Draft RFP - Near Earth Orbit Network Program's Sounder for Microwave-Based Applications

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Draft Request for Proposal (DRFP) for the Sounder for Microwave-Based Applications (SMBA) solicitation, issued by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). The purpose is to design, develop, and support SMBA instruments under the Near Earth Orbit Network (NEON) program. This DRFP is for review and comment only and is not a request for proposals.

• The solicitation includes, but is not limited to, the Statement of Work, Contract Data Requirements List, Instrument Mission Assurance Requirements, and Performance Requirements Document.

• Potential offerors are encouraged to comment on perceived safety, occupational health, security, environmental, export control, and programmatic risk issues.

• Offerors should identify any unnecessary, inefficient, or beneficial requirements.

• NASA anticipates a change in the CLIN Structure to align with programmatic milestones.

• The acquisition will be a full and open competition.

• The contract type will be a Cost Plus Award Fee Contract with a segregated Cost Plus Fixed Fee Line Item for task orders. NASA is open to industry input on other contract types.

• The contract period of performance is from the effective date through completion of post-launch support of the final SMBA Flight Model.

• Estimated funding profile: GFY 2026 ($12M), GFY 2027 ($60M), GFY 2028 ($60M).

• NAICS Code: 334511 (Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing) with a small business size standard of 1,350 employees.

• Comments on the DRFP should be submitted electronically to Bruce Tsai, Contracting Officer, within 21 calendar days of release.

• Comments containing confidential, proprietary, or competition-sensitive information should be marked appropriately but will not receive a Government response.

• The Final RFP is planned for release on or about July 17, 2025.

• Proposals are due approximately 30 calendar days after the Final RFP release.

• Anticipated contract award date: August 18, 2026.

• Contract effective date: August 18, 2026.

• Proposals must be submitted through NASA's Enterprise File Sharing and Sync Box (EFSS Box).

• Full and open competition.

• Offerors must ensure their company is listed in SAM.gov, VETS-4212, and have a UEI.

• Successful offeror must pass an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) clearance.

• NASA has determined this acquisition may give rise to a potential organizational conflict of interest (OCI). Offerors should refer to specific contract clauses and provisions.

• Government Furnished Property (GFP) will be made available.

• The Ombudsman for this acquisition is Raymond Rubilotta.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation for the "Sounder for Microwave-Based Applications (SMBA) Flight Model" project. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center is procuring services and/or supplies related to this project.

• The solicitation outlines the provision of "Services and Deliverables in accordance with Attachment A, SOW - Core Services."

• It also details the procurement of "Sounder for Microwave-Based Applications (SMBA) Flight Model 1" with a delivery date of September 15, 2030.

• Several other SMBA Flight Models (2 through 8) are listed, with specific delivery dates and associated "Option 1 (if exercised)" periods.

• Post-Observatory Commissioning On-Orbit Operations Task Support Requirements are also specified for each flight model.

• Item 18 requires "Documentation in accordance with Attachment N Applicable Documents Tables, Contract Data Requirements List."

• Item 19 covers "Services and Deliverables in accordance with Task Orders Issued."

• The contract type is anticipated to be Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) with Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) for Task Orders.

• The minimum amount of supplies or services that shall be ordered is $500,000.00, and the maximum amount is $40,900,000.00.

• The period of performance is tied to the "last SMBA Flight Model Launch + 18 months."

• Offers must be submitted in four volumes: Offer Volume, Mission Suitability Volume, Cost Volume, and Past Performance Volume.

• Specific instructions for proposal format, content, and page limitations are provided.

• Evaluation factors include Mission Suitability (numerically scored), Cost, and Past Performance.

• Mission Suitability is weighted most heavily (700 points), followed by Management Approach (200 points), and Small Business Utilization (100 points).

• A trade-off process will be used for source selection.

• Key deadlines and submission instructions are detailed, including electronic submission requirements and notification of intent to propose.

• The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 334511.

• The small business size standard is 1,350 employees.

