Enclosure A - Appendix L CIS Capability Studies in support of WidebandPhased ArrayCrosslink Topology_final_070523.pdf

CUI//SP-PROCURE

NextSTEP-2 Appendix L: CIS Capability Studies in support of Wideband/Phased

Array/Crosslink Topology NNH16ZCQ001K-CIS-Appendix_L

Table of Contents

1. Introduction and Background

2. Definitions

3. Acronyms

4. Documents

4.1. Applicable Documents

4.2. Reference Documents

5. Objectives of Appendix L

6. Capability Study and Demonstration Statement of Objectives (SOO)

6.1. Study Area #1: Wideband Communications

6.1.1. Design Focus Topics

6.2. Study Area #2: Phased Array Ground Systems

6.3. Study Area #3: Constellation Topology Analysis

7. General Information for Respondents

8. Inquiries

9. Proposals Due

10. Eligibility Information and Other Considerations

11. Corporate Resources

12. Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI)

13. Proposal Submission Information

13.1. Instructions for Proposals

14. Proposal Format and Contents

14.1. Title Page

14.2. Executive Summary

14.3. Proof of Eligibility

14.4. Qualifications of the Contractor

14.5. Study Approach

14.6. Intellectual Property

14.7. Signed Model Contract

14.7.1. Stand Form (SF) 33

14.8. Price Proposal

14.9. Enclosures

15. Additional Proposal Guidance

15.1. Contract Structure

15.2. Deliverables

15.3. Briefings, Meetings, and Communications with NASA

15.4. Deliverable Schedule

16. Proposal Review Information

16.1. Compliance Review

16.2. Evaluation

16.3. Evaluation Criteria

17. Award Information

17.1. Contract Award/Funding Availability

17.2. Period of Performance

17.3. Award Date

17.4. Funding Allocation

18. References

1. Introduction and Background

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) long-term vision is to provide for a resilient space and ground communications and navigation infrastructure in which space mission users can seamlessly “roam” between an array of space-based and ground-based networks.

Initially, NASA seeks to create an interoperable architecture composed of a mixture of existing NASA assets and commercial networks and services. In the long-term, this will allow for a smooth transition to fully commercialized communications services for near-Earth users. The overarching goal is to create a reliable, robust, and cost-effective set of commercial services in which NASA is one of many customers.

NASA’s strategy to fully transition to commercial services will be accomplished through the expansion of Direct to Earth (DTE) services and the operationalization of commercial space-based relay services. These activities will leverage existing partnerships as well as upcoming demonstrations with a full DTE transition targeting 2024 and space relays no later than 2030.

Through meaningful partnerships with industry, the NASA’s Commercialization, Innovation, and Synergies (CIS) Office identifies these partnership opportunities, nurtures diverse relationships, and implements collaborative solutions to enhance capabilities and technologies in support of exploration and space communications.

The CIS Office is seeking industry insights and innovative guidance in the following three (3) Study Areas:

1. Wideband Communications

2. Phased Array Ground Systems

3. Constellation Topology Analysis

The CIS Office will work with US industry partners to develop innovative studies on the topics listed above to identify requirements, demonstrate capabilities to address NASA’s future needs, and explore operational efficiencies to drive successful commercial transitions within the Agency.

2. Definitions

“Direct to Earth Services” is defined as services via a global system of commercial and NASA owned ground stations that provide line of sight communications and tracking services to missions ranging from low-Earth orbit to Sun-Earth Lagrange Points 1 & 2.

“Interoperability” is defined as the ability to operate across multiple provider networks. This includes operating on multiple commercial networks and the NASA network.

“Phased Array Ground System” is defined as a system that consists of an array of antennas that can electronically steer the beams of Radio Frequency (RF) signals.

“Reconfigurable Terminal” is defined as a terminal capable of being changed via command/reprogramming in flight. May include changes to waveform, software, or front-end controls (e.g. polarization, frequency, power level).

“Satellite Constellation Crosslink Topology” refers to the network architecture and communication systems used within a constellation of satellites to establish direct links between satellites within the same constellation.

“Wideband” is defined as the ability to operate over a broad range of center frequencies (multiple GHz).

