Commercial Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Destination Contract (CLDC) Sources Sought
ID: 80JSC025_CLDC_SOURCES_SOUGHTType: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNASA JOHNSON SPACE CENTERHOUSTON, TX, 77058, USA

NAICS

Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414)

PSC

TRANSPORTATION/TRAVEL/RELOCATION- TRANSPORTATION: SPACE TRANSPORTATION/LAUNCH (V126)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/7e2cbd3ef4354a1baefb79186d5888e8/view
Timeline
    Description

    NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) is seeking information from potential sources for the Commercial Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Destination Contract (CLDC) as part of its initiative to transition from the International Space Station (ISS) to commercially operated space stations. The objective is to gather capabilities from a diverse range of businesses, including small and minority firms, to support the development of new LEO destinations and associated systems, which may include in-orbit destinations, visiting vehicles, and supporting launch vehicles. This effort is crucial for maintaining a continuous U.S. presence in space and ensuring safe, reliable access to critical systems. Interested parties are invited to submit capability statements by April 30, 2025, to inform NASA's acquisition strategy, with all submissions directed to Rogelio Curiel or Matthew Windemuth at jsc-cldc@mail.nasa.gov. This notice is not a formal solicitation, and no proposals should be submitted at this time.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Rogelio Curiel
    jsc-cldc@mail.nasa.gov
    Matthew Windemuth
    jsc-cldc@mail.nasa.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Attachment_1_Sources Sought_RFI_OCI Questions_rev 1.pdf
    NASA's Johnson Space Center (NASA/JSC) issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gauge interest and capabilities from a diverse range of businesses, including small and minority firms, for the upcoming Crew Logistics Development Contract (CLDC). The RFI encompasses market research, a detailed scope of work, and considerations regarding organizational conflicts of interest (OCI). Interested parties are encouraged to submit capability statements outlining their qualifications as prime or subcontractors, detailing their ability to fulfill specified requirements such as program management, risk management, and operations associated with crew and cargo transportation. NASA aims to ensure safe, reliable access to critical systems and facilitate a smooth transition from the International Space Station (ISS) operations. Additionally, the RFI invites feedback on potential OCI issues, which may arise from contractor involvement in specifications or access to confidential information. Responses are required by April 30, 2025, to inform NASA's acquisition strategy, and potential respondents are reminded that this does not constitute a formal solicitation.
    Attachment_1_Sources Sought_RFI_OCI Questions.pdf
    NASA/JSC has issued a Request for Information (RFI)/Sources Sought notice to gather capability statements from businesses, including small and minority-owned enterprises, regarding the provision of services related to Crew and Logistics Development Contract (CLDC). The RFI comprises three parts: market research, scope of work, and organizational conflicts of interest. Interested firms are asked to submit detailed capability statements outlining their skills, experience, and organizational structure, as well as their approach to project management, risk management, and their plans for meeting NASA's requirements for end-to-end CLD services. The scope includes program management, safety assurance, and design standards among other services. Additionally, NASA seeks to identify potential organizational conflicts of interest that may arise in the execution of CLDC work. This document aims to facilitate market research, promote competition, and allow businesses to prepare for future procurement opportunities with NASA. The submission deadline for responses is April 23, 2025.
    Attachment_2_IOC_CC_FOC_Definitions.pdf
    The Commercial Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Development Program focuses on establishing and enhancing NASA's capabilities in LEO, aiming for Initial Operating Capability (IOC) by December 2029, Continuous Crew (CC) by December 2030, and Full Operating Capability (FOC) by December 2031. The program outlines requirements for Baseline Laboratory Capabilities (BLC) in several tiers, emphasizing a phased approach for providing scientific investigation capabilities. Key elements include: - **IOC** requires support for two crew members with essential capabilities for basic research and operation. - **CC** expands this to four crew members and includes additional lab capabilities for life sciences and tech demos. - **FOC** further supports more extensive scientific needs, accommodating multiple investigations. - A new category, **FOC+**, addresses future projected needs, enhancing existing capabilities. NASA invites contractors to propose capabilities beyond minimum requirements, emphasizing collaboration and flexible design approaches. External payloads are not initially required but can be proposed. All outlined information remains draft and subject to change before the final request for proposals (RFP) is released, reflecting NASA's commitment to public-private partnerships in advancing space exploration technology.
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    Commercial Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Destination Contract (CLDC) Sources Sought
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