AZ Technology, Inc
7047 Old Madison Pike, Suite 300
Huntsville, AL 35806
Telephone: (256) 837-9877
Fax: (256) 837-1155
Table of Contents Page
SIN Description of Services........... ............................... 1
Labor Category Descriptions........ ............................... 2
Services Based on Fixed Unit Price...................... ............................... 7
Labor Rates......... ............................... 7
Company Overview.............. ............................... 9
SIN C
6635: Technical Training and Support
(Ancillary Services) for
Physical
Properties Testing and Inspection (615-5005)..................... ............................... 8
SIN C
6635: Technical/Application Development
Support (Ancillary Services) for Physical Properties
Testing
and Inspection (615-5006)..................... ............................... 8
SIN C
6650A: Equipment Maintenance and Repair
for AZ
Technology
Optical Instruments, Test Equipment, Components and Accessories (615-5000)..................... ............................... 8
SIN C
6650A: Service Agreements (Ancillary
Services) for
AZ
Technology Optical Instruments, Test Equipment, Components and Accessories
(615-5004)..................... ............................... 8
SIN C
6650A: Technical Training and Support
(Ancillary Services) for AZ Technology
Optical
Instruments, Test Equipment, Components and Accessories (615-5005)..................... ............................... 8
SIN C
6650A: Technical/Application Development
Support for Optical Instruments,
Test
Equipment, Components and Accessories (615-5006)..................... ............................... 8
SIN C
H999: Chemical Testing and Analysis
(873-2)................... ............................... 8
SIN C
J099: Preparation and Application of
Chemical Compounds (801-001, 801-002, 801-003)....................... ............................... 8
SIN C
R425: Professional Engineering Services
(871-1, 871-2, 871-3, 871-4)........................... ............................... 8
SIN C 6635: Technical Training and Support (Ancillary Services) for Physical
Properties Testing and Inspection (615-5005): Offers the customer an option to
receive training in the use of the purchased equipment and technical support
for questions and problems; on-site or off-site training, basic operator
training, hardware and/or software training, installation training, and
applications development training.
SIN C 6635: Technical/Application Development Support (Ancillary Services)
for Physical Properties Testing and Inspection (615-5006): Offers the customer an option to receive
technical support in the area of optical properties measurements.
SIN C 6650A: Equipment Maintenance and Repair for AZ Technology Optical
Instruments, Test Equipment, Components and Accessories (615-5000): Offers the customer a choice between hourly
and annual service agreements. Examples
include time and materials, fixed-price per repair service.
SIN C 6650A: Service Agreements (Ancillary Services) for AZ Technology Optical
Instruments, Test Equipment, Components and Accessories (615-5004): Offers the
customer an option to receive services, all labor, parts and materials necessary
to maintain the equipment in good operating condition. Examples include emergency repair service,
engineering hardware and software modifications, operator training, telephone
service agreement, application assistance, and software support.
SIN C 6650A: Technical Training and Support (Ancillary Services) for AZ
Technology Optical Instruments, Test Equipment, Components and Accessories
(615-5005): Offers the customer an option to receive training in the use of the
purchased equipment and technical support for questions and problems; on-site
or off-site training, basic operator training, hardware and/or software
training, installation training, and applications development training.
SIN C 6650A: Technical/Application Development Support (Ancillary Services)
for Optical Instruments, Test Equipment, Components, and Accessories
(615-5006): Offers the customer an option to receive technical support or
application development support.
Examples include, but are not limited to system integration and application
development.
SIN C H999: Chemical Testing and Analysis (837-2): Services for chemical testing and analysis to include physical
tests, environmental testing, optics/photometry, spectroscopy, and surface
analysis.
SIN C J099: Preparation
and Application of Chemical Compounds
(801-001) Surface Preparation prior to application of chemical
compounds
(801-002) Application of Chemical Compounds to prepared surfaces
(801-004) Support Training/Consultation Services for the preparation
and application of chemical compounds.
SIN C R425: Professional
Engineering Services (871-1; 871-2;
871-3; 871-4),
871-1: Strategic Planning for Technology
Programs/Activities: The definition and interpretation of high-level
organizational engineering performance requirements such as projects, systems,
missions, etc. and the objectives and approaches to their achievement. Typical associated tasks include, but are
not limited to, analysis of mission, program goals and objectives, requirements
analysis, organizational performance assessment, special studies and analysis,
and training. Examples include
evaluation and preliminary definition of new and/or improved performance goals.
871-2: Concept Development and
Requirements analysis: Abstract or concept studies and analysis, requirements
definition, preliminary planning, the evaluation of alternative technical
approaches and associated costs for the development or enhancement of
high-level general performance specifications of a system, project, mission or
activity. Examples include requirements
analysis, cost/cost-performance trade-off analysis, feasibility analysis,
regulatory compliance support, technology conceptual designs, and training.
871-3: System Design, Engineering and
Integration: Translation of a system(or
subsystem, program, project, activity) concept into a preliminary and detailed
design (engineering plans and specifications), performing risk
identification/analysis/mitigation, traceability, and then integrating the various components to
produce a working prototype or model of the system. Typical associated tasks include, but are not limited to,
computer-aided design, design studies and analysis, high-level detailed
specification preparation, configuration management and document control,
fabrication, assembly and simulation, modeling, and training.