3. Acronyms

BAA: Broad Agency Announcement

CCSDS: Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems

CIS: Commercialization, Innovation, and Synergies Office

CSP: Commercial Service Project

DoD: Department of Defense

DTE: Direct to Earth

ETL: Extract Transform and Load

GEO: Geosynchronous Equatorial Orbit

IAW: In Accordance With

LEO: Low Earth Orbit

MEO: Medium Earth Orbit

NASA: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

PDR: Preliminary Design Review

RF: Radio Frequency

ROM: Rough Order of Magnitude

SME: Subject Matter Expert

SNUG: Space Network User Guide

TBS: To Be Supplied

TDRS: Tracking and Data Relay Satellite

TDRSS: Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System

4. Documents

4.1. Applicable Documents

Num Title Notes

1 NASA Procedural Requirements, NASA Systems Engineering Processes and Requirements (w/Change 2)

NPR 7123.1C

https://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov/npg_img/N_PR_7123 _001C/NPR7123001C.pdf

2 NASA Technical Standard, Space System Protection Standard, NASA-STD-1006A https://standards.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/standards/

NASA/A/0/2022-07-15-NASA-STD-1006A-

Approved.pdf

4.2. Reference Documents

Num Title Notes

1 Frontier Radio-Multi-Lingual-A Next Generation Space Software Defined Radio

White Paper on IEEE.org

2 Development and Demonstration of a Wideband RF User Terminal for Roaming between Ka-band Relay Satellite Networks

White Paper on IEEE.org

3 Near Space Network (Brochure) NASA ESC Website

4 Department of Defense Interface Standard: Interoperability of Superhigh Frequency (SHF) Satellite Communications Terminals

DLA.Mil website

5. Objectives of Appendix L https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10115782 https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9780454 https://esc.gsfc.nasa.gov/projects/NSN?tab=publications https://quicksearch.dla.mil/Transient/E3CCF1218FBE4F1B8C1475C3D6DB11F3.pdf

NASA has increasingly embraced public-private partnerships for achieving its strategic goals and objectives for expanding the frontiers of knowledge, capabilities, and opportunities in space. The next step for human spaceflight is the development of deep space exploration capabilities and demonstrating these capabilities in cislunar space. An important part of NASA’s strategy is to stimulate the commercial space industry while leveraging those same commercial capabilities through future contracts and public-private partnerships to deliver mission capabilities. The initial Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships (NextSTEP) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) was released in 2014 with selections made in 2015. This effort, NextSTEP-2, will solicit additional proposals to continue NASA’s development of space exploration technologies, capabilities, and concepts. The requirements solicited under the NEXTStep-2 BAA Appendix L will result in a R&D contract and not a FAR Part 12 contract. The terms and conditions included in the Appendix L Model Contract are applicable to the R&D requirements.

The objective of Appendix L capabilities studies is to engage with Industry Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to provide NASA a comprehensive and detailed technical assessment for each study area.

The technical assessments shall focus on the following themes for each study area:

• Emerging technologies and latest advancements

• Innovative techniques for achieving high data rates

• Inter-satellite link and Constellation Architectures

• Hybrid Communication Architectures

• Regulatory and policy considerations

• Case studies and future trends

6. Capability Study and Demonstration Statement of Objectives (SOO)

6.1. Study Area #1: Wideband Communications

6.1.1. Design Focus Topics

The Offeror is responsible for carrying out the design focus topics outlined below, which pertain to a wideband spacecraft terminal operating in the Ka-band, an L & S band terminal, or the design of each individual terminal. These terminals are intended for use by NASA missions during the transition from Government Operated Networks (TDRSS) to Commercial Services (CSP.

A. Wideband Terminal Design

• The Offeror shall provide a conceptual design of a wideband terminal for space operation (flight unit), including the identification of hardware and software systems, components, and their respective part type and quality.

• The Offeror is responsible for conducting the necessary studies and analysis to assess tradeoffs between different capability and implementation approaches for the wideband terminal.

• The Offeror shall include estimates of size, volume, mass, and prime power consumption for the wideband terminal and its components.

• The Offeror shall indicate the planned interfaces between the terminal and a host space vehicle.

• The Offeror is responsible for conducting the necessary studies and analysis to assess component selections as they relate the interoperability needs specified in section D. Interoperability Among Multiple Service Providers

• The Offeror shall provide information on compliance with NASA STD-1006

• The Offeror shall provide a Preliminary Design Review (PDR) level equivalent maturity as defined in the NPR 7123.1C.

