This is a modification to the synopsis entitled Human & Robotic Technology which was posted on Jun 29, 2004. You are notified that the following changes are made: Posting of Questions and Answers related to the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA).
The due date for responses is not extended.
Documents related to this procurement will be available over the Internet. These documents will reside on a World Wide Web (WWW) server, which may be accessed using a WWW browser application. The Internet site, or URL, for the NASA/HQ Business Opportunities home page is http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eps/bizops.cgi?gr=D&pin;=04
Offerors are responsible for monitoring this site for the release of the solicitation and any amendments. Potential offerors are responsible for downloading their own copy of the solicitation and amendments (if any).
A link to briefing charts and further details on the Broad Agency Announcement is located at:
https://naccsli1.msfc.nas.gov/ExplorationPortal
H&RT; Pre-Proposal Conference, Q&As; (2)
Q29. What level of subsystem is contemplated and would a propulsion system subsystem which would include propellant, piping, the control system be appropriate for the H&RT; response?
A29. The TRL range dictates the level of technology research in ASTP and TMP. Component level research occurs in ASTP and system level research in TMP. It is up to offeror to determine how this research will be carried out within the constraints of his technical and management resources.
Q30. Are Technology Maturation Projects appropriate as options to advanced space technology projects? Example:
Base year AST Theme
Option 1 AST-TA
Option 2 TM Program
A30. The H&RT; program is looking for projects that will lie within the scope of the ASTP and begin a one-year Phase 1 study and subsequently qualify to go to Phase II development. Just because an ASTP project is successfully completed does not necessarily mean that it will automatically be placed in the TMP. Depending on how the H&RT; portfolio is managed, ASTP completed projects will still need to be evaluated for consideration as TMP projects. As a minimum, this will be accomplished using the BAA process in order to maintain a comprehensive up-to-date portfolio for the current research spiral.
Q31. How are low TRL technologies being identified for a given spiral?
A31. The process for any technology identification is based on what we call a strategy-task-to-technology approach. This is basically a top down approach where at the high level you identify what are your basic strategic goals and objectives that you want to accomplish. Given these guidelines, you can then begin to identify the specific tasks that are needed achieving the goals and objectives. After accomplishing this, you can then define what flight element, systems and component technologies that are required for implementation. This approach also helps NASA to determine what technology deficiencies or gaps exist in order to make the exploration vision a reality.
Q32. With regard to the technology readiness levels that were specified for the various programs, if you say a technology maturation program is from TRL 4 to 6 does that mean it has to have already achieved TRL 3 or has already achieved TRL 4?
A32. The concept is that things going into technology maturation would be essentially at TRL 4 and would be progressing through the course of the full technology maturation project form TRL 4 to TRL 6. Any TFE project that exists TMP has to be at a TRL>=6 in order for Project Constellation to consider this technology for further development in its Exploration Systems Programs.
Q33. Could you give some details on what happened with the intramural proposal selections, what kind of technology do you find you are going to get solutions form through that?
A34. Results are posted on the Exploration Portal website.
Q35. Regarding the tools and databases, particularly when it comes to new technologies in the IT. Do you envision supporting the other mission directives with that and also are you interested in improving the business processes associated with the systems?
A35. Yes, we are anticipating and looking for these investments to yield databases of broad value to NASA, including information technologies.
Q36. Cryogenic propellant was mentioned a couple of times for the main in space engine. Is it necessary that it be cryogenic if a non cryogenic propulsion system can meet those requirements in a practical and affordable way and you also mention high energy space systems, if you have a system that is not high energy and it meets the requirements is it the high energy the important part, the cryogenic important part or is it the work that is produced is important?
A36. The technology themes mentioned in the High Energy Space Systems (HESS)
Element Program are the areas that we feel have the most potential for H &RT.;
Q37. Is the completion of the deliverable section of the NOI submittal form required? If so what is the weighting criteria for it?
A37. Yes. This information will help ascertain the appropriateness of the proposed deliverables. This information will be evaluated as part of the Technical Merit criteria as stated on page 16 of the BAA.
Q38. Is it preferable to propose the development of a set of technologies to address an entire "specific area of interest" (which usually combines multiple disciplines), or a single technology that may have impact on a number of these areas?
A38. We are not requiring that responses cover an entire "specific area of interest". There is merit in addressing multiple tall poles in a single area to ensure the viability of a "complete" capability, but also in proposing breakthroughs that have the potential for broad applicability.
