Save The Date: Third Satellite Servicing Technology Transfer Industry Day

SYNOPSIS UPDATE: Attend Third Satellite Servicing Technology Transfer Industry Day Purpose: With this synopsis update, NASA invites domestic companies and U.S. Government agencies to send representatives to the Third Satellite Servicing Technology Transfer Industry Day. Date: December 6, 2018 Location: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), Greenbelt, MD 20071 Strategy: NASA is transferring satellite servicing and assembly technologies to domestic industry and other U.S. Government agencies. This industry day encourages additional transfer of technology being developed by the Satellite Servicing Projects Division (SSPD). The derived capabilities would facilitate servicing of spacecraft, plus ensure that future spacecraft can be easily serviced. Background: NASA is working on several projects to mature satellite servicing crosscutting technologies, including Restore-L, a technology demonstration project to utilize a robotic spacecraft to refuel an operational client. Other missions include the Robotic Refueling Mission 3 (RRM3) - which is developing technologies for cryogen - and Raven - a technology demonstration of state-of-the-art relative navigation capabilities. These projects allow NASA to check important items off of its technology checklist to put humans closer to lunar exploration. NASA plans to infuse SSPD-derived technologies and capabilities to meet the agency's objectives for science and exploration, including Orion. Candidate applications for individual satellite servicing capabilities could include on-orbit manufacturing and assembly, propellant depots, observatory servicing, and active orbital debris removal. NASA anticipates that SSPD-derived technologies and capabilities will help unlock numerous new and perhaps unforeseen opportunities in both commercial and government arenas. In parallel with the development of satellite servicing technologies and the execution of various missions to prove these technologies, NASA is transferring satellite servicing technologies to interested domestic U.S. commercial entities to accelerate the commercial in-orbit robotic satellite servicing industry, as well as to help ensure the serviceability of future satellites. NASA is interested in a strong domestic, commercial satellite-servicing industry that could potentially provide the U.S. government with cost-effective options for meeting future mission needs while also bolstering the domestic economy. Plan for the Transfer of Satellite Servicing Technology NASA is offering the following to domestic industry and other U.S. Government Agencies through its Satellite Servicing Technology Transfer Plan. - Direct transfer of a rolling portfolio of technologies and software through patent licenses and other agreements: NASA will provide an updated catalog of the technologies the SSPD is developing with a description of the current capability and maturity of each technology, environments for which each technology will be qualified, and overall target timeline for technology transfer; - Access to NASA's programmatic, technical and operational expertise in satellite servicing through reasonable contact/engagement with the NASA satellite servicing team during the development and execution of Restore-L, RRM3, and Raven, and once they conclude; - Invitations to attend industry days, which provide a forum for up-to-date data from major Restore-L and other SSPD projects such as Raven and Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM) reviews; - Access to major Restore-L review packages post-review (note that packages will be redacted to remove some programmatic information and all third-party intellectual property) for those with whom NASA establishes a technology transfer agreement; - The benefit of NASA's mature, vetted technology transfer processes already in place; - An open and level playing field for all domestic entities; - Time for participants to consider other options for cooperating in these areas, such as forums to discuss and transfer experience beyond tangible technology items such as best practices and Concept of Operations (ConOps) - Forums for the government to facilitate additional opportunities for commercial companies to demonstrate use of technologies, such as identifying public-private partnerships. Note that participation in these activities and offerings is limited to domestic entities and persons, since many of these items will contain International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) data. Participants must show that they have a legitimate use for the technology and that they are capable of implementing and enhancing the technology. They must also demonstrate that they are capable of handling ITAR/EAR data responsibly. Technology Transfer. Under the current plan, NASA would transfer its satellite servicing technologies, including software, to domestic industry. NASA foresees use of agreements such as Space Act Agreements (SAAs) and/or Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) to implement this plan, with transfer of commercial rights via non-exclusive licenses or Software Usage Agreements. Such agreements would require that any NASA support (beyond reasonable access) be reimbursable. Industry Days. NASA plans to host industry days for domestic industry to receive data from major SSPD Project reviews. The initial industry day was held on 4/19/17, the second industry day was 1/30/18, the upcoming industry day is scheduled for 12/6/18, and future industry days will be held as additional technology progress is made. Access to Facilities. NASA also plans to provide domestic industry-controlled access to the Mission Operations Control rooms for Restore-L and the Robotic Operations Center at NASA Goddard during specific times before/during Restore-L, RRM-3, and Raven. Post-mission Workshop. In conjunction with its technology transfer plan, NASA also plans to host a workshop after various missions to provide post-flight data and lessons learned. Satellite Servicing Technologies The satellite servicing technologies useful for the developer of a servicer fall into the following general categories, and may include: - Relative navigation system: sensor suite (visible, infrared, laser), including Kodiak Scanning Lidar and Range Finder, algorithms (range, bearing, pose); - Servicing avionics & software: SpaceCubeTM processor, Video Distribution & Storage Unit; - Robot arm and software: NASA Servicing Arm, Robot Electronics Unit, robot flight software - Tool drive system & tools: Advanced Tool Drive System, sophisticated servicing tools (gripper, blanket cutter, wire cutter, cap removal, & nozzle tool) and adapters; - Fluid Transfer System: Propellant Transfer Assembly, zero-g fluid flow meter, hose management system; - Cooperative Servicing Aids: Aids for developing a cooperative client for servicing, such as rendezvous decals and cooperative servicing valve; - In-Space Assembly: Ways to manufacture, assemble and repair large structures in space, leading to a robust space infrastructure freed from launch fairing constraints, launch vehicle mass limitations, and astronaut safety concerns. Response to Synopsis Domestic industry or U.S. Government employees interested in attending the third industry day on 12/6/18 shall provide the following information for each potential attendee at least ten (10) business days prior to the announced industry day (Note, NASA may need to limit the number of representatives from each company based upon the total number of registered attendees.): - Name (first name, middle initial, last Name) - Affiliation/Company - Citizenship (US Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident [LPR/Green Card holder]) - E-mail - Phone number This invitation is intended for organizations interested in commercializing satellite servicing technology being developed by NASA. Due to the content of the presentations and facility security requirements, only U.S. persons (U.S. citizens or Legal Permanent Residents) may attend. All attendees will be required to present government issued photo identification upon entry to the event. Attendance is not required to participate in the technology transfer process, but if interested contact NASA by sending an e-mail to the points of contact listed below. Each company represented is also required to execute a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) (attached) prior to NASA disclosing to its personnel-or confirm that its company still honors the NDA from a previous industry day. All synopsis queries must be submitted via e-mail to all points of contact listed below. Please reference the title of this notice in any response. Disclaimers It is not NASA's intent to publicly disclose Respondents' proprietary information obtained in response to this synopsis. To the full extent that it is protected pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act and other laws and regulations, information identified by a Respondent as "Proprietary or Confidential" will be kept confidential. It is emphasized that this synopsis is NOT a Request for Proposal, Quotation, or Invitation for Bid. This Synopsis is for information and planning purposes only, subject to FAR Clause 52.215-3 titled "Solicitation for Information or Planning Purposes," and is NOT to be construed as a commitment by the Government to enter into a contractual agreement. The Government will not pay for information submitted in response to this Synopsis. No solicitation exists; therefore, do not request a copy of the solicitation. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized in the FedBizOpps (www.fbo.gov) website. It is the responsibility of any potential offerors/bidders to monitor this site for the release of any solicitation, synopsis, or related documents. As part of its assessment of industry capabilities, the NASA-GSFC may contact respondents to this synopsis if clarifications or further information is needed. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Save the Date for the Third Satellite Servicing Technology Transfer Industry Day Purpose: With this synopsis, NASA encourages domestic companies to save the date for the third industry day addressing satellite servicing technologies on 12/6/18 at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and requests suggestions for the content of industry day. The focus of this industry day will be technology being developed by the Satellite Servicing Projects Division (SSPD) that would facilitate servicing of spacecraft in space, including cooperative servicing aids, features, or devices that complement on-going NASA development and could be used in various servicing areas. Companies may also be interested in these technologies to ensure that their spacecraft can be easily serviced by incorporating cooperative servicing aids. Background: NASA's SSPD is working on several projects to test satellite servicing crosscutting technologies, including Restore-L, a technology demonstration project to utilize a robotic spacecraft to refuel an operational client. Other missions include the Robotic Refueling Mission 3 (RRM3) - which is developing technologies for cryogen- and Raven - a technology demonstration of state-of-the-art relative navigation capabilities. These projects allow NASA to check important items off of its technology checklist to put humans closer to Mars exploration. NASA plans to infuse SSPD-derived technologies and capabilities to meet the agency's objectives for science and exploration, including Orion. Candidate applications for individual satellite servicing technologies could include on-orbit manufacturing and assembly, propellant depots, observatory servicing, and orbital debris management. NASA anticipates that SSPD-derived technologies and capabilities will help unlock numerous new and perhaps unforeseen opportunities. In parallel with the development of satellite servicing technology and the execution of various missions to prove these technologies, NASA plans to transfer satellite servicing technologies to interested domestic U.S. commercial entities to help jumpstart a commercial in-orbit robotic satellite servicing capability, as well as to help ensure the serviceability of satellites. NASA is interested in a strong domestic, commercial satellite-servicing industry that could potentially provide the U.S. government with cost-effective options for meeting future mission needs while also bolstering the domestic economy. Plan for the Transfer of Satellite Servicing Technology NASA plans to offer the following to domestic industry through its Satellite Servicing Technology Transfer Plan. Direct transfer of a rolling portfolio of technologies and software through patent licenses and other agreements: NASA will provide an updated catalog of the technologies the SSPD is developing with a description of the current capability and maturity of each technology, environments for which each technology will be qualified, and overall target timeline for technology transfer; Access to NASA's programmatic, technical and operational expertise in satellite servicing through reasonable