• Specific representations and certifications are required, including those related to small business concerns, HUBZone, women-owned businesses, and veteran-owned businesses.

• Subcontracting goals are provided, with specific percentages for various small business categories.

• The solicitation includes numerous FAR and NFS clauses covering various aspects of contract performance, administration, and compliance.

• Offerors are cautioned regarding potential Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI) and must submit an OCI Plan.

• Financial capability assessment is required.

• The document details extensive requirements for proposal preparation, including specific formats and content for each volume.

Amendment / Modification

This document, "Near Earth Orbit Network (NEON) Series-1 Project Sounder for Microwave-Based Applications Performance Requirements Document," is Revision B, with an effective date of April 17, 2025.

Key changes incorporated in Revision B include:

• Incorporation of NS1-CCR-0009 & NS1-CCR-0011, approved by the NS1 SMBA CCB on the effective date.
• Editorial change: Figure 5.4.2-1 Pointing Terminology updated from "Accuracy (Control)" to "Accuracy".
• Editorial changes to Pointing Terminology definitions.
• Updates to Table 5.4.2-1 (End-to-End Pointing Knowledge) and Table 5.4.2-1 (Spacecraft Pointing Knowledge) values.
• Editorial change: All instances of "climate" updated to "weather".

• Figure 5.4.2-1 (Pointing Terminology)
• Table 5.4.2-1 (Mission End-to-End Pointing Requirements)

This document is a revision of a performance requirements document and does not appear to directly impact proposal submission deadlines or evaluation criteria for a solicitation. It defines the technical requirements for the SMBA instrument.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment F - Safety and Health Plan," outlines the requirements for a Safety and Health Plan that must be submitted by the awarded contractor. It is associated with RFP 80GSFC25R7005.

• The plan is to be submitted within 30 days of contract award.
• The specific content requirements for the Safety and Health Plan are not detailed in this attachment itself but are implied to be a necessary component for the contractor.

Potential bidders should note that the development and submission of a comprehensive Safety and Health Plan will be a post-award requirement. This indicates that safety and health compliance will be a significant factor in the contract's execution.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Statement of Work (SOW) details the requirements for the development, fabrication, integration, testing, delivery, and post-launch support of the Sounder for Microwave-Based Applications (SMBA) instrument. The SMBA instrument is a passive microwave sounder designed to produce global atmospheric temperature and moisture profiles, supporting numerical weather prediction models and atmospheric chemistry.

• Development, fabrication, integration, testing, and delivery of the SMBA instrument and associated software.

• Post-delivery support for the NEON Program.

• Adherence to NASA Procedural Requirements (NPR) 7150.2 for software development.

• Management of subcontractors and suppliers.

• Comprehensive testing, including environmental, performance, and calibration tests.

• Delivery of all required documentation, including test data, design specifications, and user manuals.

• The instrument is classified as tailored Class C per Goddard Procedural Requirement (GPR) 8705.4A.

• Compliance with all contractual documents, including the Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL).

• Performance requirements are detailed in the SMBA Performance Requirements Document (PRD) and Instrument Mission Assurance Requirements (IMAR).

• Effective Date: April 17, 2025

• Expiration Date: April 17, 2030

• The work will be performed by the Contractor, with oversight and participation from NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC).

• The Contractor shall implement a Quality Management System.

• The Contractor shall manage risks and configuration throughout the program.

• Government insight into instrument progress and status will be facilitated through various means, including virtual access to systems and potential on-site presence.

• The instrument is intended for use on the NEON Series-1 satellite, operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 824 km with a 98.7 inclination.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment G - Small Business Subcontracting Plan," is a required form to be submitted with proposals for RFP 80GSFC25R7005. It outlines the requirements for a small business subcontracting plan.

• The plan must be submitted with the proposal.
• It is associated with RFP 80GSFC25R7005.
• The contract type is TBD (To Be Determined).