B. Wideband System Design Heritage

• The Offeror shall identify and provide a description of the heritage and maturity of the wideband terminal design, including its components, sub-systems, and any previous implementations of similar designs.

C. Wideband Terminal System Cost

• The Offeror shall provide a budgetary - Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) -estimate with appropriate reserve reflective of design maturity and uncertainty.

• The Offeror shall identify the estimated ROM costs to refine the conceptual design, develop, implement, and manufacture the wideband terminal system.

• The Offeror shall provide sufficient breakdown in ROM costs across system, subsystems, components selection and cost for space, associated or special test equipment and infrastructure and key hardware and software components or modules.

• The Offeror shall identify and assess cost driving elements, and opportunities to reduce costs across NASA and other Government agency programs.

• The Offeror shall provide a basis of ROM cost for significant and key elements of the implementation.

• For budgetary and planning purposes, the offeror shall include costs for one (1) flight unit, an engineering model (EM) with final delivery date no later than Q4 FY27 and two (2) spare flight units with final delivery date no later than Q4 FY28.

D. Interoperability Among Multiple Service Providers

• The Offeror shall describe how their design enables interoperability (operation on multiple provider networks) and the functions and capabilities to change operation from one service to another.

The Offeror shall describe how the physical components of the terminal can be reconfigured to support operation on multiple networks (power levels, polarization, filters, etc.)

The Offeror shall provide details regarding modem operation on multiple networks including either interoperable waveforms or leveraging multiple waveforms.

The Offeror shall provide analysis showing potential data rates on these services with the terminal design

• The Offeror shall identify and assess tradeoffs and options for wideband terminal spectrum and frequency compatibility and interoperability with commercial, NASA, and DoD space relay systems inclusive of multi-orbit and DTE service providers (GEO, MEO, LEO, and DTE).

E. Frequency Planning

• The Ka-band Wideband Terminal design shall be compatible with TDRS services in the 22.5 to 27.5 GHz band and relay services from at least two commercial service providers in the 17.7 to 31GHz band.

• The Offeror shall conduct an analysis of the tradeoffs and modifications required to consider the addition of DTE services in the 22.5 to 27.5 GHz band.

• The L & S-band Wideband Terminal design shall be compatible with TDRS S-band services and L-band services in the 1610 to 1660 MHz or 1525 to 1559 MHz bands.

The S-band services are in the 2.1 – 2.3 GHz range. Other frequency bands in the L & S spectrum can be presented by the offeror for study consideration.

• The Offeror shall include an analysis of using the L & S-band Wideband Terminal to receive GNSS signals.

6.2. Study Area #2: Phased Array Ground Systems

A Phased Array ground systems consist of an array of antennas that can electronically steer the beams of RF signals. Unlike traditional parabolic dish antennas that physically move to track satellites, phased arrays use electronic beamforming to dynamically steer the beams in different directions without any physical movement. The Offeror shall address the following topics in the capabilities study for Phased Array ground systems:

• Beam agility – implementation and technical description of Phased Array systems that have the technical capability and maturity to electronically steer beams to track multiple satellites simultaneously, thus enabling efficient and rapid switching between different satellites or beams.

• Increased capacity – implementation and technical description of Phased Array systems that have the ability to form multiple beams to allow for simultaneous communication with multiple satellites, with the goal of improving overall system capacity.

• Interference mitigation – implementation and technical description of Phased Array systems that can adaptively steer beams to avoid interference sources or have the ability to null out unwanted signals, with the goal of improving the signal quality and reducing interference-related issues.

• Scalability – a description of architectures and Concept of Operations (ConOps) of Phased Array systems that can be easily scaled up to accommodate future satellite constellations and increased data demands.

• Advancements and future trends – technical description(s) of Phased Array ground systems evolution and future trends shall be addressed to include:

o Higher frequencies – Phased Arrays ground systems being developed for higher frequency bands, such as Ka-band and Q/V-band, thus enabling higher data rates and accommodating the growing demand for broadband satellite services.

o Integration with satellite constellations – Phased array ground systems currently being designed to support the connectivity requirements of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite constellations, which involve tracking and communicating with a large number of satellites simultaneously.

o Adaptive beamforming – the development and description of advanced beamforming algorithms and techniques being explored to enhance the adaptability and performance of Phased Array systems, with the goal of allowing for better interference suppression and increased system efficiency.

