Commercial Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) Sensor for On Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (OSAM-1) Mission - Sole Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA), Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) Code 176.1, Office for Program Support, intends to negotiate solely with Jena-Optronik located in Jena, Germany to deliver a spaceflight qualified commercial light detection and ranging (LIDAR) including integration and testing auxiliary equipment to support the On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (OSAM-1) mission.  The Government intends to acquire a commercial item and this action is in accordance with 41 U.S.C. 1901.

NASA GSFC is involved in a space-based robotic capture, repair, and refueling technology demonstration mission that requires a sensor that can measure range. NASA GSFC is currently developing hardware for OSAM-1 to capture and refuel an existing satellite. The OSAM-1 Launch Readiness Date is February 2026 and the mission will involve going to low Earth orbit to rendezvous, grapple and dock with an Earth observing satellite (Landsat 7) that has been in orbit since 1999.  To successfully conduct its mission objective, the OSAM-1 project requires a Commercial Lidar that meets the OSAM-1 requirement for range measurements of the satellite to be captured; is based on a technology previously developed and proven to be successful on-orbit (i.e., Technology Readiness Level of 9); is compatible with the current OSAM-1 electrical, mechanical, and communications architecture; and is able to be fabricated and delivered within 18 months of award.

Jena-Optronik’s commercial LIDAR sensor is the only sensor that satisfies NASA’s need, as their sensor meets OSAM-1 requirement for range measurements of the satellite to be captured between 1.5 m and 250 m; has been demonstrated to meet the range requirements on orbit and on a mock-up of the OSAM-1 client during a ground-based test campaign; is compatible with the current OSAM-1 electrical, mechanical, and communications architecture and is based on a technology that has been previously developed and proven to be successful on-orbit.   In addition to having been flown commercially, the Jena-Optronik commercial LIDAR has flown successfully on other earth orbit missions and is designed for rendezvous and docking to the International Space Station.  It is the only sensor that is reasonably able to be assembled, tested, and delivered within 18 months of award.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) for this requirement is 336419; Small Business Size: 1,050 Employees.

Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort electronically via email to Bianca A. Peters at bianca.a.peters@nasa.gov, Kevin H. Miller at kevin.h.miller@nasa.gov, and Antwan G. Reid at Antwan.G.Reid@nasa.gov not later than 4:30pm EST on November 14, 2023.  Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this acquisition on a competitive basis.  A determination by the Government not to compete this acquisition on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government.

NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at : https://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/regs/Procurement-Ombuds-Comp-Advocate-Listing.pdf