FAQ - CLD Directive Clarifications - Updated 8_19_25.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – CLD Directive Clarifications

This document has been approved for public release via the Scientific, Technical and Research Information DiscoVEry System (STRIVES) 20250008490 Process. It has been reviewed for Proprietary, CUI, and Export Control (ITAR/EAR) and has been determined to be non-sensitive.

This document has been approved for public release per STI 20250008490

Pre-Decisional: All content is considered draft and subject to change prior to final AFP release.

Demonstration Clarifications:

1. Are there more specifics on what the demonstration goals are compared to the objective of having a minimum capability of four crew for one-month increments?

The minimum capability of supporting four crew members for one-month increments is levied specifically for the Phase 2 Space Act Agreement and does not define NASA’s desired end state capabilities for commercial low Earth orbit destinations (CLD). The demonstration’s minimum requirement is to show the system's readiness and capability, which includes an initial in-space crewed demonstration. The demonstration vehicle is expected to provide the foundational functionality for future missions, and it is envisioned to be the starting point to propose to more than the minimum of the commercial space station but there is flexibility available to industry on this point. NASA’s final needs and capabilities for the follow-on certification and services phase is still under consideration.

2. Can partners propose an alternative to four crew for one-month mission? For example, could a shorter crewed mission of two weeks be acceptable? What flexibility will be allowed in each proposal?

NASA is allowing significant flexibility in the proposals to define the details and schedule associated with the in-space crewed demonstration. However, the four crew, one-month duration will be a non-negotiable minimum requirement.

3. Can NASA provide additional clarity around the purpose of the demonstration and specific objectives associated with four (4) crew and minimum one (1) month duration.

The choice of a demonstration with 4 crew for a minimum of 1 month aligns with the original plan for Minimal Initial Operating Capability (Min IOC) provided to industry in the past. Similar to our original strategy, NASA’s number one goal is to reduce or eliminate the gap post-ISS. This criteria provides enough time and operational capability for potential purchase of NASA minimum services. Additionally, it would provide adequate technical demonstration needed to ensure NASAs investment for the expanded capability need in the future. NASA would be interested in additional feedback at a future industry touchpoint if this definition is restrictive and why.

NASA will continue to evaluate are goals and objectives as we finalize the Draft AFP.

4. Would a full station in five (5) years satisfy the demo?

NASA is still evaluating the time period requirement for the demonstration but providing greater than the minimum (Full station) would satisfy the in-space demonstration requirements. Award value will be based on capability proposed.

This document has been approved for public release via the Scientific, Technical and Research Information DiscoVEry System (STRIVES) 20250008490 Process. It has been reviewed for Proprietary, CUI, and Export Control (ITAR/EAR) and has been

5. Are additional demonstrations leading to the final crewed demonstration allowed?

Yes, Industry can provide additional milestones over and above the required critical design review and in-space crewed demonstration. Additional demonstrations, hardware testing and other milestones that provide evidence of progress are encouraged.

6. The Directive seems to focus on minimum viability vs long term capability.

There is a concern that this will reduce long term capability for services in order to have lowest price to bid.

The intent is not to drive industry to change their design/plans to a minimum viable product but to allow for flexibility and a bare minimum requirement. Evaluation of proposals will include proposed capabilities and proposed end state capabilities for the future. The AFP will contain additional detail on how the proposed capabilities will be evaluated.

7. The directive noted Phase 2 architecture needs to include affordable and scalable design approaches. Are you envisioning the demo to be the start of the station?

The demonstration vehicle is expected to provide the foundational functionality for future missions. It is envisioned to be the starting point of the commercial space station and is part of an architecture that provides for NASA and other customer utilization long term needs. This can be provided by either utilizing a scalable architecture or providing increased capability initially. In order to ensure affordability, NASA is providing funding as part of the funded Space Act Agreements for the development of commercial destinations and there is an expectation that investment is going towards the total funding needed to provide future services.

