Synopsis - Apr 11, 2006
General Information
Solicitation Number: N/A
Reference Number: NNT06DSFEMBL
Posted Date: Apr 11, 2006
FedBizOpps Posted Date: Apr 11, 2006
Original Response Date: May 12, 2006
Current Response Date: May 12, 2006
Classification Code: B -- Special studies and analysis - not R and D
Contracting Office Address
NASA - Headquarters, Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD), 300 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20546-0001
Description
NASA is initiating a long-term activity to develop a global space exploration strategy. A series of activities are planned in 2006 to gain a better understanding of the role that human and robotic exploration and development of a sustained human presence on the moon plays in supporting a broad exploration strategy that includes Mars and other destinations. As part of this process, NASA’s Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD) is seeking through this Request For Information (RFI), ideas on activities that could be pursued on the moon as part of an integrated global exploration strategy. The goal is to collect a wide variety of ideas and perspectives for the lunar exploration component of the exploration strategy. Eventually a robust, worldwide strategy for exploration of the moon will be developed using information from many sources, including inputs provided through this solicitation. Guidelines
1. Ideas should be expressed in English as achievable lunar exploration objectives, over a 25 year horizon, which address one or more of the following key elements of the exploration strategy:
- Lunar exploration activities that are an integral part of a broader exploration strategy that encompasses Mars and other destinations;
- Lunar robotic activities that collect key strategic information and develop key capabilities to enable and enhance human exploration;
- Lunar activities that enable humans to live and work productively on the moon, including developing and using lunar resources;
- Activities that enable opportunities for international collaboration through merging of common interests in respective strategic plans for exploration;
- Characterization of opportunities for science investigations on the moon;
- Activities that can enable lunar commerce;
- Activities that can engage the general public in lunar exploration.
2. Each objective should be documented by providing the information requested in the Exploration Strategy Product document posted on the RFI web site, see Paragraph 4 for URL. The type of information requested includes summary information defining the objective, any dependencies it has on other objectives, architecture and operations assumptions associated with meeting the objective, intermediate milestones, and associated key decision points. In cases where the submission identifies multiple objectives, additional information regarding the relative time phasing of these various objectives and the general strategic themes that they represent, can also be provided. Additionally, submissions may provide some indication of issues/constraints/enablers in areas such as technology, policy, legal, or programmatics.
3. Viable responses should be consistent with generally accepted laws of physics. Innovative objectives including novel systems concepts are welcome, but should be consistent with advances that are reasonably achievable within a 25 year horizon.
4. All responses should be delivered electronically by completing and submitting the Exploration Strategy Product form located on the RFI web site: http://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/solicitations.do?method=open&stack=push . Each submission will receive an electronic notification of a successful upload. All submissions must be received by May 12, 2006 at 5:00 p.m. EDT.
5. Responses will be collected and screened by the NASA Research & Education Support Services before being reviewed by evaluation teams. The screening process will focus on responsiveness to RFI requirements and will group the responses into common theme areas for evaluation.
6. Do not include in responses any information that is limited or restricted for use by the U.S. Government. By submitting information in response to this RFI, submitters of such information thereby consent to the release and dissemination of submitted information to any U.S. Government or non-U.S. Government entity to which NASA releases and disseminates the information for review. Review teams may be comprised of U.S. Government personnel from NASA ESMD, other NASA Missions Directorates, NASA Centers, and/or other U.S. Government agencies.
Moreover, review teams may include third parties, such as contractor personnel who support NASA. As such, to the extent that any information submitted in response to this RFI is marked as or construed to be proprietary or business-sensitive, submitters are hereby notified (a) that such information may be disclosed to third parties and (b) that submission of information in response to this RFI constitutes consent to such handling and disclosure of submitted information.
This RFI is being used to obtain information for planning purposes only and the U.S. Government does not presently intend to award a contract at this time. As stipulated in FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not considered offers and cannot be accepted by the U.S. Government to form a binding contract. This RFI is subject to FAR 52.215-3.
Any information obtained as a result of this RFI is intended to be used by the U.S. Government on a non-attribution basis for development of a strategy for lunar exploration.
Point of Contact
Name: Austin Evans
Title: Integration Manager
Phone: (202) 358-3662
Fax: (202) 358-2815
Email: Austin.L.Evans-1@nasa.gov