871-4: Test and Evaluation:
Application of various techniques demonstrating that a prototype system
(subsystem, program, project, or activity) performs in accordance with the objectives
outlined in the original design.
Associated tasks include, but are not limited to, testing of a
prototype, first-article testing, environmental testing, independent
verification and validation, reverse engineering, simulation and modeling, (to
test the feasibility of a concept), system safety, quality assurance, physical
testing of the product or system, and training.
Labor Category Job Descriptions
|
Job
Description |
Education,
Years and Training Exp. |
||
|
Provides supervision/management of the activities and staff of
a research or technical unit.
Identifies, plans, and organizes the staff to fulfill all contractual
obligations. |
B.S. Degree: Engineering, Science or Business |
8 |
|
|
Provides technical project leadership/supervision to assigned
projects. Organizes Project and task
workloads. Manages funds or
specified project. |
B.S. Degree:
Engineering, Science or Business |
3 |
|
|
Has a high degree of knowledge for a specific functional task
required for performance in an individual task order. Possesses unique capability or experience
not available under basic labor categories. |
BS/MS/Ph.D. |
15 |
|
|
Plans, develops, schedules, and conducts evaluation and
operation of the detailed phases of the engineering of chemical, biochemical
or physical processes. Performs work
in which an extensive body of knowledge of chemical engineering is required. |
B.S. Degree: Chemical
Engineering |
8 |
|
|
Plans, develops, schedules and conducts evaluation and
operation of the detailed phases of the engineering of chemical, biochemical
or physical processes. Performs work
in which an extensive body of knowledge of chemical engineering is required. |
B.S. Degree: Chemical
Engineering |
4 |
|
|
Plans, develops, schedules, and conducts evaluation and
operation of the detailed phases of the engineering of chemical, biochemical
or physical processes. Performs work
in which an extensive body of knowledge of chemical engineering is required. |
B.S. Degree: Chemical
Engineering |
0 |
|
|
Plans, develops, schedules, and conducts evaluation and
operation of the electrical principles, models, and processes. Performs work in which a general body of
knowledge of electrical engineering is required. |
B.S. Degree: Electrical
Engineering |
8 |
|
|
Plans, develops, schedules, and conducts evaluation and
operation of the electrical principles, models, and processes. Performs work in which a general body of
knowledge of electrical engineering is required. |
B.S. Degree: Electrical
Engineering |
4 |
|
|
Plans, develops, schedules, and conducts evaluation and
operation of the electrical principles, models, and processes. Performs work in which a general body of
knowledge of electrical engineering is required. |
B.S. Degree: Electrical
Engineering |
0 |
|
|
Plans, develops, schedules, and conducts evaluation and
operation of the electrical principles, models, and processes. Performs work in which a general body of knowledge
of mechanical engineering is required. |
B.S. Degree: Mechanical
Engineering |
8 |
|
|
Plans, develops, schedules, and conducts evaluation and
operation of the electrical principles, models, and processes. Performs work in which a general body of
knowledge of mechanical engineering is required. |
B.S. Degree: Mechanical
Engineering |
4 |
|
|
Plans, develops, schedules, and conducts evaluation and operation
of the electrical principles, models, and processes. Performs work in which a general body of
knowledge of mechanical engineering is required. |
B.S. Degree: Mechanical
Engineering |
0 |
|
|
Performs product, manufacturing or applications support
activities as needed. Provides
supervision to assigned projects.
Must have extensive directly related experience in field. |
High School Diploma |
8 |
|
|
Performs product, manufacturing or applications support
activities as needed. Must have
directly related experience in field. |
High School Diploma |
4 |
|
|
Performs product, manufacturing or applications support
activities as needed. Must have
directly related experience in field. |
High School Diploma |
0 |
|
|
Independently plans and accomplishes complete projects or studies
of broad scope and complexity.
