Draft RFP - Near Earth Orbit Network Program's Sounder for Microwave-Based Applications

THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. NO PROPOSALS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO THIS NOTICE.

This notice is issued by the NASA/GSFC to post a Draft RFP to solicit responses from interested parties. This document is for information and planning purposes and to allow industry the opportunity to verify reasonableness and feasibility of the requirement, as well as promote competition.

This Draft RFP is for the Sounder for Microwave-Based Applications (SMBA) requirement. The principal purpose of this requirement is to design, develop, and support the SMBA instruments under the Near Earth Orbit Network (NEON) program.

This presolicitation synopsis is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government, nor will the Government pay for the information submitted in response. The Government may not respond to questions/concerns submitted. The Government will use the information to finalize the RFP as necessary.

All comments or questions shall be submitted electronically via email to Bruce Tsai at Bruce.B.Tsai@nasa.gov no later than 5:00 PM Eastern Time on May 9, 2025. When responding, reference DRFP-NEON-SMBA-2025.

NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at: https://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/regs/Procurement-Ombuds-Comp-Advocate-Listing.pdf

If a solicitation is released, then it and any additional documents will be available on Sam.gov. It is the offeror's responsibility to monitor this website for the release of the solicitation and amendments (if any). Potential offerors will be responsible for downloading their own copy of the solicitation and amendments, if any.

NASA intends to publicize a listing of respondents to facilitate teaming arrangements. Should your firm desire not to be included in this listing, clearly indicate this desire in your response.

Amendment 1: Virtual Industry Day - Please refer to the document entitled, "Post-DRFP Industry Day.pdf" for instructions

Amendment 2: 1. Attach "SMBA Post-DRFP Industry Day Slides.pdf"; 2. Update the planned release timeframe for the final Request for Proposal to Calendar Year 2025, Quarter 4; and 3. Note: The Government may share major changes between the Draft and Final Request for Proposal as an amendment to this posting.

Amendment 3: Extend the Draft RFP response date for vendor feedback to May 30, 2025.

Amendment 4: The Government is contemplating a Firm Fixed Price contract with severable funding.

This entails a Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) structure where funding must be obligated and expended within the timeframe specified by the appropriations type. Please provide feedback on: 1. Positive and negative effects on your business from this contract structure; and 2. Preferred CLIN structure in this scenario (e.g, broken out by milestones, etc...) To ensure your feedback is considered, provide feedback as soon as possible, even if it’s separate from the Draft RFP response.

Amendment 5: 1. Update Attachment J - Contract Work Breakdown Structure; and 2. Add Enclosure 1 - Performance Evaluation Plan, Enclosure 2 - Cost Exhibits 1-7, Enclosure 3 - Past Performance Questionnaire, and Enclosure 4 - Financial Capability Disclosure.

Amendment 6: Provide Attachment N documents: 1. Goddard Procedural Requirements (GPR) 7120.4E - Risk Management Procedural Requirements; and 2. 470-LEO-ANYS-0018, Revision -, Radiation Environment for the Low Earth Orbit Programs Division Near Earth Orbit Network Program Assets.

Amendment 7: Potential offerors should continue the request in Amendment 4, but omit the portion addressing severability. This entails providing the feedback in Items 1 and 2 for a Firm Fixed Price contract type.

Amendment 8: Post Questions and Answers 1-4