80JSC021xEVAS - Request for Information.pdf

Exploration Extravehicular Activity Services (xEVAS)

Request for Information (RFI)

RFI No. 80JSC21XEVAS

Issued: April 14, 2021

Responses Due: April 29, 2021

1.0 Introduction & Background

1.1. Purpose & Scope

The purpose of this RFI is to collect information from Industry to assist NASA in developing the procurement strategy for a commercial services approach to providing Extravehicular Activity (EVA) capability for the International Space Station (ISS) and Artemis programs. Historically, NASA has relied on Government-owned hardware to provide EVA capability to its missions. NASA is now expecting to achieve EVA capability through the purchase of a commercial EVA services concept without hardware deliverables to the Government. The agency is anticipating a procurement approach similar to those used for the Commercial Crew Transportation Capability (CCtCap) services contracts, Commercial Resupply Service (CRS) contracts, and Gateway Logistics Services (GLS) contracts to leverage the growing space commerce market in reducing the overall cost to the Government. In this document, NASA provides preliminary details of a procurement strategy that accomplishes this objective with the purpose of receiving Industry feedback to refine and mature the approach. Please note that, unless otherwise stated, commercial EVA services as used in this RFI is defined as an approach wherein the agency relies upon the contractor to provide the full suite of services and equipment required to perform all activities and operations necessary to enable EVA capability for the described missions. It is not meant to be confused with the term “commercial item” as used in the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR). NASA is in the process of gathering information to make a final commercial item determination and the responses to this RFI are expected to inform that decision.

1.2. Overview

The ISS is a unique scientific platform in low-earth orbit (LEO) in which research is conducted across multiple disciplines to advance technology and space exploration. While continuing to support ISS missions, NASA is investing in commercializing the LEO space economy to become one of many customers. Artemis is the first step in the next era of human exploration, beyond LEO.

Together with commercial and international partners, NASA will land the first woman and the next man on the Moon and establish a sustainable presence on the Moon to prepare for missions to Mars.

These programs require EVA capability to support NASA’s human spaceflight missions.

The ISS EVA capability is currently being achieved through operation of the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU); however, NASA is seeking the successor to this system through the award of commercial EVA services. The EMU has supported multiple NASA programs and many missions in its more than 40 years of use. NASA plans to continue utilizing the EMU to meet ISS EVA capability until the transition to commercial EVA services is achieved.

Additionally, NASA, Industry and Academia have spent several years progressing technologies to support operations in environmental extremes beyond LEO. NASA is currently designing and developing the Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU). NASA plans to continue maturing the design of the xEMU (Critical Design Review currently expected in spring/summer of 2022) in parallel with a procurement for commercial EVA services. NASA intends to make available, all technical data to which the Government has license to disclose related to the design and development of the xEMU in order to aid Industry in development of their own commercial EVA services capability. This data can be accessed using the link below and following directions provided on the website.

https://eva.jsc.nasa.gov/

Please note, this data is made available through the website above to assist interested parties in the development of a commercial approach to performing EVA services for NASA; however, it is not meant to be construed as an indication that the Government has a preferred approach beyond meeting any requirements necessary to ensure the safety of crewmembers and Government assets. Any solicitation resulting would allow Industry to propose their own design.

NASA desires to maximize competition and to find ways to incentivize industry’s financial contribution in the EVA services development with a goal of achieving one or more EVA service demonstrations as early as 2024, and the full suite of commercial EVA services beginning as soon as feasible thereafter, to meet the continued NASA demand. NASA plans to enable a continual competitive environment, balancing cost, schedule, and technical risk thru a contract structure that will enable multiple industry partners to provide services during the life of the ISS & Artemis Programs.

Respondents are advised that NASA has not finalized its procurement strategy for this contract requirement. Although NASA conveys possible procurement approaches and solicits feedback herein, the final RFP may or may not include the strategies described below.

NASA is considering the award of one or more contracts using FAR Part 15 procurement procedures to fulfill this need. It is anticipated that any contract(s) resulting from an RFP for these requirements would include a multi-Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) structure, as follows:

• CLIN 1: EVA Services Demonstration and Certification

• CLIN 2: ISS EVA Post-Certification Services

• CLIN 3: Lunar EVA Post-Certification Services

• CLIN 4: Special Studies

CLIN 1 scope would include all activities for the design, development, test, evaluation and certification required to demonstrate an integrated EVA service which meets NASA requirements to safely execute a NASA EVA.. NASA is considering either a baseline completion-form or Indefinite- Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) approach to defining requirements under this CLIN. This CLIN would be complete upon successful demonstration in a relevant environment and NASA certification of EVA services capability for NASA use. Additionally, if multiple contracts are awarded, NASA may consider a phased procurement approach during development that results in contract milestones with one or more down-select decision points to off-ramp a contractor.