Serves as an expert in a narrow aspect of a particular field of
engineering, e.g., environmental factors affecting thermal control
coatings. Complexity of assignments
typically requires considerable creativity and judgment to devise approaches
to accomplish work, resolve design and operational problems, and make
decisions in situations where standard methods, procedures, and techniques
may not be applicable. Supervisor or
professional engineer provides advice on unusual or controversial problems
or policy matters; completed work is reviewed for compliance with overall
project objectives. May supervise or
train and be assisted by lower level technicians. Performs, at this level, one or a combination of such typical duties
as: Prepares
designs, specifications, and cost estimates for various complex
space-coating systems. Plans
approach to solve problems; conceives and recommends techniques; resolves
design problems with contract personnel, and assures compatibility of
coating with other parts of the system. Designs
and coordinates test set-ups and experiments to prove or disprove the
feasibility of preliminary formula; uses untried and untested measurement
techniques; and improves the performance of the coating. Advises users on
specifications that solve unique needs. Performs
complex laboratory tests to determine chemical and physical characteristics
or composition of solid, liquid, or gaseous materials and substances. Use of complex photo-optical
instrumentation required. Must be
able to operate and calibrate equipment. Plans
the approach and conducts various experiments to develop space coatings
characterized by (a) difficult performance requirements because of
conflicting attributes; or (b) unusual combination of techniques or
components. Arranges for fabrication
of pilot models and determines test procedures and design of special test
equipment. |
High School Diploma |
8 |
|
|
Performs non-routine assignments of substantial variety and
complexity, using operational precedents which are not fully
applicable. Employee must recognize
and choose appropriate methods based on criteria. Such assignments, which are typically parts of broader
assignments, are screened to eliminate unusual design problems. May also plan such assignments. Receives technical advice from supervisor
or engineer; work is reviewed for technical adequacy (or conformity with
instructions). May have frequent
contact with professionals and others within the establishment or outside
the organization. Performs at this
level one or a combination of such typical duties as: Develops
or reviews designs by extracting and analyzing a variety of data. Applies
established practices to develop, prepare, or recommend schematics, designs,
specifications, drawings and materials lists. Conducts
tests or experiments according to prescribed standards to determine chemical
and physical characteristics; sets up and operates photo-optical
instrumentation; operates test equipment to records data; measures and
records problems of significant complexity that sometimes require resolution
at a higher level; and analyzes data and prepares test reports. Applies
methods outlined by others to limited segments of research and development projects;
constructs experimental or prototype models to meet requirements; conducts
tests or experiments and redesigns as necessary; and records and evaluates
data and reports findings. Coats
surfaces of Spacecraft Hardware with thermal control coatings or other
material using spray guns and other devices. |
High School Diploma |
4 |
|
|
Performs product, manufacturing or applications support
activities as needed. Entry-level
position. |
High School Diploma |
0 |
|
|
Performs product, manufacturing or applications support
activities as needed. Provides
supervision to assigned projects.
Must have extensive directly related experience in field. |
High School Diploma |
8 |
|
|
Performs product, manufacturing or applications support
activities as needed. Must have
directly related experience in field. |
High School Diploma |
4 |
|
|
Performs product, manufacturing or applications support activities
as needed. Entry-level position |
High School Diploma |
0 |
|
|
Prepares detailed drawings of mechanical or electrical parts,
components, and assemblies manufacturing using CAD equipment |
High School Diploma |
8 |
|
|
Prepares detailed drawings of mechanical or electrical parts,
components, and assemblies manufacturing using CAD equipment |
High School Diploma |
4 |
|
|
Prepares detailed drawings of mechanical or electrical parts,
components, and assemblies manufacturing using CAD equipment |
High School Diploma |
0 |
|
|
Performs research, development, testing, and/or analysis
activities using principles and theories in the field of
chemistry/biology. Must have extensive
knowledge in the field of chemistry/biology. |
B.S.: Chemistry or
Biology |
8 |
|
|
Performs research, development, testing, and/or analysis
activities using principles and theories in the field of
chemistry/biology. Must have working
knowledge in the field of chemistry/biology. |
B.S.: Chemistry or
Biology |
4 |
|
|
Performs research, development, testing, and/or analysis
activities using principles and theories in the field of chemistry/biology. |
B.S.: Chemistry or
Biology |
0 |
|
|
Performs research, development, testing, and/or analysis
activities in the required field.
Must have extensive knowledge in that field. |
B.S.: In Technical
Field |
8 |
|
|
Performs research, development, testing, and/or analysis
activities in the required field.
Must have working knowledge in that field. |
B.S.: In Technical
Field |
4 |
|
|
Performs research, development, testing, and/or analysis activities
in the required field. Must have
working knowledge in that field. |
B.S.: In Technical
Field |
0 |
|
|
Performs work in one or more of the phases of developing
software used in products or services.
Must have extensive knowledge of programming requirements needed. |
B.S.: Engineering or
Computer Science |
8 |
|
|
Performs work in one or more of the phases of developing
software used in products or services.
Must have working knowledge of programming requirements needed. |
B.S.: Engineering or
Computer Science |
4 |
|
|
Performs work in one or more of the phases of developing
software used in products or services.
Must have working knowledge of programming requirements needed. |
B.S.: Engineering or
Computer Science |
0 |
|
|
Develops, gathers, and organizes system related
information. Analyzes and formats
information developed to evaluate the systems. Develops, plans, coordinates, and integrates systems related
to support operational needs. Must
have extensive knowledge in related field. |
B.S.: In Technical
Field |
8 |
|
|
Develops, gathers, and organizes system related information. Analyzes and formats information
developed to evaluate the systems.
Develops, plans, coordinates, and integrates systems related to
support operational needs. Must have
working knowledge in related field. |
B.S.: In Technical
Field |
4 |
|
|
Develops, gathers, and organizes system related
information. Analyzes and formats
information developed to evaluate the systems. Develops, plans, coordinates, and integrates systems related
to support operational needs. Must
have working knowledge in related field. |
B.S.: In Technical
Field |
0 |
|
|
Designs, develops and tests computer programs and hardware
which support the company's internal management information systems. |
B.S.: Management Information
Systems or Computer Science |
5 |
|
|
Designs, develops and tests computer programs and hardware
which support the company's internal management information systems. |
High School |
5 |
|
|
Analyzes, evaluates, revises, and/or generates technical
documentation as required.
Determines consistency and clarity of style within technical
reports. Must have basic understanding
of subject matter of reports. |
B.S.: Technical Field |
8 |
|
|
Analyzes, evaluates, revises, and/or generates technical
documentation as required.