Bidders must complete and submit this attachment as part of their proposal. Failure to provide a compliant subcontracting plan may impact the evaluation or award of the contract.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) for the Sounder for Microwave-Based Applications (SMBA) project, specifically for the Near Earth Orbit Network (NEON) Series-1 Project's Sounder for Microwave-Based Applications. It defines the requirements for deliverable documentation to be provided by the Contractor.

• CDRL Item Descriptions: Details various data items required, categorized into Calibration/Validation, Engineering Test Unit (ETU), Integration and Test, Mission Assurance, On Orbit, Project Management, Reviews, Software, Systems Engineering, and Thermal Analysis.
• Due Dates and Applicability: Specifies due dates (e.g., IOC, CDR, PSR, DACA, Launch Date) and applicability (e.g., ETU, FM1, AFM) for each deliverable item.
• Definitions: Provides definitions for terms related to due dates, media, submission categories, and applicability.
• Delivery Instructions: Outlines requirements for electronic and hardcopy delivery, including cover letter content.
• Documentation Change Procedures: Describes processes for handling minor and major corrections or changes to CDRL items.

This document is crucial for understanding the specific documentation and data deliverables required for the SMBA project. Bidders need to review the CDRL to ensure they can meet all specified documentation requirements, including preparation, submission, and delivery timelines, as these will form part of the contract.

Other / Unclassified

This document, "Near Earth Orbit Network Series-1 Project Sounder for Microwave-Based Applications Instrument Mission Assurance Requirements" (NS1-SMA-REQ-0002, Revision B), outlines the mission assurance requirements for the Series-1 Project Sounder instrument. It details various safety and mission assurance (SMA) disciplines, including General SMA Requirements, Quality Management System, System Safety, Reliability, Software Assurance, Workmanship, Electrical/Electronic/Electromechanical (EEE) Parts, Materials and Processes, Contamination Control, Metrology and Calibration, GIDEP Alerts and Problem Advisories, and End Item Acceptance Data Package.

This document is crucial for potential bidders as it defines the stringent safety and mission assurance standards that must be adhered to for the development and delivery of the Series-1 Project Sounder instrument. It specifies detailed requirements for quality, safety, reliability, software, materials, and testing. Bidders must understand these requirements to ensure their proposals and subsequent work plans align with NASA's expectations for mission success and safety. The document also outlines various Data Item Descriptions (DIDs) that will be required as part of the contract, providing specific deliverables and their expected content.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "DRD 1 - Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI) Plan," outlines the requirements for a contractor's plan to identify, avoid, mitigate, neutralize, and report Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCIs) during contract performance. It serves as a critical component for ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations related to OCIs.

• Plan Content: The OCI Plan must detail the contractor's approach to managing OCIs, including:
  • A point of contact for OCI issues.
  • Understanding of OCI principles and types of harm.
  • Company roles, responsibilities, and procedures for identifying, analyzing, resolving, and reporting OCIs.
  • Employee notification and training procedures (initial, refresher, exit).
  • Reporting of breaches and corrective actions.
  • Identification of affiliated companies and coordination of OCIs.
  • Process for reporting potential/actual OCIs during contract performance.
  • Flow-down provisions to subcontractors.
  • Sanctions for violations.
  • Assertion of no current OCIs (if applicable).
  • Listing of current and past NASA and non-NASA contracts/subcontracts to identify potential conflicts.
  • Addressing financial or other interests that may create OCIs.
  • Strategies for avoiding, neutralizing, or mitigating identified OCIs.
  • Requirement to update the plan as necessary.
  • Periodic self-audits.
  • Identification of records to be made available to the government.
  • Strategy for resolving OCIs identified in the solicitation or created by contract requirements.
• Applicable Regulations: References FAR Subpart 9.5, NFS 1809.500, NASA Guide on Organizational Conflicts of Interest, NFS 1852.237-72, and NFS 1852.237-73.