6.3. Study Area #3: Constellation Topology Analysis

A. Satellite constellation crosslink topology. Refers to the network architecture and communication systems used within a constellation of satellites to establish direct links between satellites within the same constellation. Crosslink technology enables satellites to communicate with one another without relying on ground-based infrastructure. The Offeror shall address the three (3) different crosslink topology technologies that can be implemented within a satellite constellation:

• Mesh Topology – In a mesh topology, each satellite in the constellation is connected to every other satellite, forming a fully interconnected network. This allows for direct communication between any two satellites in the constellation. Mesh topology provides redundancy and flexibility, as it enables alternative communication paths in case of satellite failures or disruptions.

• Star Topology – In a star topology, all satellites in the constellation communicate with a central satellite or hub. The hub acts as a central point for relaying data between satellites. This topology simplifies the communication architecture but introduces a single point of failure. If the hub satellite malfunctions or encounters an issue, the entire constellation's communication can be affected.

• Hybrid Topology – Hybrid topologies combine elements of both mesh and star topologies. They involve a combination of direct crosslinks between satellites (mesh) and crosslinks through a central hub (star). This approach allows for both direct and centralized communication within the constellation, providing a balance between redundancy and simplicity.

The Offeror shall discuss the advantages of each choice of crosslink topology addressing several factors including the constellation's mission objectives, desired coverage, number of satellites, data throughput requirements, and operational constraints.

B. Analytical Tools – Constellation topology analysis tools can be used to analyze and understand the structure, relationships, and dynamics within a given constellation topology.

The Offeror shall address the categories of tools and approaches used for constellation topology analysis:

• Network Analysis Tools

• Graph Databases

• Data Integration and Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) Tools

• Data Visualization Tools

7. General Information for Respondents

Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration Announcement Title: Appendix L: CIS Capability Studies in support of

Wideband/Phased Array/Crosslink Topology NAICS Code: 541715 Responsible Office: GSFC/Commercialization, Innovation, and Synergies (CIS) Office Point of Contact: Dr. Ruma Das (e-mail: Ruma.Das@nasa.gov) Contracting Officer: Mr. Gion Lalican (e-mail: Gion.O.Lalican@nasa.gov) Contract Specialist: Ms. Diane Hood (e-mail: Diane.Hood@nasa.gov) mailto:Gion.O.Lalican@nasa.gov mailto:Diane.Hood@nasa.gov

8. Inquiries

Due July 13, 2023, 5:00pm Eastern Time. The Government requests that interested parties review Appendix L and all Attachments and provide questions and/or comments via email to diane.hood@nasa.gov and ruma.das@nasa.gov (COR email), no later than the date and time specified above. For inquiries to which NASA elects to respond, NASA responses will not contain evaluations, opinions, or recommendations regarding any suggested approaches or concepts. Only questions transmitted electronically may receive a response. Information provided with each question should include the document name, document date, specific page, paragraph, clause, or other definitive citation requiring clarification.

9. Proposals Due

Proposals must be submitted electronically in accordance with instructions detailed in Section

13.1 of Appendix L: Instructions for Proposals, no later than August 07, 2023, 5:00pm Eastern Time.

10. Eligibility Information and Other Considerations

This solicitation topic is open to non-Government U.S. institutions (companies, universities, nonprofit organizations). NASA civil servants, Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) employees, national laboratories, and Federally Funded Research and development Centers (FFRDCs) shall not be proposed as a Prime Contractor on any effort associated with this announcement but may participate as a team member. Other eligibility information is also included in the omnibus portion of this BAA.

The Aerospace Corporation will be subject to the “Full Limitation” related to Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI). The NASA-wide Specialized Engineering, Evaluation and Test Services (NSEETS) contract with The Aerospace Corporation creates an unmitigable organizational conflict of interest for The Aerospace Corporation in the event that any business unit of The Aerospace Corporation has a proposed role as prime contractor, subcontractor, or participating organization. Because of this organizational conflict of interest, The Aerospace Corporation is precluded from participating in any capacity in support of a respondent under this Appendix.