Commonality of ISS/Lunar design (ISS extensibility to Lunar) is highly desired, though not required.

CLIN 2 scope would include post-certification ISS EVA services, including delivery/return of EVA hardware to and from ISS, spacesuit unique interfaces to ISS Airlock services including crew interfaces; planning, training, operations and sustaining engineering; spacesuit donning and doffing equipment, tool kits consisting of EVA hardware necessary for the crew to perform microgravity EVAs, support to ground training and testing events at the Neutral Buoyancy Lab and other facilities;

and other requirements to support ISS EVA capability and operations. It is currently anticipated that the Government will have requirements for approximately seven to ten ISS EVAs per year. The Government is considering an IDIQ approach for this CLIN.

CLIN 3 scope would include post-certification Lunar EVA services, including launch integration to the lander vehicles, spacesuit unique interfaces to lander services including crew interfaces; planning, training, operations and sustaining engineering; spacesuit donning and doffing equipment, tool kits consisting of EVA hardware necessary for the crew to perform Lunar EVAs, support to ground training and testing events at the Neutral Buoyancy Lab and other facilities, and other requirements to support Lunar EVA capability and operations. It is currently anticipated that the Government will have requirements for approximately two to three Lunar EVAs per year. The Government is considering an IDIQ approach for this CLIN.

The following is NASA’s estimate of the number of flight-rated suits that may be needed to support NASA requirements for EVA services capability for the above missions, however hardware provision is to be determined by the contractor to meet ISS and Lunar EVA needs:

• ISS: 6 (including 4 on-orbit and 2 spares)

• Lunar: 16 (14 Artemis and 2 Gateway)

CLIN 4 scope would include the ability to develop enhancements and technological advancements to the EVA services. This may include future requirements to ensure capabilities exist that meet the dynamic needs of the agency. The Government is considering an IDIQ approach for this CLIN.

It is contemplated that the full effort will utilize, to the greatest extent possible, Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contracting with milestone payments. The contract period of performance and/or ordering period is undetermined at this time.

2.0 Instructions for Responding to this RFI

RFI Respondents should submit replies electronically to the contracting officer (see section 2.3 below). The subject line of the e-mail shall reference the RFI Number: 80JSC21XEVAS. Responders may submit proprietary information, export controlled information (including ITAR restricted information), or confidential information in response to this RFI, but this is strictly voluntary.

Responses that contain proprietary, EAR, ITAR, or other sensitive but unclassified (SBU) information, are required to clearly mark that data accordingly. ITAR/EAR data is allowed to be sent through e-mail or file transfer if properly labeled as such (see pages 29-30 of the NASA Guidebook for Proposers at https://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/nraguidebook/proposer2018.pdf) and encrypted in accordance with FIPS 140-2 and as defined by appropriate Federal regulations. Files can be encrypted with a password sent by separate e-mail or alternate arrangements can be requested for other compliant secure file transfer services. Responses shall not include classified information.

All responses must be received by 12:00 p.m. Central Standard Time on April 29, 2021.

Please provide the response in one searchable, unlocked PDF file with edit permission enabled.

Please use 12-point Times New Roman font.

Upon receiving and reviewing responses to this RFI, NASA may choose to post a subsequent revision to this RFI to request further information from industry to support NASA's acquisition planning for the contemplated procurement.

This RFI is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government nor will the Government pay for information solicited. The Government does not presently intend to award a contract. A determination by the Government to procure this requirement based upon responses to this notice or other market research is solely within the discretion of the Government.

As stipulated in FAR 15.201, Exchanges with Industry before Receipt of Proposals, paragraph (e), responses to this notice are not considered offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. This RFI is subject to FAR 52.215-3, Request for Information of Solicitation for Planning Purposes. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the evaluation of responses to this RFI. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. Any responses to this RFI that are subject to export controlled items should be properly marked as such.

NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at https://prod.nais.nasa.gov/pub/pub_library/Omb.html.

No solicitation for these requirements currently exists. However, if an amendment to this RFI or solicitation is released, it will by synopsized on SAM.gov. It is the interested party’s responsibility to monitor this site for the release of any amendments to this RFI, or if released, future solicitation documents related to this synopsis. Interested parties will be responsible for downloading their own copy of this RFI, or if released, any future solicitation documents.

2.1. Who May Respond

The RFI is available publically and any responses will be considered in finalizing the procurement strategy for any potential contract.

2.2. Partial Response

Organizations that are not able to provide a comprehensive response to all areas of this RFI, but which may have information about one or more topics presented here, are encouraged to provide a partial response to those selected topics relevant to this RFI. Additionally, while the topics addressed in this RFI are those areas on which NASA is most interested in receiving industry feedback, comments related to other key EVA aspects is permitted and may be considered.

