BR2-19-010 Orion and Spacecraft Cockpit Prototyping Phase 5 JOFOC.pdf

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA)

LYNDON B. JOHNSON SPACE CENTER (JSC)

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION (JOFOC)

For the Orion and Spacecraft Cockpit Prototyping Phase 5 – Cockpit Layout, Display

Design and Verification Preparation

1. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.303-2(b)(2) – The nature and/or description of the action being approved: This justification provides the rationale for contracting by other than full and open competition for Orion and Spacecraft Cockpit Prototyping Phase 5 – Cockpit Layout, Display Design and Verification Preparation. JSC proposes to contract with Aerospace Applications North America, Inc. (AANA) for this requirement.

2. FAR 6.303-2(b)(3) – A description of the supplies or services required, to meet the Agency’s needs (including the estimated value): The Orion spacecraft contains sophisticated digital cockpit display and control system that serve as the main interfacing component to monitor and control the spacecraft. The display and control system requires advanced software and operational concepts to allow the crew to monitor and control spacecraft systems during the dynamic flight phases of ascent and entry to rendezvous, and the longer quiescent orbit transit times where astronauts will be required to work more independently than on missions in low-Earth orbit. To ensure the software operates properly, the Rapid Prototyping Lab (RPL) at NASA/JSC is able to create and test the crew cockpit displays in near real time. The RPL has numerous simulators that render the displays, allowing for crew evaluation.

NASA/JSC has a requirement for the Orion and Spacecraft Cockpit Prototyping Phase 5 – Cockpit Layout, Display Design and Verification Preparation. This requirement consists of providing human machine interface research and development activities to NASA for rapid prototyping of Orion and other future spacecraft/Programs (i.e. Gateway, Artemis, etc.)

display and control concepts. This is accomplished by creating software allowing for the evaluation of crew displays, electronic procedures (eProc), software display navigation schemes, and the hardware devices required to interface with the Orion and other future spacecraft software. NASA/JSC also has a requirement to provide functional prototypes of the Orion display units, switch panels, and cursor control devices used in the Orion cockpit mockups. This provides a realistic environment for astronauts to evaluate the complete cockpit crew display and control hardware and software interfaces. These tasks also include supporting adaptation of the Orion cockpit concepts for future applicability for future human spaceflight Programs.

The contract will be a firm-fixed price Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity contract with a not-to-exceed value of $6,500,000. The current contract period of performance ends November 30, 2019. The proposed period of performance for this follow on contract is December 1, 2019, through November 30, 2024.

3. FAR 6.303-2(b)(4) – An identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition: The statutory authority permitting this action falls within FAR 6.302-1(a)(2)(iii), “Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will

BR2-19-010 Orion and Spacecraft Cockpit Prototyping Phase 5 - JOFOC 2

Satisfy Agency Requirements,” pursuant to 10 United States Code 2304(c)(1). Per FAR 6.302-1, services may be deemed to be available from only the original source in the case of follow-on services for the continued provision of highly specialized services when it is likely that award to any other source would result in substantial duplication of cost to the Government that are not expected to be recovered through competition and unacceptable delays in fulfilling the Agency’s requirements.

4. FAR 6.303-2(b)(5)&(9) – A demonstration that the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited and any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition: AANA has an intimate knowledge of the prototype code, the existing parsing tool, simulator scenario construction, and the current state of the evolving automated display software requirements definition and communication processes. Additionally, AANA has extensive previous development knowledge and familiarity with critical crew interfaces such as the cockpit displays and controls, menu navigation, electronic procedures, and caution and warning systems that are crucial to mission success and crew safety. AANA is the current incumbent performing this work and has been the past contractor that provided the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) Cockpit Prototype Phases 1 through 3 and Orion Cockpit Prototyping Phase 4

– which is an integral part of Phase 5. This new phase will further develop the tools and concepts created during Phases 1 through 4, as summarized below:

Phase 1: AANA leveraged rapid prototyping, human machine interface design and evaluation campaign set-up experience from X-38 Cockpit Prototyping, Advanced Cockpit Evaluation System and Sensor Fusion projects to develop a CEV cockpit layout simulator and a CEV display simulator, build a CEV cockpit mock-up, and prepare CEV display format evaluation campaigns.

