SATPC0042365 Tab 06 RDSS..pdf

Page 1 V2.0 3-15-2017

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

NASA SHARED SERVICES CENTER

RECOMMENDATION AND DETERMINATION TO SOLICIT FROM ONE SOURCE

OR BRAND NAME

PICK ONE

Sole Source:

☒I recommend that NASA, NASA Shared Services Center negotiate with Areté Associates, Inc. only for a compact high powered Nd:YAG Laser. The total estimated cost of this product is and the estimated lead-time for delivery is 9 months after receipt of order.

OR

Brand Name Justification:

☐I recommend that NASA, NASA Shared Services Center negotiate with only with vendors who can provide the subject brand name from Manufacture Name for Enter Supply or Service to be procured. The total estimated cost of this effort is Enter Dollar amount and the estimated period of performance or lead-time for delivery is Date.

This recommendation is for the acquisition of supplies or services determined to be reasonably available from only one source/only one manufacture. Competition is impractical for the following reasons (please answer the questions below):

1. What are the reasons for soliciting only the suggested source/suggested brand name? Please provide the unique characteristics of the items or services along with the supporting rationale and the market research performed to substantiate your reason for the suggested source/brand name.

NASA LaRC is developing an Entry Navigation Sensor (ENS) in support of Space Technology and Space Exploration needs for safe entry, descent and landing on Mars, Earth and other planetary bodies.

We are currently developing a prototype unit for balloon and sounding rocket flights. Small size, weight and power (SWAP) is critical in this application and high laser energy per pulse is also required for a successful sensor. Also, the ability to operate of a wide range of temperatures and in a vibrational environment is critical.

Through a search of possible compact lasers, we have identified the Arete AIRTRAC-532 laser as most suitable for use as the laser source on the most near-term ENS instrument. None of the other commercially available lasers can simultaneously meet our performance (energy per pulse), physical (size and mass), and environmental (operational temperature range and vibration) requirements. Arete has developed a very compact laser with relatively high pulse energy utilizing a novel design that can operate over a wide temperature range without the need of an external thermal control unit. The Arete AIRTRAC-532 laser, developed primarily for military lidar applications, is also robust and can operate in helicopter vibration environment.

NASA Langley has previously purchased similar AIRTRAC lasers from Arete and has been satisfied with the performance and (importantly) has developed communication protocols for this laser, notably through timing and other control circuitry. Further, NASA is already investing time and resources in evaluating the Arete laser for space flight applications.

2. What is the impact to the government if another vendor/brand is used? Include any dollar, schedule, or compatibility impacts if possible.

This Arete laser is unique in its design and performance and there is no other commercially-available laser that can meet our requirements. Procuring a laser from a different vendor will not fully meet the