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NASA released a long-awaited draft solicitation July 6 for industry partners to design, build and operate a commercial space station in low Earth orbit (LEO) to succeed the International Space Station.
The proposed solicitation calls for the partner or partners to be ready to support a crewed flight test in 2029 as part of certification requirements to fly and host NASA astronauts.
NASA intends to award firm-fixed-price, multi-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts supporting development, certification and services of a Commercial LEO Destination (CLD).
“This approach would allow NASA to 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,” the agency noted in a press release.
The agency plans to host an industry briefing July 9, with feedback on the draft RFP due July 27. A final RFP is expected late August. Proposals would be due about 60 days later and a contract award is expected spring 2027.
“As part of this service, the contractor(s) will design, build, and operate the CLD, which covers all aspects of development and certification, including design, manufacturing, demonstration/testing, qualification, production, transportation vehicles, including operational missions (cargo/crew) and utilization activities post CLD certification,” NASA wrote in the draft RFP.
“Given the complexity of the contract, NASA is encouraging use of NASA personnel and expertise using a Government Collaboration Agreement,” it noted, adding that it will make personnel and expertise available to CLD contractors.
Although contractors will be responsible for transportation services to and from their platforms, NASA could provide that for a limited period of time. “If Government-Furnished Transportation and Support Services is desired, please specify your alternative approach including the scope of services needed, number and type of missions per year, timing … and when you would be ready to transition to full end-to-end service,” NASA wrote in the draft solicitation.
In addition, NASA said that the CLD work will involve “access to and/or generation of classified information, work in a security area, or both, up to the level of Top Secret. Offerors shall obtain and maintain National Security Facility Clearance Level up to Top Secret and, as identified by the Government, provide secret/top secret security clearances for personnel supporting functions identified by NASA as requiring this level of clearance."
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