Request for Information - Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) High Bay 2 (HB2)

Introduction: This Request for Information (RFI) solicits responses from entities that have an interest in using the Kennedy Space Center's (KSC) Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) High Bay 2 (HB2) for launch and reentry operations. The entities interested in using the VAB HB2 would have the option of using Mobile Launch Platforms (MLPs) or Launch Complex 39 (LC-39) facilities in association with the use of VAB HB2. Background: On June 15, 2015, KSC released an Announcement for Proposals (AFP) to formally advertise the availability of VAB HB2 and MLPs. The AFP invited proposals for the commercial use of VAB HB2 and MLPs consistent with the Commercial Space Launch Act (CSLA), 51 U.S.C. sections 50901'23. Proposals were due on August 21, 2015. The original AFP is available at the link specified in the - Additional Information section below. On March 4, 2016, KSC released an RFI seeking to identify potential partners interested in using the VAB HB2 or MLPs for efforts that are not within the scope of CSLA authority. 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 using VAB HB2 and in association therewith, an MLP or other LC-39 facilities, for launch or reentry efforts. NASA will continue to utilize the VAB and LC-39 facilities for Program activities. NASA will act as the VAB and LC-39 site operator under a shared-use arrangement. NASA will not consider responses for non-aerospace uses of VAB HB2, the MLPs or other LC-39 facilities. Responses to this RFI shall: 1. Describe the level of interest in VAB HB2, and if desired in association therewith, the MLPs or other LC-39 facilities. 2. Describe the technical approach, including a general concept of operations, potential timeframe for development and frequency of use. 3. Describe the expected customer base. 4. Describe the overall financial capability to implement the proposed technical approach. 5. Describe past experience in flight hardware integration and other relevant projects or programs. 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 7, 2017. NASA will not consider responses received after this deadline. 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 best interest of the Government to commence negotiations under any pending proposal or to issue a new AFP. The June 15, 2015 AFP can be found at: https://go.nasa.gov/2sYgFet The March 4, 2016 RFI can be found at: https://go.nasa.gov/2sY8YEY 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.