International Space Station Seat Exchange

NASA has a requirement for supplemental transportation to the International Space Station (ISS), including ancillary support services, and is considering contracting for this crew transportation service utilizing the Russian Soyuz vehicle. This transportation would be for one crew member/U.S. Government (USG) astronaut no later than the April/May 2021 timeframe. NASA has no remaining crew seats on Soyuz. While the United States has the ability to deliver crew members/USG astronauts to the ISS, obtaining this supplemental capability minimizes risks associated with any interruption in U.S. crew member presence on ISS. There is one established U.S. Crew Vehicle (USCV) capability in the early phases of operation, which is scheduled to fly this spring, and a second USCV provider in the late stages of development. Experience has shown that new launch capabilities may encounter unanticipated delays or difficulties maintaining initial schedules. Even with no delays of the next USCV launch to ISS, a contingency undock of that USCV could occur due to unforeseen circumstances. A USCV crew must depart together in their sole return vehicle. Should no supplemental crew transportation capability be acquired, the result could be a period wherein there is no U.S. presence on the ISS, disrupting ongoing research and technology development in the United States On-orbit Segment (USOS), in addition to putting the ISS itself at risk since trained USG crew members are necessary to maintain and operate hardware and to conduct emergency Extravehicular Activities (EVAs) if necessary to perform repairs. In consideration for this supplemental crew transportation service, NASA is considering providing similar in-kind services. NASA is issuing this synopsis in order to provide notice of the Agency's requirements and to determine whether any potential sources have the current capability to provide this service in the needed timeframe. Interested entities may submit their capabilities and qualifications to provide the crew transportation services described above. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. The determination of whether or not to acquire these services without competition is exclusively within the discretion of the Government. This synopsis is not binding and should not be construed as a commitment or obligation on the part of the Government to award a resulting contract. Submissions must be provided in writing to the identified point of contact, kelly.l.rubio@nasa.gov, no later than 4:30pm central standard time on February 19, 2021. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. General Description of Services to be Acquired The services NASA is considering acquiring are the launch, return, and rescue of a USG astronaut and associated services, which primarily include the following: - Launch and return of a USG astronaut to the ISS for a long duration mission. - On-orbit rescue services for the duration of the mission. - Provision of Emergency Rescue services and medical support, post flight medical support. - Search and Rescue services and recovery at landing site. - Theoretical and practical spacecraft training for astronaut for nominal and off nominal activities. - Customized astronaut launch, training and landing gear including: seat liner, spacesuit and accessories, water survival cold weather and elemental survival suit. - Limited cargo services for storage, delivery to, and return from, the ISS including disposal of trash from the ISS for cargo associated with crew delivery and return. - Spacecraft telemetry and support services for all stages of flight.