GLOBAL HAWK SKYRANGE PAYLOAD ENGINEERING SUPPORT

NASA AFRC has a requirement for Senior Aerospace Engineering support required for the ongoing operation and capability expansion of the AFRC Global Hawk Project. This support includes: Provide engineering support for all aspects of the Project, including: NASA Global Hawk UAS platform and payload command, control, and communications expertise. Assist with integration design, development, test, and operations of NASA payloads with the associated understanding of aircraft systems. These systems are all unique to the NASA Global Hawk. Expansion of payload system capabilities as needed, testing, and operational implementation on the NASA Global Hawk. Global Hawk systems engineering and payload integration planning support, including coordination with contractor payload integration support tasks. Activities associated with the integration and testing of new instrument payloads and new payload configurations. Technical support associated with payload integration as directed by the NASA Global Hawk SkyRange Project Manager. Support Payload Manager/Flight Coordinator during GH flight operations. Assist the GH project in hosting sensor teams at both AFRC and deployed missions locations. Support other organizations performing sensor development or concept studies associated with installation on the NASA Global Hawk. NASA/AFRC intends to issue a sole source contract to acquire the services from Fratello, Inc. This effort is a continuation of the work previously done on BPA NND16FR01Z in support of the NASA Global Hawk Project. The Northrop Grumman Global Hawk is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) used by the United States Air Force and Navy as surveillance aircraft. The Global Hawk is not a common aircraft and the NASA version of the Global Hawk has been modified to suit NASA’s unique Project requirements. NASA’s Global Hawk has different payload and ground control station systems and is not similar to the USAF, Navy, or other operational Global Hawk systems. The Contractor has one-of-a-kind Global Hawk experience and knowledge for the basic NASA aircraft and ground control station configurations, which is different from any other Global Hawk currently in service. This in-depth knowledge of the NASA Global Hawk system is required to ensure that payloads can be safely integrated while meeting the unique requirements for the NASA systems, such as environmental, power, and data requirements. Knowledge of the entire NASA Global Hawk system, including operational environments and payload accommodations, is required to meet this timeline and ensure that the integration process results in the safe, efficient operation of each payload. This experience of the specialized payload system that has been installed in the NASA aircraft and the ground control station and the familiarity with the different sensor project payloads being tasked to the NASA Global Hawk Project is unique and would take time to replace. The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort electronically via email to Rosalia Toberman, [email protected] and Lauren Bechel, [email protected] not later than 2:00 PM PST on February 22, 2021. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this acquisition on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to compete this acquisition on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/pub/pub_library/Omb.html