11. Corporate Resources

The Offeror shall describe in their proposal their ability to provide a financial commitment to the public/private partnership formed under this Appendix using BAA Enclosure E: Corporate Contribution Worksheet (which shall be submitted and labeled as Attachment D in offeror’s proposal). The overall effort is defined as the combination of corporate contribution and government resources invested in the proposed effort. A corporate contribution is required, however there is no mandatory minimum contribution required for eligibility under Appendix L.

The reasonableness of the corporate contribution will be evaluated as part of the Technical Merit evaluation.

mailto:diane.hood@nasa.gov mailto:ruma.das@nasa.gov

Corporate contribution may be in the form of direct labor, travel, consumables, hardware/software development, launch transportation, or other in-kind contributions. Also, other reasonable forms of corporate contribution including travel directly related to achieving proposed objectives, investments in special facilities or equipment, tooling or other prior private investment, and internally funded technology maturation such as Independent Research and Development (IRAD), are deemed acceptable for this effort. State and local government contributions may be included with private corporate resources.

Criteria and procedures for the allowability and allocability of cash and non-cash contributions shall be governed by FAR Parts 30 and 31, and NFS Parts 1830 and 1831. NASA reserves the right to hold due diligence discussions to make reasonable determinations regarding corporate contributions.

12. Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI)

OCI Avoidance Plan

In accordance with the NFS 1852.237-72, Access to Sensitive Information, Offerors shall submit for NASA approval a comprehensive Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI) Avoidance Plan.

The plan shall address the following:

(a) Process for identifying potential conflicts.

(b) A summary of the general methodology used to avoid, neutralize, or mitigate OCI issues.

(c) A description of potential OCI risks, due to the Contractor’s relationships or potential relationships with the Government, other companies, and other contracts. The description shall characterize the risk and measures to avoid, neutralize, or mitigate each OCI threat.

(d) A description of the procedures the Contractor will use if needed to identify and partition Contractor personnel requiring access to or participation in activities that would otherwise create an OCI issue.

(e) A summary of the steps, to include NASA notification, that the Contractor will take when an OCI has been identified or when circumstances have changed such that an OCI issue is probable;

(f) A description of the training to be provided to Contractor personnel regarding potential OCIs on this contract.

The Contracting Officer will review the information in the OCI Avoidance Plan for completeness and may identify to the Offeror omissions necessary for correction. This review is separate from the proposal evaluation. The Contracting Officer will identify any areas in which proposed mitigation requires further action. As such, the Government may communicate, outside of discussions, with any Offeror at any time during the evaluation process concerning the OCI Avoidance Plan; however, substantive omissions may result in the proposal being ineligible for award. At contract award, the Representation and Certifications shall be incorporated into the https://www.acquisition.gov/?q=browsefar https://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/regs/nfstoc.htm contract.

13. Proposal Submission Information

13.1. Instructions for Proposals

Applicants shall use the email: diane.hood@nasa.gov and ruma.das@nasa.gov for proposal submissions. The email submission shall identify the email as “VENDORNAME – NNH16ZCQ001K-CIS-Appendix_L Proposal Submission” in the subject field of the e-mail.

See NextSTEP-2 Omnibus BAA for general instructions. The specific instructions in this section are in addition to or supersede the general instructions in the NextSTEP-2 Omnibus BAA and apply to this Appendix only.

Requirements in this Appendix supersede any requirements in the NASA Guidebook for Proposers or in the omnibus BAA. If any requirements conflict between the omnibus solicitation, Appendix L takes precedence.

Failure to submit a complete electronic proposal by the due date and time specified for this Appendix shall result in the proposal being considered late and shall be handled in accordance with FAR 15.208(b).

There is a 12 MB limit for the electronic media file size for proposals. Only attachments that are specifically requested in this Appendix should be submitted. The requested proposal electronic naming convention is as follows: “VENDORNAME – NNH16ZCQ001K-CIS-Appendix_L.”

All the proposal files may be compressed (zipped) into one file titled “NNH16ZCQ001K-CIS- Appendix_L_VENDORNAME.zip” or uploaded individually. The electronic proposal shall contain all information required by the solicitation to be determined responsive. Files shall not have password protection, encryption, or any access or viewing restrictions.