2.3. RFI Response Point of Contact

Submit all questions and responses to this RFI via email to:

Christian Gaspard Contracting Officer NASA Johnson Space Center Email: cgaspard@nasa.gov

2.4. Use of RFI responses

NASA will use the information obtained as a result of this RFI on a non-attribution basis. Providing data/information that is limited or restricted for use by NASA for that purpose would be of very little value and such restricted/limited data/information is not solicited. The information received may be used in developing the best approach for fulfilling these requirements, and therefore, may be recognizable to the interested party.

NASA will limit distribution of proprietary information obtained as a result of this RFI. To the full extent that it is protected by law and regulations, information identified by a respondent as Proprietary or Confidential will not be shared outside of the immediate NASA team.

Any information submitted in response to this RFI that is marked as “Proprietary” or “Confidential Commercial or Financial Information” will be considered as voluntarily submitted in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act. Additionally, any Export Controlled information should be appropriately labeled.

2.5. Questions Regarding this RFI

All questions regarding this RFI should be directed to the Contracting Officer identified above.

2.6. Review Process

Once all responses to this RFI have been received, NASA will conduct a review of the responses in consideration of its procurement strategy. NASA anticipates holding a future public forum (Industry Day) to further discuss its procurement strategy.

3.0 Information/Responses Requested

3.1 Procurement Interest & Classification

One of the purposes of this RFI is to identify Industry interest in supporting a commercial EVA services model.

3.1.1 Please identify your level of interest, capabilities, relevant experience, and any additional information that may assist the agency. Please also respond with all data requested in the accompanying Sources Sought Notice.

3.1.2 Please comment on which North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is most applicable to the acquisition envisioned by NASA (as described in 1.0 above).

3.1.3 Please comment on which Product Service Code (PSC) is most applicable to the acquisition envisioned by NASA.

3.2 Commercial Item Determination

Provide any information that would assist NASA in making the commercial item determination. If relevant, please explain how NASA could consider EVA services a commercial item pursuant to the definition in FAR 2.101.

3.3 Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) Structure

The CLIN structure mentioned above is being considered as the approach to defining the development and EVA services to be provided under the contract. NASA is seeking feedback on the structure and features within each CLIN.

Item 3.3.1: Provide recommendations and/or potential drawbacks related to the contemplated contract structure.

Item 3.3.2: Provide recommendations on the contracting method for CLIN 1. What are the merits and drawbacks of using baseline, completion-form contracting for development and what are the same for IDIQ?

Item 3.3.3: Which CLINs would your company be interested in if a procurement does result? Would your company be interested in providing EVA capability to the ISS, lunar destinations, or both?

3.4 Approach on Post-Certification EVA Services to ISS and Lunar Exploration

As part of the contract scope NASA anticipates the award of an IDIQ CLIN for EVA services to support ISS and lunar destinations. NASA is seeking industry feedback with respect to the ordering period for these two CLINs (1 and 2); specifically, what factors should the Government consider when determining the ordering period (and overall contract period of performance) and how would these factors result in a better value to the agency?

3.5 Additional Questions Regarding Commercial Aspects of this Procurement

NASA plans to support the development of a commercial application for EVA services through this procurement and expects the developing LEO & Lunar commercial markets to offer additional customer bases that may require similar EVA services.

Item 3.5.1: Does your business have a need for EVA capability in the future? What is your anticipated need date and environment (LEO, Lunar, etc.)? How many commercial EVAs outside of NASA do you anticipate during the same timeframe of this contract? How does NASA’s investment align as an investment to help you achieve this number of commercial EVAs?

Item 3.5.2: NASA is expecting a minimum of a 15% corporate investment from any partnership in developing this capability. What type and amount of corporate investment would your company bring to the partnership?

Item 3.5.3: Provide suggestions on how to use this contract to ultimately enable NASA to be one of many customers for EVA capability. For example, Industry’s approach to licensing and provisioning to other commercial entities.

Item 3.5.4: What Government assets would you contemplate leveraging (facilities, hardware, services, skills) in order to deliver EVA services? What capital investment in facilities, support equipment, etc. would your company anticipate making under this procurement?

Item 3.5.5: Identify any perceived barriers to market entry, and provide any suggested mitigations.

3.6 Additional Questions Regarding Development Aspects of this Procurement

Item 3.6.1: Is there any additional information your company can share with respect to your approach for development, qualification and production which will help frame NASA’s acquisition strategy and requirements?

Item 3.6.2: What risks do you foresee in being able to deliver this commercial EVA service and how would NASA be involved in your approach?