Determines consistency and clarity of style within technical
reports. Must have basic understanding
of subject matter of reports. |
High School Diploma |
5 |
|
|
Analyzes, evaluates, revises, and/or generates technical
documentation as required.
Determines consistency and clarity of style within technical
reports. Must have basic understanding
of subject matter of reports. |
High School Diploma |
0 |
|
|
Encompasses support such as secretaries, clerks and computer
operators plus other administrative related job categories which are
essential to accomplishing the assigned tasks. |
High School Diploma |
0 |
|
|
Conducts training courses for required skills. Interfaces with functional organizations
to develop specifications for content of courses. Prepares lesson plans and the method and media to be
presented. |
B.S. or equivalent experience |
3 |
|
SERVICES
BASED ON FIXED UNIT PRICE
|
SIN |
Description |
Unit of Issue |
GSA Price |
Time of Delivery or Performance (ARO) |
|
C 6635 |
Optical
Properties Measurement (615-5006) |
ea. |
$150 |
2 weeks |
|
C 6635 |
Optical
Properties Measurement (615-5006) Quantity Discount for 10 or more
measurements |
ea. |
$135 |
2 weeks |
SERVICES
BASED ON HOURLY LABOR RATES
|
SIN |
Labor
Category |
GSA
Labor Rate |
|
C 6635 |
Technical/Application Development Support for Physical
Properties Testing and Inspection (615-5005) |
|
|
|
$117.45 |
|
|
|
$86.75 |
|
|
|
$58.29 |
|
|
|
$96.97 |
|
|
|
$58.23 |
|
|
|
$43.52 |
|
|
|
$96.97 |
|
|
|
$76.25 |
|
|
|
$62.76 |
|
|
C 6650A |
Equipment Maintenance and Repair for AZ Technology Optical Instruments,
Test Equipment, Components and Accessories (615-5000) |
|
|
|
$97.66 |
|
|
|
$100.77 |
|
|
|
$99.17 |
|
|
|
$52.75 |
|
|
|
$87.04 |
|
|
C 6650A |
Service Agreements (Ancillary Services) for AZ Technology
Optical Instruments, Test Equipment, Components and Accessories (615-5004) |
|
|
|
$99.17 |
|
|
|
$100.77 |
|
|
|
$97.66 |
|
|
|
$117.45 |
|
|
|
$124.21 |
|
|
|
$52.75 |
|
|
|
$87.04 |
|
|
C 6650A |
Technical Training and Support (Ancillary Services) for AZ
Technology Optical Instruments, Test Equipment, Components and Accessories
(615-5005) |
|
|
|
$99.17 |
|
|
|
$100.77 |
|
|
|
$117.45 |
|
|
|
$124.21 |
|
|
|
$52.75 |
|
|
|
$87.04 |
|
|
C 6650A |
C 6650A:
Technical/Application Development Support for Optical Instruments,
Test Equipment, Components and Accessories (615-5006) |
|
|
|
$99.17 |
|
|
|
$100.77 |
|
|
|
$97.66 |
|
|
|
$117.45 |
|
|
|
$124.21 |
|
|
|
$52.75 |
|
|
|
$87.04 |
|
|
C H999 |
Chemical Testing and Analysis (873-2) |
|
|
|
$117.45 |
|
|
|
$86.75 |
|
|
|
$58.29 |
|
|
|
$96.97 |
|
|
|
$58.23 |
|
|
|
$43.52 |
|
|
|
$96.97 |
|
|
|
$76.25 |
|
|
|
$62.76 |
|
|
C J099 |
Preparations and Application of Chemical Compounds (801-001,
801-002,801-003) |
|
|
|
$58.23 |
|
|
|
$43.52 |
|
|
|
$76.25 |
|
|
|
$62.76 |
|
|
C R425 |
Professional Engineering Services (871-1, 871-2, 871-3, 871-4) |
|
|
|
$113.13 |
|
|
|
$188.60 |
|
|
|
$117.45 |
|
|
|
$86.75 |
|
|
|
$58.29 |
|
|
|
$124.21 |
|
|
|
$97.66 |
|
|
|
$74.51 |
|
|
|
$117.45 |
|
|
|
$100.77 |
|
|
|
$62.82 |
|
|
|
$81.24 |
|
|
|
$52.75 |
|
|
|
$26.43 |
|
|
|
$96.97 |
|
|
|
$58.23 |
|
|
|
$43.52 |
|
|
|
$79.99 |
|
|
|
$52.75 |
|
|
|
$26.43 |
|
|
|
$57.10 |
|
|
|
$46.68 |
|
|
|
$35.98 |
|
|
|
$96.97 |
|
|
|
$76.25 |
|
|
|
$62.76 |
|
|
|
$153.46 |
|
|
|
$99.17 |
|
|
|
$48.37 |
|
|
|
$109.50 |
|
|
|
$87.04 |
|
|
|
$60.93 |
|
|
|
$127.67 |
|
|
|
$94.50 |
|
|
|
$61.31 |
|
|
|
$92.06 |
|
|
|
$47.00 |
|
|
|
$48.05 |
|
|
|
$26.72 |
|
|
|
$35.25 |
|
|
|
$73.87 |
AZ Technology (http://www.azhsv.com) is a
small business located in Huntsville, AL.
