LEGS RFI Q and A.pdf

Request for Informa�on (RFI) Commercial Development of Lunar Explora�on Ground Sites (LEGS)

Communica�ons Ground Systems - Ques�on and Answers

Q: Is Western Australia fixed?

A: NASA is currently under-going site selec�on.

Q: Whose antennas are being GFE'd?

A: Any Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) will be the property of NASA.

Q: Is baseband signal processing in scope or out?

A: Baseband signal processing is in scope of this RFI.

Q: Who is the importer of record? Is it NASA or the contractor?

A: NASA is currently in the market research phase and no posi�on on the importer of record has been made for the poten�al future requirement.

Q: Is the base band equipment onsite?

A: No, the GFE antenna will deliver down converted IF via fiber, the rest of the system would poten�ally need to be delivered as part of the turn-key solu�on.

Q: At each site, the way the sites are connected would be the backbone. Are you providing a backbone network? Is this out of scope?

A: The data delivery to the Mission Opera�ons Center is not being provided by NASA for the purposes of this RFI, and thus it is in scope of this RFI.

Q: We are a Canadian company, will there be restric�ons?

A: NASA is currently in the market research phase; no eligibility restric�ons have been defined for the poten�al future requirement.

Q: What facili�es and infrastructure is included?

A: Each loca�on will have different requirements. See Appendix C.

Q: With the RFI are you looking for price quotes?

A: NASA is reques�ng ROM level budget and schedule es�mates as part of this RFI.

Q: Will the antennas be handled by NASA?

A: For the purpose of responding to the RFI, submiters should consider the antennas as GFE.

Q: Does the GFE include power and telecommunica�on infrastructure?

A: For the purpose of responding to the RFI, assume that the LEGS ground sta�ons will all be located within exis�ng facili�es that have basic infrastructure (roads, u�li�es, perimeter fence etc.).

Q: Is this a procurement for all three sites or three different contracts?

A: This is a request for informa�on only. NASA is reques�ng ROM level budget and schedule es�mates for all three sites as part of this RFI. Respondees may offer input on any site(s) or all three sites.

Q: Will it be only one antenna?

A: There will be one antenna per site, 20.2m diameter.

Q: Would an opera�ons cost need to be provided?

A: Opera�ons and Maintenance (O&M) es�mates for sites 2 and 3 are being sought.

Q: We perceive that Australia is open for considera�on. Is reloca�ng WSC and SANSA site a possibility?

A: White Sands and the South African loca�on are defined.

Q: The word turn-key is used prominently throughout the RFI. What exactly are you looking for in regards to “turn-key”?

A: Delivery of an opera�onal ground sta�on that meets the requirements specified in the RFI.

Q: Will NASA look for this RFI to help select the third site?

A: No, site selec�on is already underway and not associated with this RFI.

Q: What is the diameter for the antenna?

A: 20.2m.

Q: Are the Opera�onal Readiness dates in the RFP firm dates or are these no�onal for the purposes of the RFI response?

A: Those are target dates; NASA is seeking feedback on the feasibility of those dates and any high-level schedule drivers that may impact the ability to meet those dates.

Q: LEGS 3 Loca�on: Will this loca�on be provided as part of RFP or is NASA looking for inputs / recommenda�ons? Can the Government provide a list of LEGS-3 site loca�ons under considera�on?

A: NASA will select and provide the site at a later date.

Q: For LEGS-1, is there another Company/Govt providing Opera�ons and Maintenance, or should that effort be included in response to this RFI?

A: Per the RFI, NASA is only seeking O&M es�mates for LEGS 2 and 3.

Q: Appendix C LEGS 1-3 Site Responsibility Matrix: When WSC and S are responsible for providing facili�es items (such as civil works, fencing, power, space, cooling, and communica�ons infrastructure) does that mean they are performing the FULL design (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical) and permi�ng process, the construc�on, and the tes�ng/inspec�ons and there is no Contractor involvement?

A: Yes, White Sands is more mature and has facili�es. In South Africa, SANSA will be taking a large role.

The Australian site will depend on what is chosen.

Q: Can the Government provide clarifica�on on Contractor responsibility for PDU, UPS, frequency conversion equipment at LEGS-3? As currently worded in Appendix C, there is ambiguity on what NASA will or will not provide for LEGS-3.

A: The output of the antenna will be the downconverter IF, all elements from there forward are in scope.

Q: Can you please explain what is being provided for the GFE antenna along with the roles of the GFE vendor(s) versus role of the contractor?

A: For the purpose of responding to the RFI, the LEGS1 site will be installed by the GFE provider. The antenna is GFE for LEGS2/3 and will need to be installed by the contractor to include Site Acceptance Tes�ng (SAT). The Antenna assembly for LEGS 2 and 3 would be on the contractor to assemble and install.

Q: Can the Government provide insight into an�cipated antenna diameter (including radome if included) with load bearing and structural support pad dimension requirements? Does the antenna include a radome?

A: The antenna is 20.2 m. There will be no radome.

Q: Are spares provided with the GFE for the GFE?

A: If spares are needed for the GFE, they will be provided as GFE.

Q: Would NASA be willing to grant an extension to the RFI due date un�l the end of July in considera�on for the 4th of July holiday?

A: NASA will begin reviewing responses at the closing date; late submitals may be reviewed by the Government.