Sources Sought for Space-Rated Multi-Actuator and Motor Controller Systems for a Long-Reach Lunar Robot

Sources Sought for Space-rated Multi-Actuator and Motor Controller Systems for a Long-Reach Lunar Robot NASA LaRC is hereby soliciting information for potential sources to provide design, development and delivery of two space-rated actuator and motor controller systems for the Lightweight Surface Manipulation System (LSMS). The LSMS is a long-reach, robotic manipulator arm designed for offloading and maneuvering payloads of up to 1000 kg on the lunar surface at a reach of 8 meters. The estimated general scope and high-level specification of the deliverables are outlined below: The two groups of actuators are: (1) three, 500 N-m capable rotary actuators for driving the three primary degrees of freedom and (2) three lead- or ball-screw actuators to drive a leveling base that the LSMS is attached to. Each actuated screw shall be able to hold a maximum static load of 26100 N. Motor controllers are required for all six actuators, with maximum commonality between hardware maintained where possible. Specific requirements will be included in a subsequent request for proposal (RFP). The subsequent RFP will require the contractor to provide a cost and schedule plan for the following anticipated phases of award: Phase I (FY21): Design, analysis, manufacturing drawings, documentation and reviews (i.e. Non-Recurring Engineering) of the two systems that allows direct follow-on procurement of hardware to build the engineering model (EM) units when Phase II is awarded. Phase II (FY22): Build and deliver Engineering Model (EM) version of the two systems. Phase III (FY23): Build and deliver Flight Units of the two systems. Interested sources shall provide capabilities/product information on meeting the scope of the requested systems, and show prior experience in building space flight hardware for actuator and motor driver systems. Please limit responses to no more than 20 pages in length. Please provide a brief outline of the company's business sector(s) including business size (e.g. Small Business, Other Than Small Business), Primary North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) Code, DUNS Number or System for Award Management (SAM) registration number, if applicable. Also, please provide whether the likely products used have been sold in the commercial marketplace or only to Government entities. This request for information is for market research and planning purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government, nor will the Government pay for information solicited. Respondents will not be notified of any results of information collected. The information provided will assist the Government in its assessment of the current market and help develop and define the request for proposal for these systems. Please submit responses by COB April 15, 2021. Email responses to the Technical POCs: Mark Jones at mark.l.jones@nasa.gov, Thomas Jones at thomas.c.jones@nasa.gov, and Barmac Taleghani at barmac.k.taleghani@nasa.gov.