14. Proposal Format and Contents

The proposal format and content requirements as outlined in this section below are specific to this Appendix and supersede the instructions in the omnibus BAA. The required sections of the proposal must be submitted as one searchable, unlocked PDF file with edit permission enabled.

Applicants must comply with the format and page limit requirements as described in this Appendix.

The page count limits are described in Table 1: Overview of Proposal Sections and Page Limitations. Other Volumes and attachments as described in Table 1: Overview of Proposal Sections and Page Limitations will not be included in the page count. Sections of the proposal that are not page limited do not need to abide by the font, size or margin requirements of the page limited sections, although it is the Offeror’s responsibility to ensure readability.

All pages in each section shall be numbered sequentially with Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.) for contents subject to page limitations. A page is defined as one side of a sheet, 8 1/2" x 11" with at mailto:diane.hood@nasa.gov mailto:ruma.das@nasa.gov https://www.nasa.gov/content/nextstep-2-omnibus-baa

• Attachment C: List of Proposed Deliverables*: The Offeror shall provide a list of proposed deliverables in accordance with Section 15 Additional Proposal Guidance. Each deliverable description shall include a descriptive title, objectives, description of content, proposed format of deliverable, and estimated submittal date(s) based on contract start date plus [OFI] days.

• Attachment D: Completed Corporate Contribution Worksheet

• Attachment E: Conflicts of Interest (OCI) Avoidance Plan*

*If an offeror is selected for award, the offeror shall provide unrestricted copies of the attachments to be included in the awarded contract.

14.1. Title Page

• Include any Notice of Restriction on Use and Disclosure of Proposal Information

• An optional graphic image may be included

• The Offeror’s name for the proposal or proposed project

• Date of the proposal

• The title, solicitation number and Appendix being responded to of this Announcement

• Organization name and address

• Offeror’s point of contact name, title, e-mail address, and phone number

• Company CAGE Code and/or UEI number

• 120-day proposal validity period

14.2. Executive Summary

Proposals shall include an executive summary describing the prominent and distinguishing features of the proposal that demonstrate the Offeror’s plans and ability to meet the goals and objectives of Appendix L.

The executive summary shall include the name and UEI (SAM) number of the Offeror, subcontractors, and other team members. The executive summary should stand alone and not directly reference other sections of the proposal. The executive summary submitted with the proposal may include proprietary data as it will not be publicly released. A publicly releasable version of the executive summary will be required following contract award (See Section 15.2).

14.3. Proof of Eligibility

The proposal shall provide information showing that the Offeror and all team members are eligible participants as stipulated in NextSTEP-2 Omnibus BAA, Section 3: Eligibility Information and Section 3.1: Eligibility of Applicants of this Appendix. Describe compliance with eligibility requirements as needed.

https://www.nasa.gov/content/nextstep-2-omnibus-baa

14.4. Qualifications of the Contractor

Provide information on the organization’s capabilities and the qualifications of key personnel.

Provide information showing demonstrated technical expertise and experience with RF and/or optical communications and navigation systems.

14.5. Study Approach

The Offeror shall describe their approach and schedule for conducting each study task and address all the topics identified in the Appendix L considering the objectives of the study. Offerors may propose any or all of the study areas. The proposal shall identify the study task in which the Offeror is proposing by title, section number, and heading.

14.6. Intellectual Property

The Offeror shall describe the approach for data rights, and how they meet the objectives outlined in the omnibus BAA, Section 2.7, Intellectual Property Developed Under an Award. Enclosure C, Standard FAR Patent and Data Rights Clauses and Provisions is also provided to assist offerors for describing their data rights approach. If there is a deviation to the approach, the Offeror shall provide an updated justification detailing noted deviation.

14.7. Signed Model Contract

A Model Contract is provided in Enclosure B of this Appendix. Please be advised that all sections designated with the text [OFI] represent “Offeror Fill-Ins”. It is required that Offerors submit the signed model contract with the proposal with all OFI’s complete and bearing a handwritten signature of a person duly authorized to bind the Offeror. Additionally, sections designated with the text [TBD] stand for “To Be Determined”. Offerors should not fill in the [TBD]’s. The Government will update these after contract award. Offerors may take exception to or have unique interpretations of any model contract clauses. These exceptions and/or unique interpretations should be listed clearly in a Summary of Exceptions. The requirements solicited under the NEXTStep-2 BAA Appendix L will result in a R&D contract and not a FAR Part 12 contract.

