Spacecraft Laboratory Simulation Vehicle

The Naval Research Laboratory intends to negotiate on other than full and open competitive basis, under the authority of FAR 6.302, with Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation for the delivery of one SPHERES spacecraft laboratory simulator vehicle and associated custom expansion electronics. The SPHERES vehicle will be used for NRL’s Low LIIVe program to investigate the development of algorithms to allow the autonomous inspection of high-value space assets. The SHERES spacecraft is currently operating onboard the International Space Station. SHERES is a proprietary design of Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation in conjunction with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Space Systems Laboratory. The SPHERES high-fidelity laboratory simulator must be a form fit and function simulator of the SPHERES spacecraft currently operating onboard the ISS in order to complete the development, test and demonstration of software and hardware required for future demonstration. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, interested parties may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency. All responses to this notice of intent to negotiate with Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation must be submitted no later than 45 days from the date of this synopsis. The Government is not using the policies contained in FAR Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items.