This document is crucial for bidders as it specifies a mandatory deliverable that must be submitted with the initial proposal. Bidders must understand and address all requirements outlined in this OCI Plan to ensure their proposal is compliant and to demonstrate their capability to manage potential conflicts of interest throughout the contract lifecycle. Failure to adequately address OCI requirements could impact proposal evaluation and award.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "DRD 2 - Security Requirements for Unclassified IT Resources," outlines the specific IT security requirements, training mandates, and Cyber Supply Chain Risk Management (C-SCRM) obligations that must be met during the performance of a contract. It serves as a critical attachment to a solicitation, detailing the government's expectations for contractor IT security practices.

• Deliverables: Includes requirements for Information System Security Plans, C-SCRM Plans, Non-Federal System Certifications, and reports on employees in sensitive positions and IT security points of contact.
• Training: Mandates IT Security Awareness Training and Cybersecurity and Privacy Role-Based Training for contractor employees.
• Compliance: References numerous federal regulations and NIST standards (e.g., FAR, FISMA, NIST SP 800-171, NIST SP 800-53, NIST SP 800-161).
• Submission Requirements: Specifies initial submission timelines (e.g., start of phase-in, delivery of system) and ongoing maintenance/annual submission frequencies for various documents.
• Incident Reporting: Outlines immediate reporting requirements for incidents involving NASA information on non-federal systems.

This document is crucial for potential bidders to understand the comprehensive IT security and C-SCRM compliance obligations associated with the contract. Bidders must assess their ability to meet these stringent requirements, including the necessary training, documentation, and reporting, as failure to comply can impact contract performance and access to NASA systems and information.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment H - Requirements Statements List," provides a list of requirements that supplement the Statement of Work (SOW) or Performance Work Statement (PWS) for Solicitation 80GSFC25R7005. These requirements are specific to agency-mandated procedures or protocols related to contracts.

• Counterintelligence Briefings (AUG 2022): Details requirements for pre- and post-travel counterintelligence briefings and debriefings for contractor employees traveling to designated high-intelligence-threat countries. It outlines procedures for obtaining these briefings from company security officials or the NASA Center Counterintelligence/Counter Terrorism (CI/CT) office.
• Foreign Travel by Contractor Employees on NASA Official Business (JUL 2022): Outlines the process for obtaining country clearance via the Department of State (DOS) electronic Country Clearance (eCC) process. It emphasizes coordination with the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and Center's Foreign Travel Coordinator (FTC), submission of the Advance Travel Notification Form (ATNF) at least 30 business days prior to departure, and the use of an International Traveler Checklist (ITC).
• Counter Threat Awareness Training (CTAT): Mandates completion of the CTAT training course for all contractor employees traveling internationally on NASA official business. It provides information on where to access the training (NASA SATERN or a State Department link) and the validity of the certification.
• Foreign Affairs Counter Threat (FACT): Notes that FACT training is not generally required unless specified in the contract, but may be determined necessary by the DOS Chief of Mission Authority. Coordination with the COR and FTC is required to determine if FACT training is needed.
• General Travel Requirements: Includes compliance with current guidance and policies regarding health-related requirements and reentry into the U.S., as well as adherence to NASA IT device usage policies when outside the U.S.

This document is crucial for bidders as it details mandatory training, briefing, and procedural requirements for contractor personnel undertaking international travel in support of the contract. Understanding and incorporating these requirements into proposals and operational plans will be essential for compliance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment I - Government Furnished Property List," dated December 13, 2024, identifies property that the government will furnish to the contractor under Solicitation 80GSFC25R7005. This list is crucial for bidders to understand what resources will be provided, impacting their planning and proposal development.

• Item Description: Standard Black Body Calibration Target
• Acquisition Date: September 2027
• Acquisition Cost: $250,000 per unit
• Quantity: 2
• Equipment Details: Manufacturer, Model, and Serial Number are listed as TBD (To Be Determined).

Bidders should review this list to understand the government-furnished property that will be available. This information is essential for accurately estimating costs, planning project execution, and ensuring that the contractor has the necessary resources to meet the requirements of the solicitation. The TBD status for equipment details indicates that further information may be provided or negotiated.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment K - Rates Matrices," provides the necessary matrices for bidders to propose direct labor rates, indirect rates, and fee rates for an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. It outlines the structure for pricing all task orders issued under the contract.

