Engineering Model (EM) and spaceflight qualified CCD detectors and detector electronics for the Michelson Doppler Interferometer (MDI)

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ISSUED BY THE NAVAL RESEARCH LABORATORY (NRL) FOR INFORMATION AND PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY. NO AWARDS WILL BE MADE FROM THE RESPONSES TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. HOWEVER, RESPONSES MAY BE USED TO DETERMINE THE APPROPRIATE ACQUISITION STRATEGY FOR A FUTURE ACQUISITION. The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), Space Science Division (Code 7600), is requesting information and ROM estimate of cost for providing an Engineering Model (EM) and spaceflight qualified CCD detectors and detector electronics for the Michelson Doppler Interferometer (MDI) that will be part of an instrument suite aboard a proposed NASA EXPLORER spaceflight mission. The MDI instrument will consist of two similar units that will measure upper atmospheric winds along one line of sight each. One CCD camera is required for each of the two MDI units. One CCD camera is comprised of the cooled CCD, front-end electronics, radiation shield, mechanical structure, and required interfaces. The specifications referenced herein are export controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). As such, in order to receive the referenced specifications, potential Customers must complete the attached certification with proof of status as a U.S. Person (as defined in 22 C.F.R. Part 120.15) and submit via email to Ms. Lisa Fleming, at Lisa.Fleming@nrl.navy.mil. Upon confirmation of eligibility, potential offerers will be sent draft copies of the Statement of Work and specifications. The Statement of Work and specifications must be safeguarded and protected from unauthorized disclosure in accordance with applicable U.S. export control laws and regulations. Technical questions shall be directed to Dr. Christoph R. Englert, NRL Code 7641 via email Christoph.Englert@nrl.navy.mil. The purpose of this RFI is to gauge industry interest, capabilities, and relevant heritage experience and know-how for providing the MDI CCD camera. It is the goal of NRL to maximize heritage experience and know-how and to minimize risk and cost to the MDI program. As such NRL will be using the responses and ROM cost estimates for determination of whether to procure the requirement via a formal contract or to build part or all of the hardware in-house. If NRL decides to procure this hardware, one or two EM CCD camera would need to be delivered in mid-2013, two flight CCD cameras and one flight spare CCD camera delivered in mid-2014. Examples of what key evaluation criteria might be included: 1) Relevant corporate and key personnel heritage experience and know-how, 2) Hardware performance from past programs, 3) Cost/cost realism, 4) Schedule. If a solicitation is issued, it is anticipated that it will call for a three phase hybrid contract: with Phase 1 awarded on a "cost plus fixed fee" basis that will continue through completion of Phase A (CCD camera specification refinement); Phase 2 awarded on a "cost plus fixed fee" basis that will cover from the start of Phase B through CDR (EM CCD camera development and delivery); and, Phase 3 awarded on a fixed price basis that will span from CDR through delivery of the flight and flight spare CCD cameras. Interested parties should submit the information requested herein, as well as, a ROM/cost estimate. This RFI is for planning purposes only and shall not be construed as a Request for Proposal (RFP) or as an obligation on the part of NRL to acquire any products or services. The NRL does not intend to award a contract based on this RFI or otherwise pay for the information requested. Submission of a response to this RFI is voluntary. The voluntary submission of a response to this RFI shall not obligate the NRL to pay or entitle the submitter to any compensation. All information and data received in response to this RFI that are marked or designated as corporate or proprietary information will be protected as such. Responses to this RFI may be submitted in writing or by email no later than 4PM EDT November 5, 2010. Information may be submitted to: Naval Research Laboratory 4555 Overlook Avenue ATTN: Christoph Englert, Code 7641 Washington, D.C. 20375 Or UNCLASS email: Christoph.Englert@nrl.navy.mil Responses received after November 5, 2010 will not be reviewed.