REQUEST FOR INFORMATION FOR LONG ENDURANCE UNINHABITED AERIAL VEHICLES FORNASA LARC MISSIONS
1.0 Description: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Langley Research Center (LaRC) recognizes the potential for many mission applications that are well suited to long endurance UAV platforms, particularly with the next generation of UAV platforms currently in development. For the purposes of this RFI, NASA LaRC is defining long endurance as missions lasting greater than 24 hours. 2.0 Information Desired: The purpose of this RFI is to obtain information to help inform studies being conducted by NASA LaRCs Systems Analysis and Concepts Directorate exploring what the current state-of-the-art provides in terms of long endurance UAV capability and the potential applications for the next generation of long endurance UAV platforms. Technologies that are applicable to this RFI include those technologies that provide long endurance UAV capabilities, autonomy and autonomous subsystems that can enable reduced ground footprint and operational costs, modular payloads and global reach. This RFI seeks information from providers on platforms, which will enable future NASA mission applications (e.g., monitoring extreme weather events, hurricane genesis/evolution/landfall, coastal area assessment, forest fire mapping, and technology demonstration missions) or profoundly benefit current mission applications. Specifically, providers of information should address the following topics in their submission: 2.1 Describe current or projected long endurance UAV technology including platforms and ground control systems in terms of performance and concept of operations. The minimum UAV capabilities desired are the ability to carry 300 kg of payload and provide 3 kW of continuous power to the payload for a long endurance mission lasting greater than 24 hours. 2.2 Describe any current or future technology or concepts of operations that enables lower life cycle costs compared to todays systems. Reduced operational costs and increased mission flexibility and reliability are also of great interest. 2.3 Describe the maturity level of the technology. (See http://www.nasa.gov/content /technology-readiness-level and http://esto.nasa.gov/files/trl_defi nitions.pdf ). 3.0 Other Information to Respondents Responses to this RFI will help NASA Langley identify potential future mission opportunities and applications. NASA Langley is considering measurements concepts that would address some of NASAs most pressing future needs and may be included in future NASA announcements of opportunity. Responses This section contains all information required to submit a response. No additional forms or other materials are required. NASA appreciates responses from all capable and qualified sources that meet the following format. Section 1- A non-proprietary cover sheet that identifies this RFI by number and title, organization making the response, responder's technical and administrative points of contact which includes names, titles, postal address, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses. Section 2- A description of company capabilities and relevant recent experience and past performance in similar development activities. Section 3- A description of the proposed current or future technical capabilities relevant to the mission area described herein. - Describe current or projected long endurance UAV technology including platforms and ground control systems in terms of performance and concept of operations. The minimum UAV capabilities desired are the ability to carry 300 kg of payload and provide 3 kW of continuous power to the payload for a long endurance mission lasting greater than 24 hours. Capabilities that are considered critical to enabling future UAV missions include: long range, endurance, platform availability, all-weather operations, high-altitude operations, rapid deployment, and precise aircraft state data and trajectories. (Note: For background information, a three-volume document, Earth Observations and the Role of the UAVs: A Capabilities Assessment is located on the NASA website and presents the findings of a NASA-led capabilities assessment of Uninhabited Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for civil (defined as non-DoD) use in Earth observations in the 2006 timeframe. http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/pdf/175939main_Earth_Obs_UAV_Vol_1_v1.1_Final.pdf ) - Describe any current or future technology or concepts of operations that enables lower life cycle costs compared to todays systems (e.g., autonomous mission management, sense and avoid technology, over-the-horizon communication, onboard health monitoring). Reduced operational costs and increased mission flexibility and reliability are also of great interest. - Describe the maturity level of the technology. (See http://www.nasa.gov/content /technology-readiness-level and http://esto.nasa.gov/files/trl_defi nitions.pdf ). All responses are to be for general access by Government personnel. Any proprietary information submitted must be clearly and separately identified and marked and will be appropriately protected. The Government will not be responsible for any proprietary information not clearly marked. This RFI is for information and planning purposes and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government nor will the Government pay for information solicited. Responses to this RFI are open to all categories of U.S. and non-U.S. organizations. Responses to this RFI shall be limited to 10 pages in not less than12-point font. All responses shall be submitted to LaRC electronically via email by 5:00pm EST on August 18, 2014 to Craig Nickol ([email protected]) and Brad Gardner ([email protected]). Technical and Programmatic questions regarding this RFI should be directed to [email protected] and procurement questions should be directed to [email protected].
Robert B. Gardner, Contracting Officer, Phone 757-864-2525, Fax 757-864-7898, Email [email protected] - Teresa M Hass, Contracting Officer, Phone 757-864-8496, Fax 757-864-8863, Email [email protected]
Robert B. Gardner
