Secondary Payload Avionics Unit (SPAU)

Background
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is issuing this justification for other than full and open competition to procure Secondary Payload Avionics Units (AUs) and engineering support for the Artemis missions, specifically Artemis IV and V.

The contract aims to provide critical avionics components necessary for the Space Launch System (SLS) Secondary Payload Deployment System (SPDS), which is essential for controlling the deployment of secondary payloads from the Orion Stage Adaptor during these missions. This initiative is part of NASA's broader mission to safely land humans on the lunar surface as part of its Artemis campaign, which includes multiple interconnected programs aimed at advancing U.S. interests in space exploration.

Work Details
The contract will involve the procurement of Secondary Payload AUs, which include a sequencer capable of storing and executing multiple deployment scenarios, as well as a battery to supply power to the deployment system throughout mission objectives.

The contractor will also provide engineering support for Artemis IV and V missions, including a spare unit. Space Vector LLC is identified as the sole-source provider due to their proven flight heritage with AUs that have successfully flown on previous Artemis missions (Artemis I and II) and their readiness for integration with existing systems. The contract is critical to ensure timely delivery of integrated systems to meet NASA's launch schedule, which requires that the MSA with integrated SPDS be delivered no less than nine months prior to launch.

Period of Performance
The anticipated period of performance aligns with NASA's mission timeline, aiming for completion before the launch of Artemis IV in early 2028.

This includes necessary development, qualification, and integration phases that must occur within a constrained timeframe due to the urgency of returning humans to the Moon.

Place of Performance
Chatsworth CA 91311 UNITED STATES

Bidder Requirements
Space Vector LLC is uniquely qualified as they are the designer, developer, and qualified manufacturer of flight-ready AUs that have already been tested in previous missions. Their established integration compatibility with existing systems makes them the only responsible source capable of meeting program schedules without introducing significant delays.

Incumbent Analysis (see Incumbents section for more detail)
This opportunity appears to have a confirmed incumbent based on NASA’s prior contract NNM15AA16C awarded to Space Vector for “Secondary Payload Deployment System Avionics System,” including an avionics unit for the Multipurpose Crew Vehicle Stage Adapter and continued engineering support through mission objectives. The current requirement for Secondary Payload Avionics Units (sequencer and battery) and engineering support for Artemis IV/V, including a spare unit, aligns with the same deployment-system avionics function and mission context, suggesting the work is a continuation or follow-on procurement of the previously delivered AU capability.