Secondary Payload Avionics Units and Sustaining Engineering Support

NASA/MSFC has a requirement for an avionics unit for use on Space Launch System's (SLS) Artemis III, an option for a spare avionics unit, and sustaining engineering support. The avionics unit controls the deployment of the Secondary Payloads on the SLS from the Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle Stage Adapter (MSA). NASA/MSFC intends to issue a sole source/new work modification to contract NNM15AA16C with Space Vector Corporation to acquire the avionics unit for use on SLS Artemis III, option for a spare avionics unit, and the sustaining engineering. The avionics unit which will support SLS Artemis III and optional unit will have the same functionality as the units previously procured for Artemis I and II. These avionics units were designed, qualified, and produced by Space Vector Corporation. The avionics unit is installed in the MSA and sends the signals to deploy payloads. Using the existing Space Vector Corporation avionics unit will eliminate the build of another vendor qualification unit, testing of the qualification unit, then manufacture of the approved design for flight which saves the Government months of schedule and significant duplicated cost. In addition, the Electrical Ground Support Rack (EGSR) was designed and developed to interface directly with Space Vector Corporation's avionic units. The EGSR includes a designated laptop loaded with battery charging and skit loading software that was screened in accordance with NASA Procedural Requirement (NPR) 7150.2, NASA Software Engineering Requirements. Any changes to the current laptop configuration or design will require an additional NPR 7150.2 screening by the Government which is an approximate two-month effort. The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort electronically via email to Vanessa Bryant, vanessa.bryant@nasa.gov not later than 12:00 p.m. central time on September 16, 2022. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this acquisition on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to compete this acquisition on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at : https://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/regs/Procurement-Ombuds-Comp-Advocate-Listing.pdf