• Prime Direct Labor Rate Matrix: Requires bidders to propose not-to-exceed hourly rates for various labor categories across 19 Contract Years (CYs).
• Prime Cost Estimating Relationships (CERs): Requires bidders to propose rates or factors for deriving/pricing Other Direct Costs (ODCs) across 19 CYs, with a specified base of application.
• Prime Indirect Cost Rate Matrix: Requires bidders to propose indirect rate categories and rates applicable to direct and indirect costs across 19 CYs, with a specified base of application, distinguishing between onsite and offsite rates.
• Prime Fixed Fee Rate Matrix: Requires bidders to propose a fixed fee rate for Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) task orders, with a specified base of application.
• Subcontractor Fully-Loaded Labor Rate Matrix: Requires bidders to propose fully-loaded direct labor rates for subcontractors across 19 CYs, with specified labor categories and distinctions for onsite/offsite rates.
• Position Qualifications: Bidders must propose a position qualification for each individual Prime and Subcontractor Direct Labor Category.

This attachment is critical for bidders to understand the pricing structure and requirements for developing their proposals. It dictates the format and constraints for submitting labor rates, indirect costs, and fees, which are essential components of the overall bid. Bidders must adhere to these matrices and provide all required information accurately to ensure their proposal meets the solicitation's pricing requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, a Baseline Data Requirements Description (DRD) titled "Supply Chain Visibility (SCV) Reporting," outlines the requirements for prime contractors to provide systematic visibility into their supply chains for NASA mission programs. This reporting is crucial for proactive Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM), supporting situational awareness, planning, risk analysis, and informed decision-making.

• Reporting Scope: Covers the prime contractor (Tier One), their direct sub-contractors (Tier Two), and their suppliers (Tier Three).
• Information Required: Includes entity operating names, customer details, locations, unique identification codes (CAGE, UEI), contract numbers, descriptions of deliverables, technology areas (using NASA Technology Taxonomy), contract start/end dates, and information on new, completed, or terminated supplier contracts.
• Submission Method: Reporting is to be fulfilled using the NASA Supply Chain Insight Central (SCIC) information and analysis services platform.
• Initial Submission: Within 90 days after contract award.
• Submission Frequency: Every six months after the initial report.
• User Registration: Prime contractors must register a primary and alternative individual via a provided website within 30 days of contract award.

This DRD establishes a mandatory requirement for contractors to report detailed supply chain information. Bidders should understand these reporting obligations, including the scope of data required, the submission process, and the frequency, as they will be integral to contract performance and management. The document also references specific contract clauses and applicable NASA policies that may impact proposal preparation and contract execution.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment N - Applicable Documents Table," dated December 20, 2024, is intended to provide a list of potential applicable documents for RFP 80GSFC25R7005. It is noted that this list is for DRFP purposes only, and the final list of applicable documents will only include those explicitly invoked by a contract requirement.

The table lists various documents with their respective document numbers, revision information, and titles. These documents cover a wide range of technical and programmatic requirements, including:

• Contracts Data Requirements List (CDRL)
• Mission Assurance Requirements (IMAR)
• Performance Requirements Document (PRD)
• Interface Requirements
• Contamination Control Plan
• Requirements Specifications
• Risk Management and Classification Guidelines
• Interface Control Documents (Instrument and Mechanical)
• Radiation Environment
• Cleanrooms and Associated Control Environments
• Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Requirements
• Structural Design and Test Factors of Safety
• General Environmental Verification Standard (GEVS)
• Orbital Debris Requirements
• Payload Safety Program and Requirements
• Software Engineering Requirements
• Safety Procedural Requirements

This document is crucial for potential bidders as it outlines the foundational technical standards, requirements, and specifications that may govern the contract. Bidders should review this list to understand the breadth of documentation that could be incorporated by reference into the final contract, influencing proposal development, technical approach, and compliance efforts.