The terms and conditions included in the Appendix L Model Contract are applicable to the R&D requirements. Note, taking exception to, or having unique interpretations of any required clauses MAY have a negative impact on potential selection. The Government does not intend to conduct negotiations/discussions. However, the Government reserves the right to negotiate with selected Offerors, cost/price terms and any other terms, if it is deemed in the best interest of the Government.

14.7.1. Stand Form (SF) 33

Offerors shall also submit a signed and filled-in copy of the SF 33 and shall be included as the first page the Model Contract. Offerors shall complete blocks 13 through 18. Offerors shall acknowledge receipt of all amendments (if any) in both the SF 33 and SF 30 amendment form. All SF 33s require original or signatures.

14.8. Price Proposal

The Price Volume for the Offeror shall consist of two sections. Each Section shall be clearly labeled. The Price Volume structure shall consist of the following sections:

• Price Volume – Section 3.1: Pricing Template

• Price Volume – Section 3.2: Contractor Price Narrative / Basis of Estimate

The price proposal shall include the overall firm-fixed-price in a single Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) per study approach. The Offeror shall provide total direct labor hours by skill mix, travel, and subcontracts in accordance with the price proposal sample format set forth in the omnibus BAA, Attachment A (also provided as Enclosure D, NASA Pricing Template).

• In the Price Forms contained in the omnibus BAA instructions, the Offeror shall add a table listing the breakout and value of corporate resources.

• In the Price Forms contained in the omnibus BAA instructions, the Offeror shall add a list of Government-contributed resources, if any, and the estimated value. Note, there is no Government Furnished Equipment/Government Furnished Property envisioned for the performance of the study contracts.

14.9. Enclosures

• Enclosure A: Appendix L: CIS Capability Studies in support of Wideband/Phased Array/Crosslink Topology (See Section 6, Capability Study and Demonstration Statement of Objectives (SOO))

• Enclosure B: NASA Model Contract

• Enclosure C: NASA Standard FAR Patent and Data Rights Clauses and Provisions

• Enclosure D: NASA Pricing Template

• Enclosure E: NASA Corporate Contribution Worksheet Template

15. Additional Proposal Guidance

15.1. Contract Structure

The Study contract is not to exceed three (3) months in duration. Payment milestones should reference studies completed for that payment.

15.2. Deliverables

The Offeror’s reports, briefings, demonstrations, and project communication will inform NASA of the study progress and results. The Offeror may propose additional deliverables to the focus areas listed within Appendix L’s Study Areas 1-3. The offeror shall also deliver a publicly releasable Executive Summary as stated in Section 14.2 within 5 days of contract award.

15.3. Briefings, Meetings, and Communications with NASA

• Kick-off Meeting, Mid-Term Briefing, and Final Briefing

• Status/project telecoms/web meetings – Anticipate on a bi-weekly basis. Will be held as needed, and mutually agreed upon.

• Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs) Will be held as needed, at a mutually agreed upon location or by teleconference.

15.4. Deliverable Schedule

• Kickoff meeting: ~ 10 days after award, expected at offeror facility or other mutually agreeable location or via teleconference.

• Mid-term Briefing: 45 days after award, expected at offeror facility or other mutually agreeable location or via teleconference.

• Final Briefing: 90 days after award, held at NASA GSFC, Greenbelt, MD or via teleconference.

16. Proposal Review Information

NASA will evaluate the entire proposal including attachments in accordance with the process as defined in the NextSTEP-2 Omnibus BAA, Section 5: Proposal Review Information and as defined in this Appendix below.

16.1. Compliance Review

NASA will perform a compliance review specifically defined in this Appendix.

NASA will prescreen all proposals including attachments for compliance with requirements of this solicitation and relevance. This includes submission of a complete proposal with all required elements:

• Submission of a proposal with an Executive Summary that meets the requirements in Section 5: Objectives of Appendix L. If, after reading the executive summary, it is determined that the proposal fails to meet the goals and objectives as outlined in Section 5:

Objectives of Appendix L, it shall be deemed non-compliant and will be withdrawn from the review process

• Submission of a proposal from an eligible applicant as specified in the Eligibility Information and Other Considerations in this Appendix L and in the NextSTEP-2 Omnibus BAA Eligibility Information

• Submission of a proposal that is consistent with the page limitations and formatting guidelines specified in this Appendix

• Submission of the proposal by the due date

• Proposal was submitted with all applicable attachments, including the Statement of Work, Model Contract, and other required attachments as identified.

