Conduct an investigation to develop a camera design concept and define electrical, thermal, mechanical, and flight software interfaces that will meet the requirements
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
NASA/NSSC intends to award a sole source contract to SENSORS UNLIMITED INC for the development of a camera design concept and definition of interfaces for the Aerosol Radiometer for Global Observation of the Stratosphere (ARGOS) instrument on the Stratosphere Troposphere Response using Infrared Vertically-resolved light Explorer (STRIVE) mission. This is a notice of intent to sole source, not a request for quotes. Interested organizations may submit capabilities for consideration by June 17, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
The objective is to conduct an investigation to develop a camera design concept and define electrical, thermal, mechanical, and flight software interfaces that meet the specific requirements for the ARGOS instrument. The scope includes:
- Developing a camera design concept, potentially utilizing a Sensors Unlimited 1280JSX Enclosed Camera or equivalent.
- Defining detailed electrical, thermal, mechanical, and flight software interfaces.
- Adhering to specific thermal, outgassing, and radiation survival requirements (e.g., <18 krad with 100 mils aluminum shielding).
- Implementing advanced functionalities such as a co-addition acquisition algorithm, sub-windowing, and integrate-while-read capabilities.
- Ensuring TEC thermal stability within +/- 1 °C.
- Minimizing downlink data through pixel co-addition and windowing.
Contract Details
- Agency: National Aeronautics And Space Administration (NASA) / NASA Shared Services Center (NSSC)
- Type: Sole Source (Intent to Award)
- NAICS Code: 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology))
- Product Service Code: AJ11 (General Science And Technology R&D Services; General Science And Technology; Basic Research)
- Place of Performance: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)
- Period of Performance: 12 months from award, with specific deliverables for Preliminary and Final Interface Control Documents (ICDs) at 3 and 6 months, respectively. Engineering support is required for months 6-12.
Submission & Evaluation
This is not a request for quotes or proposals. NASA/NSSC intends to award to SENSORS UNLIMITED INC under the authority of FAR 12.102(a). However, interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications in writing to the identified point of contact by 8:00 a.m. Central Standard Time on June 17, 2026. Submissions will be evaluated solely to determine if the procurement can be conducted on a competitive basis. Oral communications are not acceptable.
Deliverables & Reviews
Key deliverables include a Preliminary Interface Control Document and a Final Interface Control Document. The effort will involve various review milestones such as TRR/PDR/CDR/PSR, weekly/monthly meetings, and technical interchange meetings at both the vendor facility and Goddard Space Flight Center.
Point of Contact
Monica Wilson, monica.d.wilson@nasa.gov