FINAL RFP GEOSTATIONARY EXTENDED OBSERVATIONS (GEOXO) LIGHTNING MAPPER (LMX) INSTRUMENT IMPLEMENTATION

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) plans to issue a Sole Source new work Modification to Lockheed Martin for the Geostationary Extended Observations (GeoXO) Lightning Mapper (LMX) contract. This modification is for delivery of a Lightning Mapper (LM) flight unit and associated services, utilizing existing Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) tested spare subsystem components and subsystem units. In support of NOAA’s GeoXO Program, NASA GSFC requires delivery of a flight unit and assocated services to ensure compatibility with spacecraft integration timelines and continuity in national environmental monitoring capabilities and severe weather predictions. LM operational data that will be used by National Oceanic and Atmoshperic Administration (NOAA)  and other public and private agencies to produce forecasts of severe weather and to issue warnings for public safety.

Required efforts include:

• Assemble and deliver one LM instrument utilizing existing spare sub-assembly units, including any needed flight software updates
• Conduct instrument-level environmental testing
• Execute pre-ship review and delivery of qualified flight hardware by 2030
• Provide documentation and data packages in accordance with contract requirements
• Deliver LM configured for spacecraft integration
• Support spacecraft-level integration and system testing
• Participate in pre-launch testing and launch site operations
• Support launch operations and early on-orbit validation
• Conduct post-launch calibration to confirm operational performance

NASA intends to reuse spare components originally manufactured and qualified by Lockheed Martin. Based on the unique and highly intricate design of the Lightning Mapper instrument, along with required precision manufacturing processes, special test equipment, test fixtures, specialized and skilled workforce, in-depth calibration procedures, and institutional expertise and knowledge required to provide the LM by April 2030, Lockheed Martin is the only qualified vendor that meets the requirements for this procurement.

All contractual and technical questions must be submitted electronically via email to Kelly.r.lytton@nasa.gov no later than 15 days from posting date. Telephone questions will not be accepted.