WASHINGTON - The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that the agencies are preparing to release a request for proposal (RFP) for the Space Weather Next Program. This initiative aims to procure the Space Weather Next L1 Series Suprathermal Ion Sensor (STIS), a cutting-edge ion spectrometer device with a broad energy range.
The L1 Series Suprathermal Ion Sensor serves as a tool for characterizing solar ejecta, including phenomena such as Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), co-rotating interaction regions (CIRs), and interplanetary shocks. Specifically designed as a low-energy charged particle detector, this sensor measures ion flux population as a function of energy. It can detect ions with energies higher than that of the bulk plasma, originating from both local solar acceleration and acceleration from a CME shock front. The analysis of these ion spectra aids in estimating the arrival time and strength of CME shocks.
The contract's comprehensive scope encompasses the entire lifecycle of the instrument, including design, analysis, development, fabrication, integration, testing, verification, evaluation, launch support, supply and maintenance of ground support equipment (GSE), and ongoing mission operations at the NOAA Satellite Operations Facility (NSOF).
The contract is expected to have a period of performance from the date of award through January 2034, totaling approximately nine years. The first flight unit is slated for delivery by March 2027, with the second following in June 2029. The anticipated contract award date is set for July 2024.
This procurement will be conducted as a full and open competition, with the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code set at 336414 and a Size Standard of 1,300 employees. NASA anticipates awarding a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) hardware contract for two instruments.
While no Draft RFP will be released, NASA has provided a preview of the technical documents for comments and questions. The Final RFP is expected to be released on or about January 12, 2024, with offers due on or about February 13, 2024. The model contract terms, conditions, and evaluation criteria will accompany the Final RFP. All responsible sources are invited to submit offers, which will be considered by the agency.
Prospective offerors are encouraged to notify the office of their intent to submit an offer. All contractual and technical questions should be submitted electronically via email to Kevin Cook at [email protected]. More information, including technical documents, is available at https://sam.gov/opp/c0694938b7554f96ab13a8c1636ec3e4/view.
