Request for Information - Utilization of Launch Control Center Firing Room 4

Introduction: This Request for Information (RFI) solicits responses from entities that have an interest in using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Kennedy Space Center's (NASA KSC's) Launch Control Center (LCC) Firing Room 4 to support aerospace launch or landing operations, including ground operations, pre-launch integrations, checkout, and spacecraft or payload testing. Purpose of this RFI: As a Multi-user Spaceport, KSC has a Master Plan (https://masterplan.ksc.nasa.gov/) that enables both U.S. Government and commercial launch and landing activities. The Center Planning and Development Directorate at KSC is responsible for implementing and administering the Master Plan, and conducts market research periodically to receive industry comments and input on specific aspects of the Master Plan. The purpose of this RFI is to identify potential partners that are interested in utilizing LCC Firing Room 4. The primary function of the LCC Firing Rooms is to support NASA's Ground Systems Development and Operations, Space Launch System, and Orion Program activities, including ground and launch operations. Should NASA enter into an agreement for Firing Room 4's use, NASA will retain ownership and control of the LCC, and will act as the LCC site operator/integrator for maintenance of the facility and equipment, as well as, resource protection under a shared-use arrangement. NASA will not consider proposals for use of LCC Firing Room 4 facility that do not involve the launch or landing of aerospace vehicles; nor will NASA consider proposed uses that will preclude others from using Firing Room 4. Firing Room 4 is capable of accommodating multiple users performing concurrent discrete activities. This RFI is limited to potential uses for LCC Firing Room 4 only. No office space will be provided. Potential partners and partners allowed to use Firing Room 4 must comply with NASA and KSC procedures and policies regarding badging, background investigation requirements, foreign national access, and unescorted access to controlled areas. The LCC Firing Room 4 is equipped with electronic security controls which must remain in place during partner use. Responses to this RFI shall address the following information, as applicable: 1. Describe the proposed uses of LCC Firing Room 4 and any known specific requirements (i.e. number of seats, personnel, approximate square footage, network connectivity, hardware and software compatibility). Discuss any expectations regarding the shared-use of common areas within the LCC. Illustrations of the LCC Firing Room 4 layout are available and attached to this notice. 2. Describe the technical approach, including a general concept of operations, projected schedule for initial usage for LCC Firing Room 4, and frequency and duration for subsequent repeat uses. Include both expected launch activity and testing (non-launch) activity on the projected schedule. 3. Describe any potential modifications to LCC Firing Room 4 that may be required. Modifications to the LCC building and fa'ade will not be allowed. Proposed modifications will require NASA review and approval to ensure compatibility with NASA programs and compliance with building codes. 4. Describe any expected limitations, restrictions, or impacts on other LCC users or customers, including such effects on other Firing Room 4 occupants and any risk mitigation approaches that may be requested to facilitate concurrent usage by multiple customers in Firing Room 4. 4. Describe the expected launch or reentry customer base, including the expected percentage of commercial launch service customers and government launch service customers. 5. Describe the level of corporate financial capability and commitment to implement the proposed technical approach. 6. Describe prior experiences in: pre-launch preparations, launch countdown activity, flight control operations, recovery, or other relevant projects. NASA KSC seeks to ensure broad awareness and visibility of this RFI. All categories of U.S. domestic entities including commercial, federal, and state organizations, and United States Commercial Providers as defined in the Space Commerce Act, 51 U.S.C. section 50101(7), are invited to submit responses to this RFI. Response Instructions: All responses must be submitted as an electronic file in Portable Document Format (PDF) via email to the NASA Point of Contact identified below. Responses should not exceed five (5) pages. Font should be Times New Roman, size 12. Responses must be received by the NASA Point of Contact no later than 12:00 pm Eastern Time on July 21, 2017. NASA will send responders an acknowledgment of receipt of their response. It is not NASA's intent to publicly disclose proprietary information obtained through this RFI; therefore, responders should clearly mark such information as proprietary. NASA will protect such data from public disclosure to the extent permitted under the Freedom of Information Act and other laws and regulations. NASA has no intent to reply to individual responses, but reserves the right to conduct follow-up interviews with respondents, if needed. Additional Information: NASA requests this information for planning purposes only. It does not intend to publicly disclose responses. This RFI does not constitute a Request for Proposals, Invitation for Bids, Request for Quotations, or Announcement for Proposals. This RFI is not an offer or commitment by the Government to enter into a contract or other type of agreement. Moreover, the Government will not pay for the information submitted in response to this RFI, nor will the Government reimburse responders for costs incurred to prepare responses to this RFI. NASA will use the RFI responses to gauge market interest and determine whether it is in the Government's best interest to issue a competitive Announcement For Proposal (AFP) for use of the LCC Firing Room 4. NASA reserves the right to amend or withdraw this RFI at any time. It is each responder's responsibility to monitor the FedBizOpps website for the release of any additional RFI information.