Engineering Models (EM) and spaceflight qualified calibration light sources for the Michelson Doppler Interferometer (MDI)

THIS SPECIAL NOTICE IS RE-OPENED AND EXTENDED TO OCTOBER 28, 2010 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 Engineering Models (EM) and spaceflight qualified calibration light sources for the Michelson Doppler Interferometer (MDI) that are part of an instrument suite proposed for a NASA EXPLORER spaceflight mission. The MDI instrument will consist of two similar units that will each measure upper atmospheric winds along their line of sight. A set of three different calibration lamps is required for each of the two MDI units. The three different lamp types are (1) an emission line source providing signal at the 630.48 nm neon line, (2) an emission line source providing signal at the 557.03 nm krypton line, and (3) a single broadband source providing a continuum emission that spans at least several nm around the 630 nm and 557 nm lines. Other lamp types emitting atomic lines with wavelengths that are within less than about 1 nm of 630 nm and 557.7 nm could also be considered. Examples of suitable lamps are likely to include spectral lamps with external electrodes using high frequency excitation and tungsten ribbon lamps. The lamp units are to include the power supply and switch, excitation mechanism, mechanical structure, and emitting volume. 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 Christoph 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 calibration sources. 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, an EM lamp set would need to be delivered in mid-2013, with two sets of flight lamps and one flight spare lamp set to be delivered in mid-2014. Examples of key evaluation criteria that might be used include: 1) Relevant corporate and key personnel heritage experience and know-how, 2) Hardware performance from past programs including lamp lifetime, mass, size, power consumption, 3) Cost/cost realism, and 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 (lamp specification refinement); Phase 2 awarded on a "cost plus fixed fee" basis that will cover from the start of Phase B through CDR (EM lamp set 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 lamps. 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 October 28, 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 October 28, 2010 will not be reviewed.