SAM #26-057

R&D Support for OPIR WFOV Testbed WASP Payload (Space Systems Command)

Space Systems Command (SSC) is seeking vendors for R&D support of the Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) Wide Field Of View (WFOV) Testbed WASP payload. - Government Buyer: - United States Space Force, Space Systems Command (SSC), WFOV Program Office, Boulder Ground Innovation Facility, Colorado - OEMs and Vendors: - L3 Technologies (payload and telescope manufacturer) - L3-Cincinnati Electronics (custom focal plane array and electronics) - Millennium Space Systems (spacecraft integration) - Products/Services Requested: - R&D support for calibration and characterization of the WFOV Testbed WASP payload - Documentation and engineering analysis for WASP User's Manual updates, operational procedures, anomaly investigation, software/firmware updates, critical anomaly list, thermal model, and test procedures - Maintenance and inspection of WASP software and hardware configurations - Oversight and execution of transition activities for continuity of operations - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Vendors must be familiar with proprietary telescope, custom electronics, and software - Facilities and personnel must be cleared up to TS/SCI if required - Support for post-launch activities and continuity of operations - Integration with Millennium Space Systems spacecraft - No specific contract vehicle or administrative details included - No calendar dates specified; anticipated contract award in the future - Multiple places of performance: Boulder, CO and Blossom Point, MD

Description

Sources Sought for Space Systems Command (SSC) Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) Research and Development (R&D) Effort.

The United States Space Force, Space Systems Command (SSC) Wide Field of View (WFOV) Program Office, Boulder Ground Innovation Facility, Colorado intends to sole source this requirement to L3-Harris, but is seeking vendors that may be able to perform this requirement in order to support a competitive procurement for relevant technology developments to continue the calibration and characterization efforts for the Wide Field Of View (WFOV) Testbed Wide-Area Six Degree Payload (WASP). This request is an element of ongoing market research to define potential solutions to support Department of Defense (DoD) and National Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) initiatives. Information received in response to this RFI will be used to determine an appropriate acquisition strategy.

The following paragraphs outline the current and desired capabilities that shall be provided in support of on-orbit support to the WFOV Testbed OPIR R&D effort:

Offeror shall accomplish program objectives and meet near-term program milestones. Offerors must be familiar with the design, operation, calibration, and performance (optical and thermal) of a specific proprietary wide-field-of-view staring OPIR refractive telescope designed and manufactured by L3 Technologies. The Payload includes a custom focal plane array (FPA) from L3-Cincinnati Electronics (CE) that is cooled by a cryocooler. The Offeror must be familiar with custom electronics boxes and interfaces, including FPA electronics, cryocooler electronics, and main electronics boxes (and their respective custom software). The electronic boxes include FPGAs that pass mission data over a high-speed interface, and are mounted within a Millennium Space Systems (MSS) spacecraft that will fly in geostationary orbit with a Ka-band downlink. The Offeror must operate facilities at and employ personnel cleared with Secret and up to TS/SCI, if needed. Response from small and small disadvantaged businesses is encouraged. The size standard for NAICS 541715 is 1,000 employees. Anticipated contract award date 1QFY27.

Statement of Capabilities

1. The following capabilities shall be provided in support of the WFOV Program Office’s Wide Field-of-View Testbed WASP to support post launch activities:

a) Develop, test, and implement documentation and provide engineering analysis support for the following, but not limited to: WASP User's Manual updates, WASP Operational Procedures, Payload anomaly investigation support, Software and/or firmware updates for anomaly discrepancies, Payload Critical Anomaly List, Payload Thermal Model, WASP Test Procedures.

b) Perform changes/modifications, maintenance, and inspections to the WASP software and hardware configurations and test procedures, to include flight equipment, engineering development units, and ground support equipment (if necessary).

c) Provide oversight and execution of transition activities for required Continuity of Operations, as necessary.

This notice is not direction to proceed with the effort, and is not a promise of future direction to proceed with the effort. All work performed or cost incurred in response to this notice shall be at your company's/organization's risk and shall not be chargeable to any other Government contract.

Place of Contract Performance:

Multiple places of performance: Boulder, CO and Blossom Point, MD

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