NASA/GSFC plans to issue as Request for Quotation NNG04080180Q on a sole source basis for the following item:
Qty 2 - Deformable Mirror System includes:
- 144 channel driver
- 12 bit electronics
- 1 deformable mirror, mounted and wirebound (gold coated)
- Control Computer System
- Power Supply
NASA/GSFC intends to purchase the items from Boston Micromachines Corporation under the authority of 10.U.S.C 2304 © (1), Only One Responsible Source.
The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12.
The government has a requirement for a deformable mirror system. These devices consist of a micro-deformable mirror with 144 discrete actuators of ~300 microns/actuator extent, a proprietary product of Boston Micromachines, as well as the high precision, 12-bit control electronics system to permit controlled mirror deflections of ~10-9 meters. These devices are prototypes of the main components of a wavefront corrector system to be built at GSFC for the Terrestrial Planet Finder Project (TPF) and are of potential applicability in other high contrast, space optical systems. These MEMS devices represent a cutting edge technological alternative to the piezo-electric based deformable mirror systems currently being analyzed for use with TPF. The MEMS systems have many potential advantages including small size, high actuator density, potential scalability to very large numbers of actuators, low power consumption, and radiation damage resistance. In addition, the limited testing to date shows that these devices have sufficient stability and precision to be considered as a viable alternative deformable mirror technology for TPF. We seek to procure this set of mirrors (144-actuators) for initial testing and characterization prior to obtaining a similar but larger (1024-actuator) set of mirrors for complete analysis and testing to determine if they can indeed meet the flight level requirements and have the anticipated advantages compared to the other technology under consideration.
Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 4:30 p.m. local time on 10/01/2004. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed effort on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government.
Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.
All responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency.
An Ombudsman has been appointed. See NASA Specific Note "B".
Any referenced notes may be viewed at the following URLs linked below.