contact/engagement with the NASA satellite servicing team during the development and execution of Restore-L and after its conclusion; Invitations to attend industry days, which provide a forum for up-to-date data from major Restore-L and other SSPD projects such as Raven and Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM) reviews; Access to major Restore-L review packages post-review (note that packages will be redacted to remove some programmatic information and all third-party intellectual property) for those with whom NASA establishes a technology transfer agreement; The benefit of NASA's mature, vetted technology transfer processes already in place; An open and level playing field for all domestic entities; Time for participants to consider other options for cooperating in these areas, such as forums to discuss and transfer experience beyond tangible technology items such as best practices and Concept of Operations (ConOps) Forums for the government to facilitate additional opportunities for commercial companies to demonstrate use of technologies, such as identifying public-private partnerships. Note that participation in these activities and offerings is limited to domestic entities and persons, since many of these items will contain International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) data. Participants must show that they have a legitimate use for the technology and that they are capable of implementing and enhancing the technology. They must also demonstrate that they are capable of handling ITAR/EAR data responsibly. Technology Transfer. Under the current plan, NASA would transfer its satellite servicing technologies, including software, to domestic industry. NASA foresees use of agreements such as Space Act Agreements (SAAs) and/or Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) to implement this plan, with transfer of commercial rights via non-exclusive licenses. Such agreements would require that any NASA support (beyond reasonable access) be reimbursable. Industry Days. NASA plans to host industry days for domestic industry to receive data from major SSPD Project reviews. The initial industry day was held on 4/19/17, the second industry day was 1/30/18, the upcoming industry day is planned for 12/6/18, and future industry days will be held as additional technology progress is made. Access to Facilities. NASA also plans to provide domestic industry controlled access to the Mission Operations Control rooms for Restore-L and the Robotic Operations Center at NASA Goddard during specific times before/during Restore-L. Post-mission Workshop. In conjunction with its technology transfer plan, NASA also plans to host a workshop after various missions to provide post-flight data and lessons learned. Satellite Servicing Technologies The satellite servicing technologies useful for the developer of a servicer that will be available fall into the following general categories, and may include: Relative navigation system: sensor suite (visible, infrared, laser), including Kodiak Scanning Lidar and Range Finder, algorithms (range, bearing, pose); Servicing avionics & software: SpaceCubeTM processor, Video Distribution & Storage Unit; Robot arm and software: NASA Servicing Arm, Robot Electronics Unit, robot flight software Tool drive system & tools: Advanced Tool Drive System, sophisticated servicing tools (gripper, blanket cutter, wire cutter, cap removal, & nozzle tool) and adapters; Fluid Transfer System: Propellant Transfer Assembly, zero-g fluid flow meter, hose management system; Cooperative Servicing Aids: Aids for developing a cooperative client for servicing, such as rendezvous decals and cooperative servicing valve. Response to Synopsis In order to best meet the information needs of the industry attendees, we request that you complete the separately attached form expressing your interest in the content of industry day. Please return via e-mail by 9/30/18 to the points of contact listed below. All submissions shall be made via e-mail or other electronic means. This invitation is intended for organizations interested in commercializing satellite servicing technology being developed by NASA. Due to the content of the presentations and facility security requirements, only U.S. persons (U.S. citizens or Legal Permanent Residents) may attend. All attendees will be required to present government issued photo identification upon entry to the event. Attendance is not required to participate in the technology transfer process, but if interested contact NASA by sending an e-mail to the point of contact listed below. Each company represented is also required to execute a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) prior to NASA disclosing to its personnel-or confirm that its company still honors the NDA from a previous industry day. All synopsis queries must be submitted via e-mail to the points of contact listed below. Please reference the title of this Notice in any response. Disclaimers It is not NASA's intent to publicly disclose Respondents' proprietary information obtained in response to this synopsis. To the full extent that it is protected pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act and other laws and regulations, information identified by a Respondent as "Proprietary or Confidential" will be kept confidential. It is emphasized that this synopsis is NOT a Request for Proposal, Quotation, or Invitation for Bid. This Synopsis is for information and planning purposes only, subject to FAR Clause 52.215-3 titled "Solicitation for Information or Planning Purposes," and is NOT to be construed as a commitment by the Government to enter into a contractual agreement. The Government will not pay for information submitted in response to this Synopsis. No solicitation exists; therefore, do not request a copy of the solicitation. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized in the FedBizOpps (www.fbo.gov) website. It is the responsibility of any potential offerors/bidders to monitor this site for the release of any solicitation, synopsis, or related documents. As part of its assessment of industry capabilities, the NASA-GSFC may contact respondents to this synopsis if clarifications or further information is needed. Points of Contact Name: Mary Reph Title: Commercial Servicing Facilitation Manager Phone: 301.286-1917 e-mail: mary.g.reph@nasa.gov Zulma Phillips Title: Assistant Commercial Servicing Facilitation Manager Phone: 301.286.7973 e-mail: zulma.phillips@nasa.gov Michele Connerton Contracting Officer Phone: 301.286.6640 e-mail: michele.r.connerton@nasa.gov