Phase 2: AANA built on the tools developed in Phase 1 to create a Graphics Library Studio based CEV cockpit prototyping environment, allowing for rapid implementation of fully-animated interactive display formats and their associated electronic procedures. This prototyping environment was programmed around a reusable object-oriented library of display elements and display formats. The robust C++ software architecture was capable of accepting inputs from prototype cockpit controls and receiving simulation data from various sources. Multiple evaluation campaigns were supported, with astronauts evaluating display formats and control schemes on desktop computers, in a CEV cockpit mockup, on parabolic flights and on a vibration table installed in a centrifuge.

Phase 3: AANA leveraged the work performed in Phases 1 and 2 to develop a fully-functional simulation of the integrated Orion cockpit in support of hundreds of hours of interactive astronaut evaluations in the Crew Interface Rapid Prototyping Lab and the Building 9 Orion Medium Fidelity Mockup. AANA implemented the full suite of Orion display formats, including Flight Displays, System Displays, Generic Display Engine, Advanced Caution and Warning, and electronic procedures. AANA deployed the display format suite to the Crew Interface Rapid Prototyping Lab Orion cockpit mockup environment, interfacing it with prototype controls and developing a simulation scenario engine in support of evaluation campaigns. AANA refactored the display format code to optimize its structure, porting it from the Graphics Library Studio to IData and testing it on

BR2-19-010 Orion and Spacecraft Cockpit Prototyping Phase 5 - JOFOC 3 an embedded platform to prepare for certification. AANA devised processes to extract software requirements from the prototype code.

Phase 4: The integrated Orion cockpit simulation software developed by AANA in Phase 3 was adopted by the Orion Prime Contractor as a starting point to build the Orion Displays and Control flight software. AANA kept refining the designs of each display format composing the Orion cockpit suite within the Orion Prime Contractor flight software environment in a collaborative manner, and prepared evaluation campaigns to test various aspects of the display design within that common software build. AANA reviewed the requirements generated by the Orion Prime Contractor concerning every aspect of the Orion display system, and provided technical support and software data extraction tools to NASA personnel writing “as-built” documents documenting the operation of every display format and underlying infrastructure. AANA developed an automated software pre-verification system around the EggPlant tool to test every possible configuration of every display format in the Orion cockpit. Additionally, AANA built functionally representative Orion cockpit switch panels with simulator connectivity, for use in the Crew Interface Rapid Prototyping Lab and the Building 9 Orion Medium Fidelity Mockup. AANA leveraged its expertise with the Orion electronic procedures engine to develop a web-based Electronic Procedure authoring tool for use in evaluation campaign preparation and as a pathfinder to the NASA-built procedure authoring environment. Finally, AANA provided display design and software support to the Commercial Crew program and designed prototype display formats for the Deep Space Gateway.

There would be significant costs involved in training on the development of new systems that are required during Phase 5. This training would be excessive to the Government and unrecoverable through competition. No other companies possess the specific Orion and spacecraft display and control software prototyping and hardware knowledge developed by ANNA over the past 10 years. Major factors in this conclusion were the experience with Orion display and control systems and the prototype coding knowledge that defines the entire crew/spacecraft interface required by the Government to perform this work. There is insufficient time to learn these complex systems in time to meet critical spacecraft milestone dates required by the Government.

Due to the above factors, the required knowledge of Phases 1-4, lessons learned integration requirement, the Programs compressed timeframe, extensive knowledge and expertise to design, build, and deliver in order to meet Program milestones, AANA is the only company capable of performing these tasks without introducing severe schedule risks, introducing unacceptable delays in meeting requirements and excessive duplication of costs.

a. FAR 6.303-2(b)(9) (i) – Explanation of why technical data packages, specifications, engineering description, statements of work, or purchase descriptions suitable for full and open competition have not been developed or are not applicable: The Orion Cockpit Prototyping Project requires the application of human machine interface rapid prototyping techniques to the design and implementation of next generation spacecraft display and control systems. Commercial manufacturers do not offer rapid prototyping solutions for next generation spacecraft displays and controls or have the specific extensive knowledge of the Orion display design and infrastructure such as those developed through Phases 1 through 4.