The Company was founded in 1989 and is now housed in a 22,128 square
foot facility. The company specializes
in:
Optical and experimental instrumentation development
Flight hardware
Laboratory instrumentation
Commercial instruments
Technical and engineering services
Laboratory and test support
Design support - optical, mechanical, electrical
Engineering analyses - optical, thermal, aeroheating, structural,
hydrocode
Program support, technical and program risks, quality
Specialty materials and coatings
Tailored optical properties -VUV through far infrared
Signature control/low observables
Custom and standard products
Information technology products and services
Software development
Web/IP-based client/server applications
Collaboration, teleoperation, and teleconferencing systems
Embedded software systems
AZ Technology offers a unique combination
of scientific and engineering capabilities coupled with hardware development
experience to provide cost effective development of complex hardware and
systems. The Company has a proven
record of successful completion of high technology endeavors, including space
flight and commercial hardware. AZ
Technology has extensive experience in the development of prototype and
protoflight flight systems. The Optical
Properties Monitor (OPM) and the Space Portable SpectroReflectometer (SPSR) are
two recent flight instruments that were developed under the protoflight concept
in partnership with NASA. These
instruments were flown aboard the Space Shuttle and were used on the exterior
of the Russian Mir Station.
http://www.azhsv.com/NewFiles/opm.htm
http://www.azhsv.com/NewFiles/SPSR.htm
The engineering staff includes
professionals with years of expertise in multiple core technologies: optical
physics, mechanical design, electronics design, manufacturing engineering,
software design, robotics, material science, thermal physics and solid state,
polymer, organic and qualitative chemistry.
These disciplines provide the foundation to perform complex R&D efforts,
design and fabricate optical and experimental instrumentation, and develop
specialty materials and coatings.
Space Flight Experience:
AZ Technology offers a unique combination
of scientific and engineering capabilities coupled with hardware development
experience to provide cost effective development of scientific hardware. The
company has a proven record of successful completion of high technology
endeavors, including space flight hardware and commercial hardware. AZ Technology has extensive experience in
the development of prototype and protoflight space flight systems. Two flight instruments, the Optical
Properties Monitor (OPM) and the Space Portable SpectroReflectometer (SPSR),
were developed under the protoflight concept in partnership with NASA and flown
aboard the Space Shuttle and used on the exterior of the Russian Mir
Station. The design, development
testing, and verification of this hardware included integrating the
requirements for hardware performance, Shuttle payloads, SpaceHab payloads, Mir
payloads, and Extravehicular Activities (EVA) while maintaining a
cost-effective program.
The engineering staff includes
professionals with years of expertise in multiple core technologies: Optical
physics, mechanical design, electronics design, manufacturing engineering,
software design, robotics, material science, thermal physics and solid state,
polymer, organic and qualitative chemistry.
These disciplines provide the foundation to perform complex R&D
efforts, design, and fabrication of optical and experimental instrumentation,
and developing specialty materials and coatings.
Contamination is a major problem for all
optical systems but is particularly critical for space systems. AZ Technology specializes in the behavior of
materials in the space environment including optical contamination
effects. One of the primary concerns is
the materials used in space and ground optical systems and their potential as
molecular and particulate contamination sources. Also of concern is the susceptibility of the optical system
design to the effects of contamination.
AZ Technology has built and flown a contamination monitor as part of the
very successful Optical Properties Monitor (OPM) experiment that flew aboard
the Shuttle and the Russian space station Mir.
http://www.azhsv.com/NewFiles/opm%20mir.htm
AZ Technology personnel have over 100
years combined experience in the behavior of materials in space and ground
systems including contamination effects.
One member of our staff has over 37 years experience in this area and
was the PI on two space experiments to measure the optical effects of the space
environment including contamination on materials. Another member has over 36 years in this technical area, mainly
specializing in contamination effects and avoidance. While at NASA, he participated and managed the formulation and
implementation of the contamination control plan for the Hubble Space Telescope
and numerous other space payload systems.
He was the author of the NASA specification MSFC-SPEC-1443 that defined
new tests for materials used in the vicinity of sensitive optics.
Some of AZ Technology's space flight
programs are discussed briefly in the following paragraphs.
Optical Properties Monitor
(OPM):
OPM is a multipurpose in-space optical
laboratory for the in-situ study of materials including thermal control
surfaces, optical materials and coatings, and solar power materials. The initial mission was aboard the Russian
Mir Station as part of the Shuttle/Mir program. The OPM was carried to Mir by the Space Shuttle in December 1996
mounted in the SpaceHab module. The OPM
was deployed on the exterior of the Mir Docking Module by US/Russian EVA and
operated for eight months. The OPM was
retrieved by a Mir crew EVA in January, 1998 and returned to earth in February
1998 on STS 89.
The OPM is an experiment to determine how
materials degrade when exposed to the space environment. The OPM exposed selected materials to low
earth orbit and the induced environment of the Mir spacecraft. In-situ optical and thermal properties of
test materials were measured using on-board instruments including spectral
total hemispherical reflectance, Total Integrated Scatter (TIS) and Vacuum
Ultraviolet (VUV) reflectance/transmittance.