NASA reserves the right to conduct due diligence exchanges with Offerors regarding compliance with the eligibility criteria. Non-compliant proposals will be withdrawn from the review process and declined without further review. Compliant proposals submitted in response to this BAA will undergo full evaluation.

16.2. Evaluation

NASA will evaluate each proposal and associated attachments as defined in the NextSTEP-2 Omnibus BAA, Section 5: Proposal Review Information and as defined below in this Appendix.

The Evaluation Panel will summarize the strengths and weaknesses of each proposal including attachments. The Evaluation Panel will evaluate all Factors using the following adjectival ratings:

Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, or Poor. The Evaluation Panel will evaluate in accordance with NASA Guidebook for Proposers Responding to a NASA Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), Appendix D.

16.3. Evaluation Criteria

NASA will review and evaluate proposals in accordance with the omnibus BAA, Section 5. NASA will evaluate proposals using the following evaluation factors, with each factor weighted as shown.

Factor 2 (Technical Merit) is the most important. Factor 3 (Price) is more important than Factor 1 (Relevance).

16.3.1. Factor 1 – Relevance: The Government will evaluate the relevance of the proposal to meet the services study objectives, the Government’s interests, and goals, including how the proposal addresses the notional study requirements and User Service Requirements.

The Government will also consider demonstrated knowledge and understanding of current NASA SCaN services and infrastructure, NASA’s vision for the future space communications and navigation architecture.

16.3.2. Factor 2 – Technical Merit: The Government will evaluate the quality, depth, and thoroughness of the proposed technical and public private partnership approach and the organization’s capabilities and the qualifications of key personnel. Demonstrated technical concept and ability to develop and provide hardware and software solutions to NASA missions, in the environment of space.

16.3.3. Factor 3 – Price: The Government will evaluate the overall cost reasonableness of the firm-fixed-price estimate and corporate contributions including the extent to which the Offeror complied with the specified dollar limits in this Announcement. The Government will evaluate the total direct labor hours by skill mix, travel, and subcontracts. In addition, an analysis will be done on the corporate contribution to ensure that it properly aligns with the proposed effort.

17. Award Information

17.1. Contract Award/Funding Availability

NASA reserves the right to select for award multiple, one, or none of the proposals in response to this Appendix. NASA intends to evaluate and select for award based on initial proposals without discussions. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if deemed in the best interest of the Government. Accordingly, each Offeror should submit its initial proposal to the Government using the most favorable terms from a cost and technical standpoint. After selection, NASA will enter into negotiations with selected Offerors to finalize the pricing and the terms and conditions of the contract. The overall number of awards will be dependent upon funding availability and evaluation results.

17.2. Period of Performance

As indicated in this Appendix L, NASA desires the period of performance not to exceed three (3) months for this effort.

17.3. Award Date

Initial source selection is anticipated 09/08/2023.

17.4. Funding Allocation

NASA has allotted an initial $800,000 to the total cumulative awards under these study areas as defined in Appendix L. The resulting contract(s) shall be firm-fixed-price with three (3) milestone payments. NASA may select one or more topics, or the entire proposed effort. The Government’s obligation to make awards is contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds from which payments can be made and the receipt of proposals that NASA determines are acceptable.

18. References

Commercialization, Innovation, and Synergies Office | ESC Public Site (nasa.gov) m2m-objectives-exec-summary.pdf (nasa.gov)

Near Space Network | ESC Public Site (nasa.gov)

Wideband User Terminal - Glenn Research Center | NASA www.nasa.gov/nextstep https://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/nraguidebook/ https://esc.gsfc.nasa.gov/projects/CIS?tab=overview https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/m2m-objectives-exec-summary.pdf https://esc.gsfc.nasa.gov/projects/NSN https://www1.grc.nasa.gov/space/scan/acs/tech-studies/wideband-user-terminal/ http://www.nasa.gov/nextstep https://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/nraguidebook/