Satellite laser ranging services and data analysis for the space geodesy network and sensors calibration office

NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) plans to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP), on a sole source basis in accordance with 10 U.S.C 2304(c)(1), Only One Responsible Source. NASA's GSFC plans to obtain laser ranging operational support services for artificial earth satellites, and the maintenance and calibration of the McDonald Laser Ranging System (MLRS) located on McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis, Texas which is part of the NASA Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) Network. The University of Texas at Austin currently provides these services on NASA contract NNG12VI01C which is the latest of a succession of sole source contracts for this unique effort. The University of Texas owns the land on which the Laser Ranging facility has operated over the last 25 years. Therefore, no other source can provide laser ranging at the McDonald Observatory to meet the needs of the Space Geodesy program. These services are a continuation of the scientific and engineering mission operations support for the NASA SLR program. The services include operations of a satellite laser tracking station, data analysis, data assurance and quality control of MLRS data products in support of the International Laser Ranging Service (ILRS), the International Earth Rotation Services (IERS), and the Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS), as appropriate. A 5-year contract is anticipated.

This procurement is for the acquisition of services to support laser ranging operations to artificial earth- satellites, and the maintenance and calibration of the MLRS. MLRS is equipped to perform laser ranging to satellite and lunar targets. MLRS is an integrated system of University and NASA Government Furnished Property developed over the past forty years.

This procurement shall also provide for data analysis, data assurance and quality control of MLRS data products in support of the ILRS, IERS, and GGOS, as appropriate. These activities shall include updated geocenter time series estimates; evaluation of new and returning SLR stations as part of the normal acceptance testing; resolution of specific station coordinate problems; re-examination of the SLR estimates of the Earth's gravitational coefficient (GM) and the impact on scale within the international terrestrial reference frame (ITRF); precision orbit determination and verification; and participation in ILRS, IERS, and GGOS working group meetings.
Any other persons desiring consideration are requested to fully identify their interest and capabilities in writing within 15 days of the date of publication of this synopsis.

Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.

All responsible sources submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency.

An ombudsman has been appointed-See NASA Specific Note "B".