JPL Honeycomb Panel for the Actuated Table Testbed (ATTB) Project Request for Information (RFI)

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) an operating division of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) staffed with Caltech employees is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) under the sponsorship of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The Laboratory is seeking fabrication of 144-inch diameter, vacuum compatible, honeycomb panel for the ATTB project. Information on the Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost, construction, and schedule is desired in an open competition to all sources.

SYNOPSIS
JPL is evaluating proposals for the acquisition of a large honeycomb disc for use as an optical bench and is exploring the options for the design, construction, schedule, and purchase of this bench. Optical components will be mounted to the bench in a laboratory environment at room temperature. The optical bench will then be supported on actuating struts. The alignment of the optical components to one another is critical and must be maintained for testing in laboratory conditions, during transport and handling of the assembly, and while under vacuum conditions. The panel will need to meet loads and requirements imposed by each of these cases.

LOCATION
California is preferable due to high shipping costs; however, this opportunity is open to call location sources.

REQUIREMENTS

Because some of the documents are export controlled, it is required that interested proposers (U.S. citizens only) contact JPL Subcontracts Manager Tomas Koponen to receive the solicitation documents (i.e., exhibits and attachments.)

If your company wishes to be considered as a potential source for this procurement, you are requested to provide a response to this RFI with information of the following:

1. Cost of the design and fabrication of the completed panel

2. Cost of bakeout

3. Cost of a cleanroom compatible shipping container

4. Cost of shipping to JPL

5. Design and delivery schedule

6. Difference in cost, schedule, and manufacturability of the panel constructed as a single piece 2, 3 and 6 radial pieces

7. Expected mass of the completed panel

8. Ability to match the CTE of the facesheets, both top and bottom, between sections, and the CTE of the core between sections (as a +/- percentage), and the methodology that would be employed

9. Identification of any long-lead items

10. Details regarding practices that would be employed for the construction of the panel, inserts, bonding, and joints

11. Any recommended changes in materials or construction, to support manufacturability and schedule. Any additional changes that would result in cost savings or schedule savings, especially core alternatives.

12. Company experience in designing and fabricating similar sized, vacuum compatible, panels with optical levels of stability

13. A list of materials that would be used in the construction of the panel (Al alloys, adhesives, core-fill, etc.) and the application and location of each

14. Any assumptions or deviations from this RFI and the included reference design

RESPONSES DUE

- RFI Q&A Cutoff: 08-JAN-2018 COB

- Response Due: 18-JAN-2018 COB

The Laboratory requests all interested parties respond to JPL, Attention: Small Business Programs Office, M/S 201-205, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91109-8099 or via email to maryhelen.ruiz@jpl.nasa.gov

DISCLAIMER
It is emphasized that the requested information is for preliminary planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that JPL will solicit you for such a procurement in the future. Neither JPL nor the Government will be responsible for any costs incurred by you in the furnishing of this information. Response to the RFI is not required for participation in any future competition and response to the RFI does not commit you to participation in any future competition. Prospective subcontractors are advised that any information provided shall be deemed to be furnished with unlimited rights to JPL, with JPL assuming no liability for the disclosure, use, or reproduction of such data.