Item 3.6.3: Are there any sole source component concerns that would add risk to cost or schedule?

Item 3.6.4: The Government is considering a similar approach to tailoring requirements as those taken by the CCtCap, CRS, and GLS procurements, but is seeking Industry comment on how requirements and milestone payments could be tailored to maximize commercial approaches to meet NASA’s safety, technical, schedule, and financial needs.

Item 3.6.5: How much of the current NASA design data are you interested in leveraging?

4.0 Technical Data/Information

The items listed in Table 1 below can be found as attachments to this notice. Industry is invited to comment on how the requirements can be tailored to best meet the Government’s intended approach to procuring commercial EVA services. As some attachments contain information and technical data that are export controlled, interested partied must request access to these attachments by following the instructions below.

Additionally, a document entitled “xEVAS Available Government Facilities.pdf” can be found attached to this notice. The intent of this document is to disclose the capabilities that JSC can provide to support the development of a commercial EVA services and a point of contact for further inquiries. Per Question 3.5.4 above, respondents are requested to inform NASA on how they may intend to use these capabilities.

Individuals requesting access to the export controlled scientific and technical information must provide the following information to the Contracting Officer by email through an authorized manager of their company’s Security or Human Resources Offices. That authorized individual shall verify that the information provided to NASA is correct, complete, and accurate. Companies are responsible for ensuring their compliance with all U.S. export regulations:

1) Full Company Name:

2) Company Address

3) Is this a corporation, business association, partnership, society, trust, or any other entity, organization or group that is incorporated to do business in the United States? Yes [ ] No [ ]

4) Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code

5) Company Security or Human Resources Point of contact(s) providing/verifying information about the individual requesting access

a. Name and Title

b. Phone Number

c. e-mail

6) List the names of all individuals requesting access to the export controlled data including:

a. Name

b. The individual named above is [ ] or is not [ ] a U.S. person as defined in Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 120.15

c. If the individual is not a U.S. person what is their citizenship? _________

ALTERNATE 6b: Citizenship: Specify Citizenship [ ]

Non-U.S. Persons must list any other countries to which individual claims citizenship __________

List Place of Birth: _______________

All foreign nationals from designated countries covered by a Programmatic Technology Transfer Control Plan (PTTCP) or requiring access to export controlled information are required to have an Individual Technology Transfer Control Plan (I-TTCP) with a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).

Foreign nationals from non-designated countries requiring access to export-controlled information covered by a P-TTCP are required to comply with the International Partner or Foreign National Certification contained in the P-TTCP.

Point of Emphasis:

The Company is responsible for ensuring compliance with the export regulations.

Included as attachments to this RFI, and listed in the table below, are current versions of requirement documents that are being considered by NASA for an xEVAS procurement. The purpose of providing these documents is to solicit Industry feedback on how these documents should be tailored to enable a commercial approach to acquiring EVA services. These documents are export controlled and interested parties must follow the directions above to request access to download the attachments.

Table 1. List of Attached Requirements Documents

ATTACHMENT DESCRIPTION

SSP 51073-EVA-RD-001 Exploration Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Suit

Systems Requirements Document – Revision B SSP 51073-EVA-RD-001-Rev B Approved Changes

Exploration Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Suit Systems Requirements Document - Approved Changes to Next Revision

EVA-EXP-0032 EVA-ISS Interface Definition Document – Baseline

EVA-EXP-0034 Exploration Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Office Exploration EVA System Technical Standards - Revision B

EVA-EXP-0035 Exploration EVA Systems Compatibility – Baseline

SSP 51080 & EVA-EXP-0037 xEMU-ISS Interface Requirements Control Document – Baseline

EVA-EXP-0039 Exploration Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Office Exploration EVA System Environments Specifications – Revision A

EVA-EXP-0042 Exploration EVA Systems Concept of Operations - Revision B

EVA-EXP-0048 - Draft Exploration Extravehicular Activity (xEVA) System- Gateway Interface Requirements Control Document (IRCD) – Draft

EVA-EXP-0067 Human Lander System (HLS) – Exploration Extravehicular Activity (xEVA) Interface Requirement Control Document (IRCD) – Revision A

CTSD-ADV-1369 Concept of Operations for the Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU) Project – Revision C

5.0 Acquisition Schedule (Tentative)

Issue RFI – April 14, 2021 Post Technical Library – April 14, 2021 Responses due – April 29, 2021 Industry Day – May 14, 2021 Draft RFP – June 18, 2021 Draft RFP Responses due – July 8, 2021 RFP release – August 12, 2021 Proposals due – September 16, 2021

Contract Award – December 16, 2021

Please be aware that this schedule is tentative. This information is provided for general planning purposes only.