Thu, Mar 22, 2007
Inexpensive Satellites The Goal
Aero-News learned this week NASA selected Space Systems Loral
of Palo Alto, CA and MicroSat Systems of Littleton, CO for award of
two Rapid Spacecraft Development Office -- known as Rapid II --
contracts with a minimum value of $50,000 each.
This award is under a commercial, fixed price, indefinite
delivery/indefinite quantity contract. Each of the Rapid II
contracts has a potential maximum value of $1.5 billion.
Rapid II is a multiple award contract for core spacecraft
systems and non-standard services. The services may include
operations, components and studies to meet the government's space,
Earth science and technology needs.
The principal purpose of this contract is to provide core
spacecraft systems with any necessary modifications to meet
specific mission needs. The baseline scope of work includes
fabrication and test of the spacecraft with mission specific design
modifications; generation of interface control documents,
instrument and full spacecraft integration; test, shipment to
launch site, launch vehicle integration support and on-orbit
checkout.
In January 2000, NASA awarded the initial Rapid II contracts.
New vendors periodically are added if qualified. This award is the
result of such an action, and the vendors are eligible to compete
for future spacecraft systems that NASA or other federal agencies
may require.
The principal work will be performed at the contractors'
facilities with additional work required at the government launch
site.
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