This Partnering Opportunity solicits potential partners to participate in a proposal development activity for an Earth Venture Instrument–6 (EVI–6) investigation focusing on Earth radiation budget instruments that measure the Earth’s outgoing reflected solar and emitted thermal radiation at the top-of-atmosphere (TOA) coupled with a high spectral resolution radiance measurement to obtain climate accuracy in derived radiative fluxes from the top to the bottom of the atmosphere. This combined measurement leads to a better understanding of the role of clouds and the energy cycle in global climate change. This opportunity is in alignment with the recent recommendations in the Earth Science Decadal Survey (2017) for low-cost observations focused on applied sciences. Background - National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has released a DRAFT Announcement of Opportunity (AO) for the Earth Venture Instrument–6 (EVI–6) on October 26, 2021, which can be found at the following link. A final AO is expected to be released in February 2022. https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary.do?solId={92F37294-573B-6BF8-5302-3EA2343CF1AF}&path=&method=init The goal of NASA's Earth Venture portfolio is to provide frequent flight opportunities for high quality, high value, focused Earth science investigations. Through the Earth Venture line, NASA is pursuing the Earth Venture Instrument–6 (EVI–6) solicitation call for PI-led Instrument or CubeSat Investigations for flight on a NASA-arranged spaceflight mission of opportunity. Proposers to the Earth Venture Instrument-6 (EVI-6) AO will be keeping in line with the goals outlined in the National Academies of Science Decadal Survey - Thriving on Our Changing Planet A Decadal Strategy for Earth Observation from Space (see https://science.nasa.gov/earth-science/decadal-surveys ). The EVI-6 opportunity, cost capped at $37M, solicits proposals for science investigations requiring the development and operation of a spaced-based instrument or CubeSat with Class D risk classification. NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) is seeking partners from industry, academia, non-profit organizations, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDC), and other government agencies to participate in developing a proposal addressing the goals and objectives of the EVI-6. Science Instrumentation – The Earth Radiation Budget (ERB) instrument design has challenging goals of measuring the Earth-emitted longwave and Earth-reflected solar radiances, with accuracy (1s) approaching 0.5 percent and 1.0 percent, respectively, at the instrument level, and measuring the filtered radiance over the two unique spectral bands: shortwave (SW) reflected solar radiation in the 0.3 to 5 µm wavelength range and outgoing longwave (LW) radiation in the 5 and >50 µm range. Furthermore, in order to provide accurate climate data records, the broadband measurement must be coupled with moderate resolution spectral imagers and meteorological and aerosol assimilated data at TOA, surface, and various levels in the atmosphere. LaRC is seeking potential partner(s) with expertise in one or more of the following areas for an EVI-6 proposal: (a) compact, long-life, moderate/high spatial/spectral resolution sensor for shortwave and infrared spectra, (b) optical design, analysis, and testing of broadband radiometers, (c) detector technologies over the range of wavelengths relevant to the unique spectral bands defined above, (d) calibration technologies, hardware, and facilities including development and implementation of SI-traceable standards and characterizing pre-launch instrument performance over the spatial, temporal, and spectral wavebands mentioned above, (e) instrument test facilities consistent with thermal vacuum testing of spaceflight prototypes, (f) validation and verification capability of instrument overall performance, and (g) High technology readiness level (TRL), high reliability, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS), space flight hardware that provide a configurable/conformable architectural solution with standard functionality, including, but not limited to, active thermal control, on-board processing, communication, pointing, power and propulsion capabilities. It is expected that selected partner(s) will work jointly with NASA LaRC to develop and demonstrate an instrument capable of meeting the measurement objectives of the EVI-6 mission defined in the AO. This partnering opportunity does not guarantee selection for award of any contracts or other agreements, nor is it to be construed as a commitment by NASA to pay for the information solicited. It is expected that the partner(s) selected would provide (at no cost to NASA) conceptual designs, technical data, proposal input, project schedules, and cost estimates. Potential partner(s) must demonstrate the capabilities and experience consistent with the requirements for the EVI-6 solicitation identified. Partner(s) must work collaboratively with NASA. LaRC encourages the submission of unique and innovative responses which will further the Agency's mission. Depending on responses received, more than one potential partner may be selected. Respondent(s) should specify which area(s) of expertise (a-g) they are addressing for evaluation. Partner selections will be made by NASA LaRC based on the listed criteria in the following order of importance. (1) Technical Capability – This criterion evaluates the respondent’s technical capability (relevant experience, past performance, and availability of key personnel) in building similar space hardware. Substantive evidence of successful participation in similar developments should be included. (Resumes of key personnel are also required but will not count against the total allotted page count as stated below). ( 2 ) Facilities – This criterion evaluates the respondent’s facilities (development, testing, and analyses) to conduct the development or demonstration of the proposed task. The respondent should discuss facility availability, access, and the ability to meet the proposed objectives. ( 3 ) Cost and schedule control – This criterion evaluates the respondent’s ability to control both cost and schedule. The ability of the respondent to complete projects on time and within the modest, fixed budgets which are characteristic of the Earth Venture line. The respondent should provide evidence of successfully controlling cost and schedule for similar development programs and provide evidence of management processes in this area. ( 4 ) Contributions – This criterion evaluates the extent and type of contributions proposed (e.g., existing instrument hardware, calibration equipment) and the potential partner’s commitment to provide them, if selected. NASA will not reimburse organizations for the cost of submitting information in response to this notice of opportunity. NASA will not pay for technical assessment or proposal preparation costs incurred by the respondent. Potential partners are asked to respond to the NASA LaRC team by the date stated below. The LaRC point of contact (POC) for this opportunity is Dr. Anum Ashraf (see contact information below). After selection, this POC will be responsible for disseminating all relevant information to potential partners and coordinating any future interactions, including industry days if held. All questions and answers submitted to the Government shall be via email and will be sent to those who express an interest in responding to this opportunity, however, the source of the question(s) shall be held in confidence. Electronic responses to the Partnership Opportunity Document shall: Not exceed 15 pages (not including resume). Use a font size of 12 or larger. Address all requirements described in this document. Provide a POC to address questions from NASA. Include respondent’s cage code and/or DUNS number. If marked as such, responses will be treated as proprietary information and controlled as such. POC Information: Lindsey Balson, Office of Procurement Mail Stop 12 NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA 23681-2199 757-864-5217 (office)
[email protected] Dr. Anum Ashraf Mail Stop 420 NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA 23681-2199 937.903.0777 (cell) 757.864.3587 (office)
[email protected] All responses shall be submitted to NASA LaRC via e-mail by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on January 4, 2021, to Dr. Ashraf via e-mail as indicated above.