8. Does NASA expect the final hardware/module used for demonstration to be utilized as part of a scalable CLD architecture? Is it acceptable to propose scalable architectures that have as part of their design limited lifespans requiring replacement over time even at the major component/module level?

NASA assumes that the final in-space demonstration architecture will be utilized as part of the proposed end capabilities for Phase 3 certification and services to ensure continuity, minimize investment and risk to full certification schedule. However, NASA acknowledges the need for flexibility in a fully commercial approach. Proposals for scalable, affordable architecture can include different methods for providing for future service needs. NASA does not plan to have funding for on-going development and launch of architecture during the services phase. Costs to support architectures with significant maintenance/replacement requirements would need to

This document has been approved for public release via the Scientific, Technical and Research Information DiscoVEry System (STRIVES) 20250008490 Process. It has been reviewed for Proprietary, CUI, and Export Control (ITAR/EAR) and has been be covered as part of the mission services costs and will be assessed for affordability, risk and other factors.

9. Though the in-space crewed demonstration requires non-NASA crew, must any cargo or cargo transportation to a station prior to certification also be non-NASA?

NASA has provided for the flexibility for industry to propose end state operations and request use of government provided equipment and services including crew and cargo transportation. NASA has also clarified that NASA crew may be proposed to be part of a crewed demonstration as long as it is deemed appropriate and does not impact schedule. Additional insight and requirements may be required. Evaluation of NASA crew or transportation services including cargo will be based on the proposal merits and value to NASA. Any cargo requirements will be based on the demonstration needs proposed by industry.

10. Will NASA provide clear language in the AFP to allow for the use of

“government, International and commercial astronauts” for the demonstration?

NASA is evaluating this flexibility and will consider this language to provide maximum flexibility.

Funded SAA Clarifications

11. The directive noted that at least 25% of the Space Act Agreement value is paid after a crew demonstration. Is industry responsible for the purchase of the crew demonstration flight?

Yes, the directive specifies that the last 25% of the payment is contingent upon a successful in-space crewed demonstration. This implies that the demonstration will include the purchase of the crew flight. Similar to private astronaut missions, commercial flights to a commercial destination that do not include NASA crew are not provided, certified or managed through the Commercial Crew Program.

However, the use of Government provided transportation could be proposed. NASA is evaluating under what circumstances this could be provided without NASA crew.

More details will be provided with the draft Announcement for Proposal. Additionally, NASA crew may be proposed and considered by NASA if appropriate and does not result in schedule impacts.

12. Will the proposal require full capability within three years, or will five years be acceptable? What is NASA expecting the milestones to be during the following two years? Are they to be utilization milestones or is that for schedule relief?

The proposal does not strictly require full capability within three years. As part of the Announcement for Proposal finalization, NASA is determining whether the schedule

This document has been approved for public release via the Scientific, Technical and Research Information DiscoVEry System (STRIVES) 20250008490 Process. It has been reviewed for Proprietary, CUI, and Export Control (ITAR/EAR) and has been for the crewed demonstration will be required by a specific time or will be assessed as part of the proposal. It is NASA’s desire to have the crewed demonstration no later than 2030. Additional milestones should be based on the partner’s development plan (i.e. further development of the end state station, additional testing, utilization specific capabilities and demonstration).

13. How long does NASA plan to provide for industry proposals post final

Announcement for Proposal release?

NASA is still evaluating proposal schedule and industry review periods between 30- 60 days. NASA will finalize this plan no later than draft Announcement for Proposal (AFP). NASA plans to release a draft AFP, which will also provide additional opportunity for industry to prepare for the final AFP. Currently, NASA plans to release a draft Announcement for Proposal no earlier than Sept. 2, 2025, followed by an Industry Day no earlier than Sept. 5, 2025. The agency is planning for the release of the final Announcement for Proposal no later than Oct. 4, 2025.

14. What are the factors or success criteria NASA will use when evaluating the proposals?

NASA is still evaluating the criteria for proposal evaluation and will finalize this criteria no later than draft Announcement for Proposal.

