GRC plans to conduct analytical studies, lab demonstrations, field demonstrations, requirements analysis, design, and engineering model construction for innovative techniques that have the highest potential to meet the goals for the Advanced Space Transportation Program and the requirements of the Office of Space Science. NASA GRC is seeking partners from the aerospace industry to participate with NASA GRC Principal Investigators (PI) to develop proposals in response to NRA-02-OSS-01-ISTP. It is expected that selection of the proposal(s) and availability of funds would result in design study and technology development contracts for the selected partner(s). This partnering opportunity does not guarantee selection for award of any contracts, nor is it to be construed as a commitment by NASA to pay for the information solicited. It is expected that the partner(s) selected would provide (at no cost to NASA) proposal inputs, including: conceptual designs, technical data, project schedules and cost estimates, consistent with the requirements of NASA OSS solicitations. The NRA is soliciting a multi-phased program consisting of a design study followed by a technology development and testing activity. In support of the design study phase, potential partners will be expected to limit their scope to a $75,000 - $100,000 level of effort. Subsequent technology development and hardware testing phases will result in additional scope and correspondingly higher priced efforts. Potential partners are requested to submit a statement of interest and capability. This statement should demonstrate the capabilities and experience to provide conceptual design and technology development information for systems, subsystems, and components. Partners must work collaboratively with NASA GRC and other potential aerospace industry partners to perform the required tasks. Partner selection(s) will be made by GRC based on the following criteria: 1) Relevant experience, technical capability and availability of key personnel This criterion evaluates the proposer's relevant recent experience, technical capability to perform the tasks and key personnel available to support the tasks. Substantive evidence of successful participation in related efforts should be included. 2) Management Processes This criterion evaluates the proposer's ability to control both cost and schedule. The proposer should provide descriptions of program/project control and management processes used in similar technology development programs. Responses should be limited to 3 pages (12 point, Times Roman font) and address each of the criteria. All responses should be sent to: NASA Glenn Research Center, 21000 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, OH 44135 Attn: Ernest C. Mensurati, M.S. 500-319 or via e-mail to contact@example.gov. The due date for submission is COB April 30, 2002. Procurement questions should be directed to Ernest C Mensurati at +1 (555) 000-0000. Partners are sought for the following technology areas. The technical requirements and NASA GRC point of contact for technical questions is Lee Mason (+1 (555) 000-0000 or contact@example.gov). 1. Brayton Power Conversion System (50-500 kWe) including Brayton engines, thermal management (radiators), controls, and Power Management and Distribution (PMAD).