A--RADIATOR DEMONSTRATION UNIT (RDU)

The NASA Code S Project Prometheus Program is sponsoring the development of nuclear fission based space propulsion (Nuclear Electric Propulsion - NEP) concepts and the assessment of those concepts in ground, flight, or engineering model demonstrations. The NASA Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field intends to conduct research projects over the next several years focused on Power System Development for Nuclear Electric Propulsion. The goal is to address key technology needs by conducting conceptual design studies, analyses and testing of system and component hardware. NASA/GRC plans to issue a Request for Offer for a two-phased program for the design, fabrication and testing of a 6 kWt Radiator Demonstration Unit (RDU). The RDU should incorporate advanced heat rejection technologies and lightweight materials similar to those required for full scale 100-300 kWt thermal NEP space radiators. The RDU will be integrated with an existing 2 kWe Closed Brayton Cycle (CBC) space power converter and tested in GRC's Vacuum Facility #6. The two phases consist of a design and analysis phase followed by a hardware development and testing phase. NASA, at its discretion, will determine whether the Phase 2 option will be exercised. The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. See Note 26. The NAICS Code and Size Standard are 541710 and 500 employees, respectively. All responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency. The anticipated release date of the RFO3-272702 is on or about April 25, 2003 with an anticipated offer due date of on or about June 11, 2003. An ombudsman has been appointed -- See NASA Specific Note "B". The solicitation and any documents related to this procurement will be available over the Internet. These documents will be in Microsoft Office 97 format and will reside on a World Wide Web (WWW) server, which may be accessed using a WWW browser application. The Internet site, or URL, for the NASA/GRC Business Opportunities home page is http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eps/bizops.cgi?gr=C&pin=22 Prospective offerors shall notify this office of their intent to submit an offer. It is the offeror's responsibility to monitor the Internet site for the release of the solicitation and amendments (if any). Potential offerors will be responsible for downloading their own copy of the solicitation and amendments (if any). Any referenced notes may be viewed at the following URLs linked below. All contractual technical questions must be submitted in writing (e-mail or fax). Telephone questions will not be accepted.