SAM #80MSFC27Q0004

NASA Marshall seeks SWIFT-SLX hardware, rework, and coherent-ranging firmware for Lunar Node-2

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center is seeking hardware and firmware work for its Lunar Node-2 radio payload. - Government buyer: NASA, Marshall Space Flight Center (NASA/MSFC). - OEM: Amergint Technologies Inc., identified as the intended sole source and designer and owner of the SWIFT-SLX platform. - Requested products: SWIFT-SLX builds for an Engineering Development Unit (EDU) and flight platform; a new EDU matching current capabilities and flight design; and firmware enabling two-way coherent ranging on the LN-1 radio using S-band frequencies. Quantities and part numbers are not specified. - Requested services: Assess feasibility and schedule for adding two-way coherent ranging; rework a previously delivered SWIFT-SLX by disassembling it, applying conformal coating and staking to internal electronics, reassembling it, and completing functional checkout. - Key requirements: Preserve existing software, firmware, electrical, mechanical, and other interfaces. A flight-ready payload is targeted within 90 days.

Description

NASA/MSFC has a requirement for the development and delivery of hardware and firmware for the Lunar Node - 2 payload to support a rapid path to integration and flight payload development.  Key considerations of this action are focused on the ability to deliver a flight-ready payload within 90 days, which requires maintaining physical, electrical, and software interfaces to the existing design.  NASA/MSFC intends to issue a sole source contract to acquire the following items and services from Amergint Technologies Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of CACI, Inc.-Federal under the authority of FAR 6.103-1, 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1), "Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements."  Amergint is uniquely qualified to complete this work as the designer, developer, implementer, and owner of the SWIFT-SLX platform.  Selection of Amergint utilizes their existing hardware and proprietary technology (including its structure, electronics, interfaces, and antenna) for this mission to meet the project's accelerated deadline while also upgrading capability without requiring interface changes that would impact schedule.  The procurement includes multiple potential tasks/items as necessary to prepare the payload for a future flight opportunity:

(1) A study to provide insight and detailed schedule for development time for addition of two-way coherent ranging into the flight platform.  Analyze and assess feasibility for potential paths for upgrades and improvements to the existing SWIFT SLX-X EDU that the Lunar Node - 1 project has on-hand to support potential lunar operations as part of Lunar Node - 2.  Utilize existing hardware from the Lunar Node - 1 payload, including its structure, electronics, interfaces, and antenna.  To meet the desired deadline while also adding upgraded capability of high value to the program, the payload cannot accommodate any interface changes. This includes onboard firmware, software, electrical, and mechanical interfaces.

(2) Re-work on the existing SWIFT-SLX previously delivered to MSFC. This includes disassembly, conformal coating and staking of internal electronics, reassembly and functional checkouts.

(3) A current build of the SWIFT-SLX for an Engineering Development Unit (EDU) and flight platform.

(4) A new EDU to match current capabilities and flight design.

(5) Upgraded firmware to enable additional capability on the LN-1 SWIFT-SLX radio to enable two-way coherent ranging on the platform using S-band frequencies.

The Government intends to acquire a commercial product or service using FAR Part 12.

Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort electronically via email to Cynthia Hubbard at cynthia.a.hubbard@nasa.gov and Brent Evans at brent.l.evans@nasa.gov not later than 12:00 P.M. C.D.T. on November 25, 2026.  

Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct this acquisition on a competitive basis. A decision 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

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