15. Will the use of existing crew and cargo systems versus new development be considered?

Yes, NASA will consider the use of existing crew and cargo systems as well as new developments. Proposals leveraging proven systems may be advantageous due to their established reliability and reduced development risk.

16. Will potential space station operations and logistics plans be evaluated?

NASA is still evaluating the criteria and content required for proposal evaluation and will finalize this criteria no later than draft Announcement for Proposal. Some information associated with the future planned architecture and readiness for future services will be taken into account but will be limited as this FSAA does not encompass future certification and services.

Transportation Clarifications

17. Is there an opportunity under the Space Act Agreement to fund the development of systems that enable commercial low Earth orbit destinations, such as transportation vehicle upgrades that can bolster the success of commercial low Earth orbit operations?

The scope of the Space Act Agreement is focused on maturing commercial destination systems to critical design review readiness along with an initial in-space

This document has been approved for public release via the Scientific, Technical and Research Information DiscoVEry System (STRIVES) 20250008490 Process. It has been reviewed for Proprietary, CUI, and Export Control (ITAR/EAR) and has been crewed demonstration. Proposals can include partnering milestones with transportation, but stand-alone agreements for transportation will not be assessed under these agreements. NASA continues to evaluate what additional Space Act Agreements or other measures may be required in the future to enable transportation.

18. What if a station provider includes needed upgrades/NRE for crew/cargo services in their proposal? How does that affect the proposal evaluation?

Proposals that include necessary upgrades or non-recurring engineering (NRE) for crew/cargo services may be evaluated on the value trade between potential to enhance mission success against cost. These proposals may receive additional consideration for their proactive approach to addressing transportation needs. The directive allows for flexibility in awarding Space Act Agreement value based on proposed industry capability and availability of funds. Details associated with proposal evaluation criteria are still in work. More information will be provided with the Draft AFP.

19. What is NASA’s commitment post demo associated with transportation? It is unclear if NASA will offer government provided transportation.

We are providing flexibility to industry to define what the transportation concept should be, whether that is commercial provided end-to-end service or government provided. Unlike in the previous strategy, NASA will not dictate specific requirements at this time.

End State/Phase 3 Clarifications:

20. Can you provide any information about the criteria for awarding certification and services contracts and how much money will be available for those?

The criteria and schedule for awarding the follow-on Phase 3 certification and services contracts is still under development. NASA will continue to work plans for future certification and services and will deliver a Certification Transition Framework no later than Dec. 4, 2025, outlining requirements for moving from a Phase 2 funded Space Act Agreement to formal certification, including safety, human-rating, and operational integration as well as services.

21. When can NASA provide additional clarification of NASA’s desired end state for commercial destinations including utilization capabilities and plans beyond the minimum four crew for one-month outlined in the directive?

NASA aims to define minimum information required for Phase 2 as part of the draft Announcement for Proposal, including high-level descriptions of the agency’s end-state goals and objectives. Detailed utilization requirements will not be finalized until closer to Phase 3 Request for Proposal but NASA plans to continue to refine these

This document has been approved for public release via the Scientific, Technical and Research Information DiscoVEry System (STRIVES) 20250008490 Process. It has been reviewed for Proprietary, CUI, and Export Control (ITAR/EAR) and has been details as part of the Certification Transition Framework action planned to be completed by Dec 4, 2025.

22. Does NASA intend to only offer L-24-month ATPs for services contracts, or will this be discussed during the 120-day Certification Transition Framework development?

NASA intends to address the specifics of a future Phase 3 Certification and Services contract and the transition from Funded SAA as part of the 120-day Certification Transition Framework development.

23. Will NASA take input from the providers, including the transportation providers during the 120-day Certification Transition Framework development?

Yes, NASA welcomes input from providers, including transportation providers as we formulate this long-term plan to support a collaborative and effective transition.

