Execute a Reimbursable Space Act Agreement for the Development of Anthropomorphic Robots and Related Remote Robotic Technology

This is a modification 1 to the synopsis entitled Execute a Reimbursable Space Act Agreement for the Development of Anthropomorphic Robots and Related Remote Robotic Technology and 80JSC022Anthro which was posted on December 20, 2021. You are notified that the following changes are made:

Is to extend the response time to 5:00 p.m. Central Time January 14, 2022. 

The due date for responses is extended.

Offerors are responsible for monitoring this site for the release of the solicitation and any amendments.   Potential offerors are responsible for downloading their own copy of the solicitation and amendments (if any).

NASA/JSC has a requirement to execute a Reimbursable Space Act Agreement for the Development of Anthropomorphic Robots and Related Remote Robotic Technology

NASA/JSC intends to issue a sole source contract to execute a Reimbursable Space Act Agreement from Woodside Energy Ltd., an Australian energy production company headquartered in Perth, Western Australia.

The technical challenges and future use cases currently being addressed within NASA’s robotics research and development portfolio have significant synergy with many terrestrial applications relevant to other government agencies and commercial industry.  Continued NASA partnerships across government and industry provide an opportunity to leverage this synergy to mature critical robotic technology and rapidly advance the technology readiness level (TRL) of systems and solutions needed to improve mission performance and safety for all parties.

This proposed partnership is in response to Woodside Energy’s expressed interest in leveraging NASA robotic technology for research and development toward improved safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of operations in and around remote, hazardous, and/or not-normally-crewed facilities, locations, and equipment.  The subject agreement will be fully reimbursable in nature, funded by Woodside Energy, and extend for a period of five (5) years from the date of execution.  Specific activities are expected to include:

—   The joint research, design, development, and testing of anthropomorphic robots and control technologies relevant to the remote mobile dexterous manipulation needed to operate effectively in Woodside-relevant environments;

—   The temporary loan of an existing NASA Valkyrie humanoid robot to Woodside Energy for control and application development in their facilities in Australia;

—   The development and build of a next-generation field-prototype humanoid robot, leveraging previously developed NASA robotic technology and experience, for delivery to Woodside Energy; and

—   Joint testing of new systems and technology developed under this agreement.

Development under this Reimbursable Space Act Agreement is seen to leverage a strategic commercial and international partnership to foster innovation, optimize development, and advance agency objectives in the maturation of robotic technology.  The proposed activity is non-exclusive in nature and NASA is open to engaging with other potential partners in similar activities.  While this notice is not a request for proposals, any interested parties are encouraged to contact the listed NASA points-of-contact.

Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort electronically via email to Dr. Kimberly Hambuchen at kimberly.a.hambuchen@nasa.gov and Dr. Joshua Mehling at joshua.s.mehling@nasa.gov not later than 5:00 PM CST on January 3, 2022.  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 http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/pub/pub_library/Omb.html