# Presentation: 110464

## MIDEXConcept Study & Downselect

- Paul Hertz
- MIDEX Program Scientist
- NASA Headquarters

## Downselection

- _MIDEX AO, Section 1.2_
- For phase 2, NASA will conduct a detailed review of the Phase A concept study results to evaluate the implementing details of the selected investigations, namely, any modifications of the scientific objectives, the proposed cost to NASA, design details of the investigation hardware, plans for mission implementation including all technical and management factors, details of the education and public outreach programs, and plans for any new technology.  As a result of this second evaluation, NASA intends to select two MIDEX investigations for implementation leading to flight.

## Evaluation and Selection Criteria

- _MIDEX AO, Sections 7.2 and 7.3_
- The scientific merit of the proposed investigation;
- The technical merit and feasibility of the proposed investigation;
- The feasibility of the proposed approach for mission implementation, including cost risk; and
- The plan for education, outreach, new technology, and small disadvantaged business activities.
- The proposed cost to NASA.

## Relevant Documents

- http://explorer.larc.nasa.gov/explorer/mel.html
- MIDEX Concept Study Evaluation Criteria
- MIDEX Guidelines for Phase A Concept Study Report Preparation
- Example Mission Definition and Requirements Document
- MIDEX Program Cost Elements Definitions
- MIDEX Sample Terms and Conditions for the Phase A (Concept Study) Contract

## Downselection Evaluation Process

- The MIDEX Downselect Evaluation Panel is composed of the following evaluators and is chaired by the MIDEX Program Scientist.
- Selected science peer experts will review and evaluate the Concept Study Reports with changes to Scientific Merit (as applicable).
- Selected science and/or technical peer experts will review and evaluate the Concept Study Reports for Technical Merit of the Science Implementation.
- Selected technical peer experts will review and evaluate the Concept Study reports for all mission aspects (Cost, Mission design, Management, Operations, Launch Services, etc.).
- Selected expert reviewers will review and evaluate the Education, Outreach, Technology, and Small Disadvantaged Business plans in each Concept Study Report.

## Downselection Evaluation Process(continued)

- After a review and evaluation period of about 3 weeks, the MIDEX Downselect Evaluation Panel will convene for a Preliminary Evaluation Plenary to consider preliminary findings and issues/questions to be reviewed during the site visits.
- Specific Concept Study Report questions will be forwarded to each Proposer at least 3 working days prior to the MIDEX Downselect Evaluation Panel site visit.
- The MIDEX Downselect Evaluation Panel will then conduct site visits to each Proposer’s designated facilities to hear 1 day (up to 8 hours) briefings by each Proposer.  Each Proposer may include an additional 1 hour tour of facilities/hardware, but all Proposers will have no more than one day.

## Downselection Evaluation Process(continued)

- The MIDEX Downselect Evaluation Panel will then meet the subsequent day after each site visit to discuss the findings from the site visit briefing.
- After all site visits are complete, the MIDEX Downselect Evaluation Panel will then convene to finalize findings and to develop individual ratings for each proposal for each of the evaluation criteria.  All ratings will be supported with strengths and weaknesses sufficient to justify the rating.  Ratings will be based on a linear 9 point scale where 9 is excellent or low risk (highest rating) and 1 is poor or high risk (lowest rating).

## Downselection Evaluation Process(continued)

- A Final Evaluation Plenary session of the MIDEX Downselect Evaluation Panel will review individual criterion ratings and reach consensus criteria ratings for each of the Concept Study Reports.
- At the Final Evaluation Plenary session,
- the MIDEX Program Scientist will be the chair.
- the individual ratings for each evaluation criterion will be presented for each Concept Study Report.
- each evaluation criterion will be assumed to be of equal weight.
- the evaluation criterion ratings for each Concept Study Report will be reviewed and discussed leading to a consensus agreement for the evaluation.
- separate consensus criterion ratings for each Concept Study Report and supporting documentation to justify these ratings will be produced.

## Downselection Evaluation Process(continued)

- Results of the Downselection Evaluation will be developed into a briefing and presented to the Associate Administrator for Space Science and the Science Directors for Space Science for downselection.

## MIDEX Downselect Schedule/Evaluation Flow

- Jan 22

- Convene Science Panel as Required

- Feb 17-18

- Jun 18

- Aug 2-20

- Target: Sep 8

- 1/22/99