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AANA is presently performing the work under Contract NNJ14TA10C. Work on previous contracts since July 2006 includes Phase 1, NNJ06HC04P; Phase 2, NNJ06TA10B; and Phase 3, NNJ09TA62B. Phases 1 through 4 were awarded non-competitively to AANA based on FAR 6.302-1, only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy Agency requirements.

b. FAR 6.303-2(b)(9) (ii) – When 6.302-1 is cited for follow on acquisitions as described in 6.302-1(a)(2)(ii), an estimate of the cost to the Government that would be duplicated and how the estimate was derived: The estimate of cost that would be duplicated is $520,000. There is a multitude of training required that involves on the job and classroom training that would range from 2 to 6 months depending on the training required, which include Orion flight specific: flight displays, hardcoded displays, generic displays, caution and warnings displays, electronic procedures and the electronic procedures authoring tool, Eggplant parsing support, External Simulation Engine, Switch Panel, Crew Evaluation, documentation, and hardware production. Ultimately, the duplication is not only cost, but also time associated with training. The training would overlap critical milestones preventing NASA to meet Program schedule. Additionally, personnel needed to perform oversight of the training would be unavailable or pulled off work that would jeopardize mission schedule.

c. FAR 6.303-2(b)(9)(iii) – When 6.302-2 is cited, data, estimated cost, or other rationale as to the extent and nature of the harm to the Government: Although FAR 6.302-2 – Unusual and Compelling Urgency, is not cited as the authority for this JOFOC, there is potential harm to the Government that could occur. Awarding to any other company other than AANA would lead to unacceptable delays with substantial risk to the Orion Program. Although Orion is not currently an active manned spacecraft, it is projected to carry an astronaut crew to facilitate human exploration in the future. In addition, it is not feasible for another company to understand the first three phases related to CEV Cockpit Prototyping and Phase 4 related to Orion Cockpit Prototyping, to a depth that would allow the integration of lessons learned without significantly jeopardizing quality and schedule.

5. FAR 6.303-2(b)(6) – A description of the efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable, including whether a notice was or will be publicized as required by Subpart 5.2 and, if not, which exception under 5.202 applies:

A synopsis for this effort was issued on FedBizOpps.gov on May 1, 2019. The synopsis closed on May 15, 2019.

6. FAR 6.303-2(b)(7) – A determination by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable: Upon approval of this justification, a Request for Proposal will be issued to ANNA. The proposal will be evaluated and negotiated to obtain a fair and reasonable cost. To accomplish this, in accordance with NASA FAR Supplement 1815.404-2, a detailed NASA cost and price evaluation will consider actuals incurred under the previous contract, learning experience, technical analysis, and subcontract proposal analysis as well as any information that can be efficiently obtained through any applicable audits.

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7. FAR 6.303-2(b)(8) – Description of the market survey conducted, and the results, or a statement of the reasons a market survey was not conducted: NASA also conducted market research of seven avionics manufacturers yielding the same results described in the paragraph above. A survey of seven avionics manufacturers was conducted in order to locate a company capable of providing the required service in the required timeframe. The survey below included vendor literature for specific expertise and products:

Boeing – The company is building the Starliner crew capsule spacecraft under NASA's Commercial Crew Development program with the primary purpose to transport crew to the International Space Station (ISS). They are responsible for the creation of all spacecraft systems including crew display and control interfaces.

Intuitive Machines – The company designs, analyzes, integrates, tests and flies aerospace systems for lunar landers, satellites, and human spaceflight. They have performed work including ground support equipment, flight test equipment, the Universal Return Vehicle, lunar lander designs, Human Suit Modeling Simulations, ISS Payload systems, satellite systems and commercial space station designs. Their design approach uses traditional aerospace rigor and the new space agility processes.

