Spacetech-reddi-15 NRA appendix utilizing public-private partnerships to advance tipping point technologies

Description The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Headquarters, anticipates a release of a solicitation, titled "Utilizing Public-Private Partnerships to Advance Tipping Point Technologies," as an Appendix to the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) NASA Research Announcement (NRA), titled "Space Technology Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion - 2015 (SpaceTech-REDDI-2015)," on or about May 21, 2015. Once the Appendix is posted, the complete solicitation (to include due dates) can be accessed via the following steps:

1. Open the NSPIRES homepage at http://nspires.nasaprs.com/ 2. Select "Solicitations" 3. Select "Open Solicitations" 4. Select "Space Technology Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion - 2015 (SpaceTech-REDDI-2015) NNH15ZOA001N" 5. Select "List of Open Program Elements" and select the appropriate link.

With this Appendix, NASA continues to embrace public-private partnerships to achieve its strategic goals for expanding capabilities and opportunities in space. With the recent increase of U.S. private sector companies interested in space applications, NASA is seeking commercial space technologies that are at a "tipping point" in their development. For the purpose of this Appendix, a space technology is at a tipping point if an investment in a ground development / demonstration or a flight demonstration will result in a significant advancement of the technology's maturation, a high likelihood for utilization of the technology in a commercially fielded space application, and a significant improvement in the offerors' ability to successfully bring the space technology to market.

NASA is interested in advancing these new capabilities to a point that industry would develop and qualify them for market without further government investments. These technologies should have a substantial benefit to both the commercial and government sectors once the validation/demonstration project completes. NASA does not envision supporting the final qualification and acceptance of operational systems, but instead views STMD's role as providing support for key system-level development and demonstration beyond which industry could proceed without additional government investments. The following topics are anticipated:

Topic 1: Robotic In-Space Manufacturing and Assembly of Spacecraft and Space Structures

Topic 2: Low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) Instruments for Remote Sensing Applications

Topic 3: Small Spacecraft Attitude Determination and Control (ADC) Sensors and Actuators

Topic 4: Small Spacecraft Propulsion Systems

Proposed efforts to this Appendix must be led by U.S. industry. The offeror may propose any teaming arrangement (e.g. academia, non-profit, FFRDC, NASA civil servants, JPL) that optimizes the potential for rapid development and infusion of the space technology. Partnerships with NASA civil servants and Jet Propulsion Laboratory employees are highly encouraged. It is anticipated the resultant awards will be firm fixed price contracts that will require a minimum 25 percent corporate or customer contribution.

All proposals must be submitted electronically through NSPIRES by an authorized organizational representative (AOR). Detailed submission instructions are provided in the SpaceTech-REDDI-2015 NRA, as well as the Guidebook for Proposers Responding to a NASA Research Announcement (NRA) or Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN) (Edition January 2015). Potential proposers and their proposing organizations are urged to familiarize themselves with the submission system, ensure they are registered in NSPIRES, and submit the required proposal materials well in advance of the deadline.

Interested proposers should monitor the NSPIRES website or subscribe to the electronic notification system for release of the SpaceTech-REDDI-2015 Appendices.

Technical, programmatic, and procurement comments and questions may be addressed by e-mail to HQ-STMD-TippingPointAppendix@nasap rs.com . Responses to inquiries will be answered by e-mail and may also be included in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document located on the NSPIRES page associated with the Appendix; anonymity of persons/institutions who submit questions will be preserved.