A--NASA REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) RELATED TO THE COMMERCIAL USE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE EXTERNAL EXPRESS PALLET SYSTEM ON THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION (ISS)

NASA/Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas 77058, Mail Code: OA Description: PURPOSE: This is a - Request for Information (RFI) only. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) seeks information related to commercial interest in two categories. CATEGORY A: Potential Commercial/Non-NASA Users of the ISS External Accommodations CATEGORY B: Potential Commercial Providers for an External EXPRESS Pallet System for ISS This RFI is for planning and information purposes only and is NOT to be construed as a commitment by the Government nor will the Government pay for information solicited hereunder. Upon review of the information provided to NASA, it may be determined that it is in the best interest of the Government and Private Industry to make a - Request for Entrepreneurial Offers requesting such commercial offers which could lead to a - Commercial Space Act Agreement. FRAMEWORK: - EXPRESS Pallet Needs: NASA needs up to three (3) EXPRESS Pallet (ExP) Systems (in accordance with NASA specifications) to be launched and left on-orbit beginning in the late 2003, early 2004 timeframe. The ExP system consists of 24 Adapter equivalents, 5 Controller units, a NBL Trainer, 5 STEP-EPs, an EP Trainer, 1 EP Checkout unit/KSC, Integration Services, Sustaining Engineering on H/W and S/W, Maintenance, and Operational and Training Support. - Flight Rate: As part of the FY03 Program Operating Plan (POP) review process, NASA is currently accessing 3 different flight rate options. The three options being accessed are for a Shuttle flight rate of 4, 5, or 6 flights per year, which will support the launch of up to 12 Express Pallet adapters per year, to be shared between commercial and non-commercial users. Information obtained from this request could provide NASA the necessary information it needs to determine the number of adapters per year for those higher flight rate options based on the expected commercial use. - Terms: Currently, no public funds have been or are anticipated to be appropriated to NASA for allocation to these public-private partnerships. The terms and conditions of any agreement or partnership are flexible in cases where there is significant private investment and a clear public benefit. Such flexibility includes but is not limited to negotiating part or all, of the marginal costs for NASA provided resources and capabilities in the near term where there is strong potential that a particular commercial ISS activity will become self-sustaining or such an activity enhances the International Space Station. - General Information : Commercial use of the ISS, Commercial Accommodations, Offer Contents, and Pricing are located at website: http://commercial.hq.nasa.gov . INFORMATION BEING REQUESTED: CATEGORY A: Potential Commercial/Non-NASA Users of the ISS External Accommodations 1. What organization, company or other Government agency do you represent? 2. What would you use the ISS for and what would be the purpose/end product of such use? 3. What % of your end use will benefit US taxpayers? 4. How many flight opportunities would you need and over what period of time? 5. What Payload Accommodation/Services would you need both during launch, on-orbit and for return (i.e. Truss site, single or multiple adapter sites, viewing angle, etc.) 6. Describe general user requirements? 7. What price are you willing to pay for both transportation and accommodation access to the International Space Station External Users Accommodations CATEGORY B: Potential Commercial Providers for an External EXPRESS Pallet System for ISS 1. Description of Offer: - Describe business venture - technical & commercial merits - Top level project milestone schedule - Services required from the US Government/NASA - Benefits to the Government/NASA/public - Terms and conditions of Agreement 2. Technical information: - Description of hardware/software/services - Description of operational concept 3. Company information & Management Team - Ownership - Location and Facilities Required - Services provided - Points of contact (business & technical) - Top Level Organizational Structure 4. Market Analysis & Strategy Summary - Industry Analysis - competition, risks, etc. - Target market and projected market capture - Extent to which your business case is dependent on U.S. government users - Sales Forecast and basis of estimates (Pricing) - Assumptions that involve a commitment by NASA (i.e. Shuttle Flight Rate, Use Rate (Adapter/year), % for Commercial, % for NASA, Price Structure, Integration Time, Documentation Structure, Customer Base, etc.) - Launch Carrier 5 Financial Plan - Capital investment plan - Contingency plan - Break Even Analysis - Profit and Loss Responses Due: Responses to this RFI are due no later than June 14, 2002. All interested parties should send their response via an official letter to NASA on official company letterhead to: NASA/Johnson Space Center, Attn: Brian K. Kelly, Manager, Flight Commercialization Office, Mail Code OA, 2101 Nasa Road 1, Houston, Texas 77058. All information received will be kept completely confidential. PRIMARY POINTS OF CONTACT: Name: Caris (Skip) Hatfield Title: Manager, External Carriers Office Phone: (281)-244-7766 Email: contact@example.gov Name: Sharon C. Conover Title: Commercial Mission Manager. Phone: +1 (555) 000-0000 Fax: (281) 483- 2968 Email contact@example.gov