A -- Request for Information (RFI) for Component Space Qualification Needs

This is a Request for Information (RFI) by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), regarding the need for spacecraft component space qualification. BACKGROUND. During the early years of the US Space Program numerous component development secondary payloads were launched. As the space industry has matured, the frequency and availability of secondary payload launches to support space component R&D has been significantly reduced. The resulting reduction in the rate of space component qualification can have a negative impact on the development of future spacecraft systems. DARPA is soliciting information regarding specific existing and under development components for future spacecraft systems that are not available for space use today due to lack of space qualification. Increased availability of secondary payload launch opportunities in the US could facilitate more rapid space component qualification. In the near term, this increased availability of launch opportunities is of benefit only if a sufficient number of relevant component technology payloads exist in the development or "ready for flight testing" status. The objective of this RFI is to identify relevant space components that need to be qualified to Technology Readiness Level 7 (TRL-7). TRLs are a systematic metric/measurement system that supports assessments of the maturity of a particular technology and the consistent comparison of maturity between different types of technology. [John C. Mankins, Advanced Concepts Office, Office of Space Access and Technology, NASA White Paper, April 1995]. TRL-6 consists of a system/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment. TRL-7 consists of a system prototype demonstration in a space environment, which requires space launch of the component as a secondary or embedded payload. Further background information on this topic is at www.darpa.mil/STO/Solicitations/RFI-SN07-13 This RFI solicits inputs from two classes of organizations; (A) current space bus developers who foresee the need for improved versions of existing components, and (B) component developers who have innovative concepts that may enhance our ability to accomplish current or new space missions. DARPA solicits potential payload users and developers to submit ideas related to this topic for use by the government in determining whether a separate solicitation should be released to augment current capabilities for space component qualification. DARPA requests that submittals describe briefly and clearly the component and applicable host spacecraft or class of host spacecraft, and comment on the expected benefits to be achieved through space testing and qualification of the proposed component payload. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI or to otherwise pay for the information solicited. Based on the results of this RFI, the Government may choose to issue a formal solicitation during calendar year 2007 for "Rideshare Opportunities for Space Component Testing" RESPONSES. Responses should be submitted in the format provided at https://www.darpa.mil/STO/Solicitations/RFI-SN07-13/index.html. All responses must be unclassified. Any proprietary concepts or information should be clearly identified as such. Input on technical aspects of the responses may be solicited by DARPA from non-Government consultants/experts from Schafer Corporation of Arlington, VA and Rubicon Corp, of Burke, VA, who are bound by appropriate non-disclosure requirements. For all RFI responses, an additional, non-proprietary cover page is also requested identifying your company name, technical point of contact and contact information. RFI responses should be received no later than COB Jan 26, 2007. Due to the large volume of responses expected, DARPA will not acknowledge receipt of submissions. All questions (technical, contractual, administrative) pertaining to this BAA must be submitted to DARPA at the following e-mail address: RFI-SN07-13@darpa.mil