Rockwell Collins –The company builds displays and controls for next-generation fighters.

They provide display technology for the F-35 Gen III Helmet Mounted Display System to an integrated digital vision system that provides enhanced situational awareness.

Scaled Composites – The company builds aircraft electronics, from modifying off-the-shelf parts to building custom boards. They utilize existing designs, modify them or build custom solutions. They provide software design services and can build custom interfaces for cockpits and flight simulators. The in-house flight simulator development capabilities are used to train flight and control room crews prior to flight test.

SGT/KBR – The company provides services including Mission Analysis and Product Development such as Crew and Ground Procedures and Mission Rules, Mission Design Products (timelines, trajectory and consumables analysis, etc.), Flight and Ground Software Development, Testing and Certification, Command and Telemetry Data Products, Flight Crew/Vehicle Integration and Testing, Space Station Computer Support.

SNC Space Systems – The company is building the Dream Chaser spacecraft and Sierra Force MH-60 aircraft which modernize remanufactured UH-60L Black Hawks with an updated digital avionics suite and mission-specific equipment. They are responsible for the creation of all spacecraft systems including crew display and control interfaces.

SpaceX – The company builds the Dragon spacecraft, a reusable cargo spacecraft Dragon is launched into orbit by the company's Falcon 9 launch vehicle. SpaceX has developed a second version called Dragon 2, which includes the capability to transport people. They are responsible for the creation of all spacecraft systems including crew display and control interfaces.

While these companies possess display and control capabilities, none of the companies possess the specific Orion display and control software prototyping and hardware experience https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_capsule https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commercial_Crew_Development https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Space_Station https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_2

BR2-19-010 Orion and Spacecraft Cockpit Prototyping Phase 5 - JOFOC 6 required to provide the required service in the required timeframe. From the review of these companies’ expertise and list of products, it was determined that AANA is the only technically acceptable source. Major factors in this conclusion were the experience with Orion display and control systems and the prototype coding knowledge that defines the entire crew/spacecraft interface required by the Government to perform this work. There is insufficient time to learn these complex systems in time to meet critical spacecraft milestone dates required by the Government. These companies do not possess the required background and experience necessary to successfully execute the required prototyping processes which have evolved over 10 years.

Based on this market study, it was concluded that only AANA can provide expertise that can meet the Government’s technical requirements and delivery schedule without severe duplication of costs.

8. FAR 6.303-2(b)(10) – A listing of the sources, if any, that expressed an interest in writing in the acquisition: From the FedBizOpps.gov posting, one response was received from Array of Engineers (AoE). While AoE provided high-level capabilities in some areas associated with this requirement, they did not have the highly specialized critical knowledge of the prior phases that would lead to unacceptable delays with substantial risk to the Orion flight software schedule and potential to impact other mission objectives.

In addition, NASA received and evaluated capabilities from the current Joint Operations and Integrated System Technology (JOIST) contractors. Although potential reach back and capabilities in some areas were demonstrated, a thorough review across all responses determined that there are not capabilities and experience as it exists today to proceed with ordering this work under JOIST without introducing substantial schedule risks having the potential to impact other mission objectives. Introducing a new contractor also results in a large amount of duplication of cost which is not feasible under the cost constrained environment. As a result of the risks involved with an accelerated schedule, NASA was not able to utilize the JOIST contract.

9. FAR 6.303-2(b)(11) – A statement of actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required: The Agency will continue to monitor the market for other sources that can meet the Government’s technical specifications and delivery schedule. Any inquiries and/or capability/qualification statements received as a result of the synopsis will be considered to determine if the Government should conduct this procurement on a competitive basis.

Intuitive Machines – The company designs, analyzes, integrates, tests and flies aerospace systems for lunar landers, satellites, and human spaceflight. They have performed work including ground support equipment, flight test equipment, the Universal ...