Satellite Optics

Naval Research Laboratory - Request for Information (RFI)

Small Satellite Survey Optics

The Naval Research Lab (NRL) is posting a Request for Information (RFI) and seeking potential sources for planning purposes only. This notice is not a formal Request for Proposal (RFP).  No awards will be made from the responses to this announcement. The Government will not reimburse any costs associated with the development and submission of materials in response to this request. There is no solicitation available at this time. However, should a requirement materialize, no basis for claims against NRL shall arise as a result of a response to this notice or NRL’s use of such information as either part of our evaluation process or in developing specifications for any subsequent requirement. Inquiries for additional information other than that provided herein will receive no response. 

Objective:

 Optical space domain awareness (SDA) sensors often face difficult trades between field of view and sensitivity. Detecting objects of interest at significant range requires large effective apertures, but surveillance of unknown or maneuverable objects requires fields of view of at least several degrees. Along with modern large-format detectors and advanced image processing techniques, fast, moderate-to-large aperture space telescopes are required to meet this need.

NRL is interested in optics meeting the below technical parameters suitable for deployment on Evolved Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA)-class small satellites (ESPA, ESPA Grande) as part of an SDA payload. Potential missions may use any orbit regime (LEO to xGEO/Cislunar) with mission lifetimes of three to five years. Solutions are ideally COTS, Modified COTS (MCOTS) or Modified Off-The Shelf (MOTS) telescopes, however custom designs meeting NRLs needs are still of interest if space optics design experience, testing, or flight heritage of similar telescopes can be appropriately demonstrated.

Complete sensor payload solutions are not of interest; this requirement is seeking a telescope (i.e. not complete payload) only. However, space flight heritage in a complete payload shall be noted and will be viewed favorably.

Technical Requirements: See attached .pdf file for details. 

Business Classifications:                  NAICS:          334511           PSC:  6650

Contractor Response:

This is an initial posting related to this potential requirement. The intent of this Source Sought is to gauge industry interest, small business interest, capabilities and relevant experience to support NRL personnel in performing the task areas listed above.  Industry response could help shape the direction of this potential requirement by highlighting unknown or emerging technology, therefore response is highly encouraged. A small business set-aside decision may be made as a result of the responses to this RFI.

If your organization has the capability of providing the supplies required, NRL asks that interested parties, at a minimum, supply the following information in the form of a Capabilities Statement:

1. Business name and address;
2. Name of company representative, business title and email;
3. Telephone number, address, and e-mail address of POC
4. Large or Small Business Size and Type of Small Business (if applicable);
5. Cage Code;
6. UEID Number;
7. Interested businesses should submit a brief Capabilities Statement package (no more than five pages) demonstrating their ability to perform the research required under this posting. Demonstrated past performance providing similar services should be detailed, if applicable.  

Submission of Information:

All information and data received in response to this posting marked or designated as corporate or proprietary information will be protected as such. Please include this notice number on all documents and email correspondence. Classified Material shall NOT be submitted. Please transmit responses by e-mail to Richard Waterstreet, Contract Specialist, at Richard.Waterstreet@nrl.navy.mil in either Microsoft Office or .pdf format.

All responses must be received on or before the time specified in the announcement.

This is not a request for proposals. Phone solicitations or emails regarding the status of this RFI will receive no response.