Request for Information - Space Weather Next Program - Partner Contributed Instrument Capabilites for the Space Weather Observations at L1 to Advance Readiness (SOLAR)-B Mission

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

This document, the "SOLAR Partner Contributed Instrument (PCI) Hosted Payloads Requirements Document (HPRD)," defines the tasks, deliverables, responsibilities, and requirements for the PCI provider. It serves as the initial set of Spacecraft to PCI interface requirements and will be used for developing the "SOLAR Project Spacecraft to PCI Interface Control Document (ICD)."

• Defines requirements for the PCI provider, including design, analysis, testing, and documentation.

• Outlines interface requirements between the PCI and the SOLAR spacecraft.

• Details environmental verification tests, including structural, vibration, acoustic, shock, thermal, and electromagnetic compatibility tests.

• Specifies hardware procurement and manufacturing requirements, including connectors, supporting hardware, and ground support equipment.

• Addresses safety and mission assurance, including problem reporting, changes, system safety, and training.

• Includes requirements for the End Item Acceptance Data Package (EIDP).

• The document specifies numerous "shall" requirements that the PCI provider must meet, covering various technical and programmatic aspects.

• Performance is to be demonstrated through test or analysis, ensuring satisfactory performance in expected mission environments and adherence to workmanship standards.

• Not explicitly stated as a contract period, but the document covers requirements for the entire lifecycle from design through on-orbit operations.

• Testing and integration activities will occur at various facilities, including the Spacecraft Provider's facility and the Launch Site.

• Compliance with NASA standards and GSFC-STD-7000B is frequently referenced.

• Specific requirements for radiation hardness, contamination control, and environmental conditions are detailed.

• The document includes extensive appendices covering test tolerances, abbreviations, acronyms, and templates for operational procedures.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI seeks information from potential sources (government, commercial, non-profit) regarding Partner Contributed Instruments (PCI) for NOAA's SOLAR-B mission. The goal is to identify a PCI that complements the mission's primary observations, demonstrates a Research to Operations (R2O) case, and meets technical, schedule, and "do no harm" requirements. NOAA is not providing funding for instrument development or support; the selected partner will be responsible for all costs related to the PCI's lifecycle prior to integration.

• PCI Contribution: Must complement SOLAR-B observations and advance space weather observation research.

• "Do No Harm" Principle: PCI must not adversely impact the primary SOLAR-B mission.

• Technical Parameters: Specific volume (30x30x20 cm), mass (<=13 kg), power (<=11W operational, <=5.5W survival), and data rate (<=30 kbps) limits apply. Detailed Interface Control Documents (ICDs) will be provided under NDA.

• Schedule: PCI must be delivered by June 2029. Off-the-shelf or minimally modified designs are preferred.

• This RFI is not a solicitation for acquisition and does not guarantee a future contract or agreement.

• NOAA will provide spacecraft integration, launch services, and routine mission operations.

• Response Due Date: June 21, 2026, 11:59 PM ET.

• Format: Maximum two-page PDF, 12-point font, named SWO_SOLARB_PCI_EOI - [OrganizationName].pdf.

• Submission Method: Email to Maryann.Orellana@noaa.gov with subject line RFI-SWO-SOLAR-B-PCI - [Organization Name].

• Content: Outline PCI concept, complement to SOLAR-B, adherence to interface parameters, and partner commitment. An appendix with business information, costs, risks, and potential contract types is required.

• Questions Due: June 9, 2:00 PM ET.

• No specific set-asides mentioned; open to all sources.

• NOAA will provide individualized feedback on submitted concepts.

• Responses may be shared with other US Government agencies.

• An attachment, "SOLAR Partner Contributed Instrument Hosted Payload Requirements Document (HPRD)", provides further technical specifications.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI seeks information from organizations capable of providing a Partner Contributed Instrument (PCI) for NOAA's Space Weather Next Program's SOLAR-B mission. The goal is to identify a PCI that complements the mission's primary observations, demonstrates a Research to Operations (R2O) case, and meets technical, schedule, and "do no harm" requirements. NOAA is not providing funding for instrument development; costs are the responsibility of the submitting organization. In exchange, NOAA offers hosting on the SOLAR-B spacecraft at the L1 Lagrange point, including integration, launch services, and routine mission operations.

• PCI Contribution: Scientific measurements or operational capabilities that complement planned SOLAR-B observations and advance space weather observation.

• Technical Parameters: Adherence to specified interface requirements (detailed in the Hosted Payload Requirements Document - HPRD), including:

  • Volume: Max 30.0 cm x 30.0 cm x 20.0 cm
  • Mass: Max 13 kg (including thermal blankets)
  • Power: Max 11 Watts operational, 5.5 Watts survival
  • Voltage: +26 to +34 VDC
  • Data Rate: Max 30 kbps

• "Do No Harm" Principle: PCI must not adversely impact the primary SOLAR-B mission.

• Schedule: A compressed schedule is required, with PCI delivery projected for June 2029. Minimizing development time and leveraging existing designs is preferred.

• This is an RFI, not a solicitation for acquisition. NOAA will not provide funding.

• Costs for PCI design, development, manufacturing, testing, and support are the responsibility of the submitting organization.

• NOAA's contribution includes spacecraft platform, integration, launch services, and routine mission operations.

• Response Format: A single, searchable PDF file (max 2 pages, excluding cover letter), using a minimum 12-point font.

• Submission Method: Email to Maryann.Orellana@noaa.gov with the subject line: RFI-SWO-SOLAR-B-PCI - [Organization Name].

• Deadline: RFI Responses Due by June 21, 2026, 11:59 PM ET.

• Questions Deadline: June 9, 2:00 PM ET.

• Feedback: NOAA will provide individualized feedback on the alignment of proposed concepts.

• Open to government entities, commercial firms, and non-profit organizations.

• No specific set-aside mentioned.

• Export-controlled information (ICDs, CAD models) will be made available under NDA.

• Responses are public domain unless marked proprietary.

• Not responding to this RFI does not preclude future proposal submissions.