Roman Space Telescope (RST) Solar Array Sun Shield (SASS) Tuned Mass Damper (TMD)

The NASA GSFC is hereby soliciting information about potential sources for the design, analysis, manufacture, and test for the Roman Space Telescope (RST) Solar Array Sun Shield (SASS) Tuned Mass Damper (TMD). NASA/GSFC has a new requirement to provide a Damper on the SASS for the RST Project. The SASS TMD is required to reduce coupling between the SASS structural modes and the mechanical excitations induced by motion of the two High Gain Antenna System (HGAS) gimbal actuator motors. The HGAS and SASS do not share a direct mechanical interface; rather, mechanical excitations induced by the HGAS transmit through the RST structure between the two. The characteristics of the excitations and frequency behavior of the SASS couple to adversely impact RST optical performance. The SASS TMD shall be qualified for spaceflight use over the mission lifetime, commensurate with the requirements of a NASA Class A mission, as specified in the SASS TMD Specification and Statement of Work; details include but are not limited to, the following: Critical damping coefficient achieved for all SASS structural modes between 1 and 2 Hz shall be greater than 1% with a goal of 2% over the specified operational temperature range. Damping shall be verified by both analysis and test (at temperature) inclusive of a life test program, if necessary. The following environmental temperature ranges shall be applicable to the design: Survival: ­–43 degC to +160 degC Operation: +60 degC to +120 degC Height of each damper shall be less than 3 inches Each damper shall be less than 3 kg Damper design shall support at least a 5-year mission lifetime. The SASS TMD shall meet environmental requirements, as demonstrated through analyses and/or test as appropriate, including, but not limited to: quasi-static acceleration, stowed fundamental launch frequencies, sinusoidal and random vibration, shock, operating pressure range, depressurization rate, operational and survival temperature range, and static loads. The SASS TMD shall meet cleanliness requirements as defined in the Specification including, but not limited to, surface contamination, contamination generation, and cleanability. The SASS TMD shall meet design and construction requirements as defined in the Specification including, but not limited to, Parts, Materials & Processes; workmanship; joint design, and mechanisms design. RST is requesting information on a completely passive, mechanical damping system. This system should not require any power, electronics, or software in order to meet its damping requirements. The provided information shall include the following: 1. Demonstrate that the proposed dampers are at least TRL-6. 2. Provide flight heritage information for the dampers. 3. Provide estimated development and delivery schedule for the dampers. 4. Provide rough order of magnitude cost estimate of the dampers. 5. Provide any appropriate design damper information (quantity, size, and mass). 6. Demonstrate how the proposed system can meet the critical SASS requirements stated in (a) through (e) above. The Government anticipates a release of the Request for Proposal (RFP) in August 2021. Technical questions should be directed to: Alice Liu at [email protected] and procurement questions to Julie Janus at [email protected]. It is requested that responses be submitted by electronic mail to: Julie Janus at [email protected], no later than 5:00 PM ET on April 19, 2021. It is emphasized that this synopsis is for planning and information purposes only and is NOT to be construed as a commitment by the Government to enter into a contractual agreement, nor will the Government pay for information solicited. Upon review of the information provided to NASA, it is the Government’s intent to release a “Request for Proposal", which could lead to a contract award. Respondents deemed fully qualified will be considered in any resultant solicitation for the requirement. The Government reserves the right to consider a small business based on responses hereto. No solicitation exists; therefore, do not request a copy of the solicitation. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized in beta.SAM.gov. It is the potential offeror’s responsibility to monitor this site for the release of any solicitation or synopsis. An ombudsman has been appointed -- The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at https://prod.nais.nasa.gov/pub/pub_library/Omb.html