Amendment 69: New Opportunity: D.9 Habitable Worlds Observatory Instrument Concept Assessments

Amendment 69 introduces a new program element D.9 within the ROSES-25 solicitation, inviting proposals to develop and analyze innovative instrument concepts for the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) mission. The HWO-ICA program element focuses on expanding the exploration of the HWO instrument trade space by assessing the scientific potential, engineering feasibility, technology maturity, and associated risks of various concepts.

This program is designed to complement the ongoing pre-formulation activities of the HWO Technology Maturation Project Office (HTMPO), ensuring that the assessment activities align with the maturation efforts. It is essential to note that D.9 HWO-ICA does not involve the development of flight hardware or support tools/systems and does not imply involvement in the future HWO mission development.

The HWO-ICA program encompasses two categories of proposals: Category 1 targets U.S.-based institutions seeking to conduct instrument concept assessments over a period of approximately two years. Category 2 is open to U.S.-based individuals who want to support instrument concept programs led and funded by non-U.S. institutions, with a duration of up to approximately two years.

Proposals selected to participate in this program will be funded through firm-fixed-priced contracts, as detailed in Section 3.7. These contracts will enable the fulfillment of the obligations outlined in the opportunity (refer to Section 4).