NASA is seeking feedback from U.S. companies to help shape the next phase of its commercial space stations strategy.
A recently released draft request for proposals is aimed at soliciting guidance the agency hopes will ensure a “seamless transition of activities in low earth orbit from the International Space Station,” NASA said this week in an announcement.
The draft RFP gives companies the opportunity to review and comment on the planned acquisition approach for future commercial space station services, helping shape the agency’s path forward as it proceeds with its original commercial strategy.
NASA said it is looking to secure reliable, safe, cost-effective services through commercial partners, enabling it to focus on the next step in humanity’s deep space exploration while also continuing to use low Earth orbit as an ideal training environment and proving ground for Artemis missions to the Moon and future human exploration of Mars.
Industry feedback is due July 27.
The draft RFP builds on input collected from the agency’s request for information released March 25. NASA will proceed with its original plan to procure commercial services through contracts awarded via full and open competition.
Industry indicated there is “significant capital investment behind this approach and expressed high confidence in their ability to attract additional capital investment and expand future market opportunities,” a NASA official said.
NASA said it intends to award firm-fixed-price, multi-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts supporting development, certification, and services. The agency said it could select two or more contractors through early development, followed by a competitive task order for final design, test, evaluation, as well as certification and services from one or more contractors.
Photo by SpaceX from Pexels
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