AZ Technology was the primary developer on
OPM from the science requirements to building, testing, and delivery of the
hardware, through the data analysis. We
were responsible for all aspects of the program including coordination with
MSFC, JSC, KSC, and the Russian Space Agency.
EVA issues addressed in the OPM program
included touch temperature; frangible materials; power cable connector/crew
interface/mechanisms; materials compatibility; hardware deployment / stowage,
component identification as well as safety, hazards and verification. High fidelity hydrolab models were also
developed for crew training at JSC and at the Russian EVA training complex.
Space Portable SpectroReflectometer (SPSR):
The Space Portable SpectroReflectometer
(SPSR) is a flight instrument to measure the optical properties of spacecraft
operational surfaces. The SPSR provides
the capability to inspect radiator and other external surfaces of long duration
spacecraft to determine their condition and when (or if) repair or replacement
is required. The flight unit is a
hand-held instrument for use by an astronaut on EVA to inspect the spacecraft
surfaces. The SPSR was launched on the
Space shuttle STS-86 in September, 1997. The SPSR was used by EVA crewmen to measure radiator surfaces of
the Russian Mir Station.
The SPSR reflectometer measures spectral
total hemispherical reflectance from 250 nm to 2500 nm. The solar absorptance is calculated from the
spectral data. The reflectometer makes
absolute-type measurements using the integrating sphere. The prism monochromator provides the
required wavelength range and spectral resolution. A set of position sensors and visual displays are used to aid the
EVA crewman in positioning the SPSR onto the surface to be measured.
EVA issues addressed included handling
constraints; display functionality; dual languages; power on/off and
measurement on/off; instrument handling and crew gloved hand dexterity. Also, a neutral buoyancy model was developed
for astronaut training at Marshall Space flight Center.
Thermal Control Surfaces Experiment (TCSE):
The Thermal Control Surfaces Experiment
(TCSE) was the most complex hardware system on the Long Duration Experiment
Facility (LDEF) and provided real-time measurement of thermo-optical properties
of exposed test samples. The in-space
measurements combined with extensive post-flight analyses provided the most
comprehensive materials experiment ever flown at that time. In addition to the significance of the
materials experiment, the TCSE was a microcosm of a typical electro-optical
payload with optics, electro-mechanical drives, data and control system,
bearings, switches, connectors, etc.
The PI for the TCSE is the PI for this proposed effort.
http://www.azhsv.com/NewFiles/LDEF.htm
In April, 1984, the LDEF, with the TCSE as
one of its complement of experiments, was deployed in low earth orbit by the
Space Shuttle. The LDEF was retrieved
in January 1990, and returned to earth in March 1990. The TCSE is the first experiment to measure in-space, optical
properties of optical and thermal control surfaces the way they are routinely
measured in the laboratory.
The TCSE was a completely self-contained
experiment package; it provided its own power, data system, and pre-programmed
controller for automatically exposing, monitoring, and measured the sample
materials. The TCSE included a Data
Acquisition and Control System (DACS) for experiment control, monitoring, and
data collection. TCSE stored science and status data on a data recorder.
270 Volt Battery for the X-38/Experimental Crew Return Vehicle
This is a current effort in which AZ Technology
is developing a 270-volt battery system for the Crew Return Vehicle for the
International Space Station. Just
before re-entry, the X-38 De-orbit Propulsion Stage is jettisoned and the 270
volt battery system provides up to 3 hours of runtime for the flight control
surfaces and the parasail winches..
During the atmospheric entry phase, the vehicle will fly using flight
control surfaces (2 body flaps and 2 rudders) controlled by electromechanical
actuators powered by the battery system.
AZ Technology has completed the design, manufacturing, and qualification
of the batteries and is currently conducting acceptance and verification
testing of the flight articles. These
battery systems have the characteristic of very high power density and are the first
270-volt battery system qualified for human space flight.
http://www.azhsv.com/NewFiles/270v.htm
http://www.azhsv.com/NewFiles/270vGSE.htm
Flight payload experience includes the following:
Safety and Mission Assurance: Present system complies with NHB
5300.4 (1C) and portions of NHB 5300.4 (1D-2)
Government Source Inspection
Process Controls
Procurement Document Controls
Inspection and Test Controls
Nonconforming Article and Material Controls
Audits by DCMA
ISO 9001 Certification Program in process
Operation and Mission Support
Experiment Integration into Carrier
Real-Time Experiment Control
Data Collection and Analysis
Real-Time HOSC Support
Real-Time Troubleshooting and Analysis
Training
Developed OPM and SPSR Engineering Simulation Units
Developed OPM and SPSR Neutral Buoyancy Lab Models
Developed SPSR Functional Trainer
Developed OPM and SPSR High Fidelity Dimensional Models
Verification: OPM Verification Completed Against Multiple Criteria
(MSFC, RSCE, EVA, SPACEHAB, SMART, and PSRP)
Acceptance Testing for US and Russian Criteria
Information Technology Capabilities:
The AZ Technology Information Technology
Group specializes in software and computer systems development and
integration. Capabilities include:
Flight-Qualified Payload Computer Control Systems and Software
Payload and Core Systems Ground Support Equipment
Mission Operations Support Systems
Payload Carrier Support:
Real-time Embedded Control Systems
Collaboration & Videoconferencing Systems
AZ Technology personnel have decades of
experience developing flight systems and software, serving as Principle
Investigator (PI) and prime contractor on several payloads. Flight systems developed and/or supported
include LDEF/TCSE, OPM, SPSR, KC-135 furnace, X-38 Experimental CRV battery,
International Space Station test systems (Hatch, Common Berthing Mechanism, and
1553 network).