NASA is still evaluating the plans for the Certification Transition Framework and will provide more details at a later time. It is undefined at this time how NASA will solicit that feedback.

24. Will NASA provide industry opportunity to provide feedback on future

Certification Transition Framework via RFI or other options?

NASA will continue to collaborate with industry during this process. Timeline and method for requesting industry feedback is still being evaluated.

25. Will NASA provide more clarity prior to proposal due dates associated with certification needs? It will be important for proposers to understand NASA needs to ensure milestones align with NASA needs.

NASA recognizes the final Certification Transition Framework will be released ~December 2025, which means it will not be released before the AFP is released (October 2025). NASA understands the concern and will attempt to provide some minimum guidance as soon as possible. NASA is prioritizing getting an award as soon as possible to minimize potential gap post ISS. Mitigations will be defined to address this concern.

26. Has NASA changed their strategy and abandoned “continuous heartbeat”? Is this still a desired end state?

The request for one month duration missions was not meant to imply that will be NASAs long term need but is based on realistic expectation of schedule and budget.

NASA is still finalizing the end state required for Phase 3 Services, but the expectation is that longer duration missions will be required but “continuous heartbeat” may not be required. NASA understands industry need for additional

This document has been approved for public release via the Scientific, Technical and Research Information DiscoVEry System (STRIVES) 20250008490 Process. It has been reviewed for Proprietary, CUI, and Export Control (ITAR/EAR) and has been clarification in the AFP. NASA is interested in future industry feedback on optimal mission duration and frequency to meet business and non-NASA customer needs.

27. Will NASA identify as part of the AFP, end state details for Phase 3 including mission duration and frequency?

NASA will provide information in detail during the Phase 3 RFP. NASA is still evaluating what end state information will be defined for AFP. Industry will have an opportunity to provide feedback with the draft AFP.

28. Is there flexibility in the critical design review requirement to allow companies to propose their own development timelines and be evaluated based on their progress and plans?

NASA is allowing significant flexibility in the proposals to define the details and schedule associated with the critical design review requirement. In addition, NASA will publish a CLD Performance Metrics Plan that provides further clarification on CDR readiness timelines, demonstration success criteria, and operational handoff benchmarks.

Budget Clarifications

29. Will NASA be using carryover funds from past years to fund any remaining milestones that are delayed by the funded Phase 1 partners? Or will FY26 CLD funds be used?

NASA will continue to support Phase 1 activities through March 2026. Post-award, NASA will re-assess whether Phase 1 activities will continue post-Phase 2 award.

30. What is the expected budget for the CLD Phase 2 SAAs?

The expected budget for the Commercial LEO Development Program is approximately $2.1 billion over the next five years, with $272.3 million allocated for Fiscal Year 2026. The exact allocation of the budget to the Phase 2 efforts is still being evaluated. NASA will invest as much as possible into the Phase 2 Funded SAA while continuing to support the current Phase 1 Contracts and agreements, which will be re-assessed post Phase-2 award, and the development and readiness for a Phase 3 Certification and Services Contract.

31. Will NASA down select or guarantee Phase 2 Space Act Agreement awardees a future certification and services contract?

NASA cannot guarantee Phase 2 awardees will receive a future certification and services contract. In the follow-on Phase 3, NASA will use Federal Acquisition Regulation-based contract(s) to purchase destination certification and services through a full and open competition.

This document has been approved for public release via the Scientific, Technical and Research Information DiscoVEry System (STRIVES) 20250008490 Process. It has been reviewed for Proprietary, CUI, and Export Control (ITAR/EAR) and has been

32. When will NASA commit to using selected platforms?

The criteria and schedule for awarding the follow-on Phase 3 certification and services contracts is still under development. NASA will continue to work plans for future certification and services and will deliver a Certification Transition Framework no later than Dec. 4, 2025, outlining requirements for moving from a Phase 2 funded Space Act Agreement to formal certification, including safety, human-rating, and operational integration as well as services.