STATEMENTOFWORK_Koss_86438.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

PI: Michael Koss

The First Glimpse of A Candidate Recoiling Black Hole

March 16, 2021

PR: _____________________

Background

The coalescence of binary supermassive black holes (SMBH) in galaxy mergers is thought to constitute the strongest source of gravitational waves. Theory suggests these waves carry momentum causing the merged black hole to experience a velocity recoil or kick that displaces or indeed ejects it from the center of its host galaxy. We request the fi rst XMM-Newton and HST imaging of RXJ1756.4+5235, a source with an o ffset broad line point source that is offset from the nucleus of a nearby galaxy to resolve whether the source is a potential recoiling black hole or a close dual AGN.

Scope The successful contractor for this procurement shall:

1. Reduce the data associated with the XMM observations and pursue a scientific study of the results.

Requirements

The contractor shall conduct an initial reduction of the data.

The contractor shall write a paper on the results to submit to a scientific journal such as MNRAS or other publication.

The contractor shall give a presentation on the results at a scientific conference.

Deliverables or Delivery Schedule

1. The Contractor shall deliver a final report as defined which shall include the following:

a. Understanding of the analysis

b. Summary of the methodology used

c. Summary of papers and conference presentation.

2. The delivery with be within 365 days after contract award.

Government-Furnished Equipment and Government-Furnished Information No government-furnished equipment is used.

Place of Performance

The work will be performed at the contractor’s site.

Period of Performance The period of performance for this work is 365 calendar days from contract award.