Carriers supported include SpaceHab, LDEF,
Mir, and International Space Station.
Payload ground support and operations systems have been developed for
these systems. Next-generation
Internet-based telescience and collaboration tools have been developed to
support mission operations. AZTek-developed and integrated systems provide
videoconferencing and data sharing to experimenters and engineers. Distance learning tools have been developed
to support training and education/public outreach. Customers include NASA and the National Science Foundation. Real-time embedded control software has been
developed for AZTek's line of optical instruments utilizing a variety of
microprocessors and programming languages.
AZ Technology staff has extensive
knowledge in a broad array of software technologies and their
applications. Personnel hold multiple
MS & BS degrees in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. This combination allows AZTek to develop and
implement both the high-level system architecture as well as the low-level chip
communication required for embedded systems and device drivers. The primary software languages utilized in
application development include: C/C++, Java, and Assembler. The main development and target computer
platforms utilized are Windows PC's/servers and UNIX workstations. Operating systems expertise includes
MS-Windows, UNIX, and Linux.
Flight-Qualified Payload Computer Control Systems and Software:
For our space flight payloads, we design
and write flight-qualified computer control systems. These are typically written in C and assembly language and
perform the high-level application layer tasks as well as custom written
low-level device drivers. For small
payloads, the software may have complete control of the hardware, requiring no
operating system.
Payload and Core Systems Ground Support Equipment:
Flight systems require ground support
equipment (GSE) to support their operation.
Test systems are, likewise, required during unit development. AZTek designs and develops both automated
and operator-controlled test systems incorporating feedback and control of
stepper motors, valves, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), analog
controllers, switches/relays, etc.
AZTek designs and develops data acquisition systems to monitor test
activities and flight operations. AZTek
develops payload training systems for use by crew and support personnel.
AZ Technology personnel have also
supported software development for ground support testing of the International
Space Station Hatch, Common Berthing Mechanism, Node/Laboratory, and 1553
network. AZTek personnel also supported
development of Payload Software Integration and Verification systems.
Mission Operations and Telescience Support Systems:
AZTek has developed and tested mission
operations and telescience support systems for NASA since 1996. AZTek designs and develops customized voice
over IP, videoconferencing, and real-time data systems for distributed
operations and workgroups. AZTek
developed systems are in use in applications ranging from real-time mission
operations to education/public
outreach:
Internet Voice Distribution System (IVoDS) for mission voice
communications
MSFC Telescience Resource Kit (TReK) test support
EZStream, a TReK workstation Web server add-on (AZTek developed)
Educational spin-offs: ISS Traveling Exhibit, Live from Space
Station
We are now researching "next-generation" versions of
these systems and helping NASA to deploy innovative new technology in:
digital voice communications
Web-based live telemetry
telescience application to education/public outreach
The Internet Voice Distribution System
(IVoDS) is representative of AZTek capabilities in this area. IVoDS provides a low-cost mission operations
voice conferencing capability for experimenters. The "voice over the Internet" solution for the
International Space Station (ISS) program is tied into the Payload Operations
Integration Center at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville,
Alabama. The system consists of a network of personal computers utilizing
science intranets and the public Internet to support voice conferencing. Users are located at NASA centers,
universities, and companies throughout the world. The system links researchers, NASA operations personnel, and
potentially crew together to support collaboration during Space Station
experiment planning and operations.
EZStream is a
client-server system that enables real-time process monitoring through the
Internet. An example of its use is the
NASA Live from Space Station (LFSS) display at the International Space Station
(ISS) traveling museum exhibit. The NASA LFSS display makes real-time ISS
systems and experiment data available on the Internet using only a web browser.
http://www.azhsv.com/NewFiles/LFSS.htm
http://www.azhsv.com/NewFiles/LIVE.htm
Real-time Embedded Control Systems:
AZTek develops real-time embedded control
software for space flight payloads and ground support equipment. Our commercial instruments and automated
test systems utilize Intel and Motorola CPU's, as well as special-purpose
microprocessors. Some of the systems
are truly embedded requiring no user input/output devices. Others incorporate a combination of
graphical user interfaces (GUI) and special-purpose input devices (i.e.
physical buttons & knobs).
Collaboration & Videoconferencing Systems:
AZTek's goal is to increase the
effectiveness of personnel and processes by integrating new real-time collaboration
tools into the daily workflow.
Real-time communications among work groups is evolving towards Internet
Protocol (IP) networks and personal computers due to increasing bandwidth and
reliability combined with decreasing costs.
VMS are now being adopted by large development programs such as NASA to
aid collaboration among geographically scattered facilities, companies, and
agencies. VMS reduce the need for
expensive travel and impractical co-location of team members. AZTek is an authorized integrator of leading
collaboration vendors including Polycom and FVC.
