Noqsi Technical Design Services

NASA's National Shared Services Center (NSSC) is seeking to procure a specialized technical design service for developing a two-channel Silicon Drift Detector (SDD) timing and spectroscopy system. The procurement is specifically targeted at Noqsi Aerospace, LTD as a sole-source contract under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), leveraging their unique expertise in detector development, particularly their work on the NICER detector currently in use at NASA. The government intends to acquire these commercial items using provisions from FAR Part 12 and Part 13, with performance located at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications in writing to dorothy.s.baskin@nasa.gov by February 3, 2025 at 11:59 a.m. EST. The submissions will be evaluated solely to determine whether the procurement will be conducted on a competitive basis, with the government retaining full discretion in making this determination.

The contract opportunity is designated as a Total Small Business set-aside under NAICS code 541990 for Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services. The specific project involves developing the Quantitative Elemental Reconnaissance Instrument (QuERI), with work to be performed by Noqsi Aerospace in Billerica, MA from December 15, 2024 through September 30, 2025. The contract requires the contractor to translate scientific requirements into engineering specifications, develop electronic architecture and schematics, create netlists and bills of materials, test and characterize electronics, and participate in design revision and documentation processes. While no specific award value is mentioned, the contract will involve designing a sophisticated SDD system that builds upon the NICER heritage design, integrating an FPGA and interfaces for various system components. The procurement will utilize NASA Clause 1852.215-84, which includes provisions for an acquisition ombudsman.