Solicitation Number:

NNC08ZCH020O

Notice Type:

Sources Sought

Synopsis:

NASA/GRC is hereby soliciting information about potential sources for anExtravehicular Activity (EVA) Helmet Mounted Display (HMD).PURPOSE OF THIS SYNOPSIS:The purpose of this synopsis is to request information on capabilities of potentialofferors to develop the anticipated HMD as described in the attached "ProposedRequirements for EVA Helmet Mounted Display". The information received will assist us indetermining if this will be a small business set-aside or a full and open competition. Information received as a result of this notice will be considered by the Government andused for acquisition planning purposes only:BACKGROUND:Current ISS and Shuttle EVA crewmember information displays will not meet the need ofConstellation Program's Extravehicular Activities that will be performed on the Lunarsurface. Crewmembers will need access to extended information including: proceduralchecklists, suit status information, caution and warning information, navigational aids,biomedical sensor readings, metabolic rate, and still imagery and video. TheConstellation Program's next generation of space suits will require the means to displaythe graphical information listed above, ideally using a hands free device, such as anHMD.PROPOSED WORK:NASA Glenn Research Center is anticipating a 2 phase requirement, with the phasesdescribed as follows:Phase 1: Development of the optical technologies needed to create a usable, decoupledHMD system. Phase 1 is the development of a functional model that can be used forlab-based and field-based evaluations of the display concept. Since the packing of theoptical delivery system is as much a technology driver as optical performance, theinitial phase must be in a form, fit, and function close to that called for in a flightsystem. Less important in the first phase is packaging and power consumption ofassociated electronics and microdisplay source. In phase 1, any prototype should havethe ability to be located in multiple places so that display positioning can beevaluated. As optical performance is key, the goal will be to produce a prototype withoptics that permit Technology Readiness Level (TRL) between 3 and 4, with evaluation in aprototype suit, ideally with the helmet installed and the suit pressurized. See"Proposed Requirements for EVA Helmet Mounted Display" attached for further Phase 1requirements.Phase 2: Will be an option, and will consist of developing a higher fidelity model withtighter packaging and power constraints using more flight-like materials. The Phase 2prototype would permit TRL between 5 and 6. Phase 2 will also be used to improve uponPhase 1 optical parameters that were identified as deficient following the Phase 1evaluation and field-testing. Note: Prototype systems will be delivered at the completion of each phase. Integral toall phases of development is the physical interface with the suit helmet and bubble.HOW TO RESPOND: The response MUST include the following, and MUST include REFERENCE NUMBER NNC08ZCH020O:1) Company name, address, point of contact, phone, fax, e-mail, and website (ifapplicable).2) Indication of whether your company is a Large business, Small business, SmallDisadvantaged Business, 8(a) Set-aside Small business, HUBZone Small business,Woman-owned Small business, Veteran-owned Small business, HBCU/MI, Service-DisabledVeteran-owned Small business for NAICS code 541712. The size standard is 500 employees.3) Indication of whether or not your company has a DCAA approved accounting system tosupport a cost type contract. 4) A capability statement of 10 PAGES or less. There is no required font size and/ortype designed for this statement. No solicitation exists; therefore, do not request a copy of the solicitation. If asolicitation is released it will be synopsized in FedBizOpps and on the NASA AcquisitionInternet Service. It is the potential offerors responsibility to monitor these sitesfor the release of any solicitation or synopsis.Technical questions should be directed to: Michael Lewis at 216-433-6602.Procurement related questions should be directed to: Heidi Shaw at 216-433-5346.Please advise if the requirement is considered to be a commercial or commercial-typeproduct. A commercial item is defined in FAR 2.101.This synopsis is for information and planning purposes and is not to be construed as acommitment by the Government nor will the Government pay for information solicited. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the evaluation. Respondents deemedfully qualified will be considered in any resultant solicitation for the requirement. The Government reserves the right to consider a small business or 8(a) set-aside based onresponses hereto.Responses are requested by: May 12, 2008.Responses may be sent via the following methods:E-Mail to: Heidi.D.Shaw@nasa.govFAX: 216-433-2480, Attn: Heidi D. ShawMail: NASA Glenn Research Center Attn: Heidi D. Shaw, M.S. 500-319 21000 Brookpark Road Cleveland, OH 44135

Contracting Office Address:

NASA/Glenn Research Center, 21000 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, OH 44135

Point of Contact(s):

Heidi D. Shaw, Contract Specialist, Phone 216-433-5346, Fax 216-433-2480, Email Heidi.D.Shaw@grc.nasa.gov - Michael Lewis, Technical Point of Contact, Phone 216-433-6602, Fax 216-433-8000, Email Michael.J.Lewis@nasa.gov Heidi D. Shaw