Coatings and Materials:
AZ Technology's coatings and materials
processing capabilities encompass both thin and thick film deposition
regimes. Our organization has
significant experience in spacecraft coating development, formulation, testing
and analysis in addition to the development of custom or tailored coatings to
meet specific optical or electrical resistivity requirements. AZ Technology also has material synthesis
and processing facilities that allow us to effectively control material
properties and quality to aid in meeting long-term stability requirements of
most spacecraft systems.
AZ Technology's thick film capability is
facilitated by state-of-the-art equipment. High volume, low pressure (HVLP)
turbine systems are used to deposit coatings onto components with complex
geometry. Our current coating
deposition facility is capable of handling components up to twelve square feet
(3.6 m2) depending upon configuration.
This facility can maintain a controlled environment during deposition
and cure with respect to particulate, temperature and humidity. A recent addition to our capabilities is a
second coating deposition facility that can accommodate hardware up to 48
square feet (4.5m2), again dependent on shape and configuration. In addition, AZ Technology deposition
facilities are equipped for formulating, compounding and testing coatings to
ensure batch-to-batch consistency and quality in the final product. To complement our well-equipped deposition
facilities, AZ Technology is staffed with expert personnel dedicated to
quality.
AZ Technology's thin film capability is
located in an environmentally controlled laboratory. Our advanced plasma deposition equipment consists of state-of-the-art
DC and RF magnetron sputtering in an 8-inch diameter vacuum chamber. Process parameters are computer controlled
with real-time film thickness feedback.
Our system has both multiple target and dual target co-sputtering
capabilities. We have the capability of
depositing single and multilayered thin film dielectric and metallic materials
used in optics (thin film optical filters), electro-optics, sensors and thin
film power conversion devices such as photovoltaics, thermoelectrics, and thermophotovoltaics.
AZ Technology facilities include polymer
and ceramic synthesis and processing capability for the development of advanced
spacecraft coating materials. AZ
Technology can synthesize and produce very high purity polymers and ceramic
powders through organic, organometallic, and sol-gel synthetic processes that
are designed for extreme environment applications. To produce these materials, we have fully equipped wet chemistry
and high temperature synthesis laboratory facilities. The high temperature ceramics processing facility has the
capability to process materials up to 1700oC with a controlled atmosphere
through purging with a variety of gases.
Material Testing:
AZ Technology facilities also include
extensive material testing capability. Standard coating physical properties testing such as adhesion,
abrasion resistance, optical properties and density analysis can be
performed. AZ Technology has added the
ability to perform space environmental effects (SEE) testing on materials to be
exposed to those harsh conditions.
Coatings under test in the simulated space environment can be subjected
to the combined effects of ultraviolet (UV), vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) and high
vacuum. As coating samples are exposed
to the various forms of radiation, detectors within the exposure chamber
monitor the sources to ensure that dosages and rates are stable and
consistent. A separate chamber allows
reflectance characteristics measurement of the samples in-vacuo through the
utilization of a UV-VIS-NIR
http://www.azhsv.com/NewFiles/RadFac.htm
SpectroReflectometer also developed and
built at AZ Technology. This
combination of both exposure and in-vacuo measurement capability places AZ
Technology in a very unique position in the spacecraft coating industry for
"one stop shopping" of spacecraft coating needs.
The facilities meet environmental laws and
regulations of federal, State of Alabama, and local governments for, but not
limited to, the following groupings:
airborne emissions, waterborne effluents, external radiation levels,
outdoor noise, solid and bulk waste disposal practices, and handling and
storage of toxic and hazardous waste.
Optical Measurement Instruments:
AZ Technology is one of the country's few
specialists in the development and manufacturing of laboratory-grade surface
optical measurement instruments. The
instruments have been developed with IR&D funding, NASA SBIR contracts, and
NASA Cooperative Agreements. The
Company currently has seven commercial instruments and several more are in
development. The company's approach to
instrument development is to determine the need in the industry and to design
and build an instrument that meets the market requirements.
AZ Technology's commercial instruments
include a portable SpectroReflectometer that measures total hemispherical
spectral reflectance of large or small surfaces from 250 nm wavelength to 2800
nm wavelength (including a vacuum version of the instrument); a portable
SpectroReflectometer that measures the infrared region of the spectrum from 2.5
to 25 microns (including a vacuum version of the instrument); a portable
reflectometer/emissometer that performs total hemispheric reflectance
measurements from less than 2 microns wavelength to over 30 microns wavelength;
and a lightweight, portable emissometer that performs total hemispheric
measurements from less than 3 to greater than 35 micrometers wavelength.
Total Integrated Scatter and Retroreflectance Instruments:
One of the critical properties of optics
used in high-power lasers is the scatter properties of these optics. AZ Technology developed two new instruments
for the Air Force Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC). In this effort, two new and unique
instruments were developed to measure Total Integrated Scatter (TIS) and
retroreflectance of surfaces over the infrared spectrum. One instrument is a battery powered handheld
instrument for the measure of scatter and reflectance at 15 angle of incidence
and a single IR wavelength. The other is a laboratory bench instrument that
measures reflectance and scatter at five angles of incidence scanned over the
spectral range of 2.5 to 15 microns.
Both instruments provide measurements of specular reflectance, diffuse
reflectance, total hemispherical reflectance, retroreflectance, total
integrated scatter, and RMS surface roughness. Both in-plane and out-of-plane
scatter is collected by a unique collector design utilized in both instruments.