VT - Attachment E - Questions and Answers 11.09.2026.pdf

Attachment E – Questions and Answers 80JSC026Q0014 – Venous Thrombosis 11.06.2026

1. Vendor Question

Could you please clarify whether this opportunity is limited to Commercial Products and Commercial Services entities, or if university faculty are also eligible to apply?

Response - This solicitation is a Full and Open competition, for commercial products (please reference SAM.gov description.) Universities can submit quotes.

2. Vendor Question

If I am a PI at an Academic Institution and my application would be from a PI at an Academic Health Institution, but from a small lab. Does the number of employees relate to the PI (who will be the applicant) or to the academic institution?

Response – The NAICS will apply to whichever CAGE Code/SAM UEI that is submitted with the quote.

3. Vendor Question

Is this a brand-new contract or was an incumbent performing these services.

If not brand new, could you please provide the current / previous contract number?

Response – This is a new requirement; there is no follow on.

4. Vendor Question

Can an American vendor as the lead entity, apply for a solicitation like this with an international collaborator. If so, what, if there are any, might be the constraints?

Response – Please reference 52.204-7 and 52.225-5.

5. Vendor Question

Should proposers assume a project extending across the full period of performance (through September 2031), or are shorter-duration projects also considered responsive to the solicitation?

Response – Please see Amendment 003 which updates the CLIN structure.

6. Vendor Question

Is there an anticipated budget range, target award size, or not-to-exceed funding level that NASA would recommend proposers use when scoping their proposed work?

Response – Please provide your quote via Attachment D – Pricing Sheet

7. Vendor Question

Is there a sense of how many proposals might be accepted?

Response – The Government does not have an anticipated number of awards; however, the Government reserves the right to make multiple awards from this solicitation.

8. Vendor Question

Is there a maximum allowable total price or budget for an individual quote under this RFQ?

Response – Please provide your quote via Attachment D – Pricing Sheet.

9. Vendor Question

Is there also a maximum annual amount or limit on specific cost categories?

Response – Please provide your quote via Attachment D – Pricing Sheet.

10. Vendor Question

What are the total years allowable?

Response – Please refer to the RFQ.

11. Vendor Question

Are there requirements for the budget narrative and detailed budget beyond the instructions in the applicable HERO resources and Attachment D? Should institutional F&A and fringe benefit rates be documented separately?

Response – A detailed breakout is highly recommended, per guidance on Attachment D – Pricing Sheet. Please reference SAM posting with documents for all additional guidance

12. Vendor Question

Can NASA Civil Servants be included as part of the proposing team on this RFQ?

Response – No, this is a conflict of interest, NASA Civil Servants shall not be included in developing proposals with contractors.

13. Vendor Question

Nanoparticles that can respond to acoustic energy to generate cavitation events, which can lead to localized tissue destruction.

These have shown not only destruction of blood clots but pulverization of the fragments into small particles with minimal risk of microembolism (please see attached paper). Technology does require an ultrasound transducer, but it is a mechanical method of clot treatment, with the potential for image-guided treatment as well. Would this type of system be responsive to your proposal call? And if so, what types of ultrasound technologies would be available in the possible use cases that NASA is interested in?

Response – Technology described is not an appropriate response to this RFQ. Currently, the only ultrasound technology on ISS is for imaging.

14. Vendor Question

Filters which have lasted 15 years in a residential application with virtually no pressure drop across it and that filters at the one-micron level, vs the HEPA filter at the 4-micron level, and has an 80% less pressure drops across it, so is friendly on the energy side. It has been tested against a weaponized anthrax equivalent and nothing passed through of the test loads presented to it.

Would such filters be an appropriate response to this RFQ?

Response – Cabin filters are not an appropriate response to this RFQ.

15. Vendor Question

Is Lymphatic-Driven Lower-Body Fluid Management Countermeasure consider a VT counter measure?

Response – Countermeasures proposed should be well-justified to mitigate the venous thrombosis risk.

16. Vendor Question

Would pretreating isolated mitochondria with these compounds, then washing them before injection to test their thrombogenicity be within the scope of the statement of works section A.

Response – VT countermeasures proposed should describe an applied research design. Basic science research is outside of the scope of this solicitation.

17. Vendor Question

Would administering the compounds to mice to evaluate prevention of venous thrombosis be within the scope of the statement of works section A.

Response – Animal experiments are outside the scope of this RFQ.

18. Vendor Question

For proposals focused on retrospective analysis of existing astronaut MRV, MRI, and ultrasound datasets to develop and validate approaches for individualized VT risk assessment and surveillance, does NASA envision such efforts as being responsive to the intent of the solicitation?

Response – Yes, retrospective analysis of existing datasets is responsive to this RFQ.

19. Vendor Question 7

Would a ground-analog study that quantifies regional fluid redistribution as a mechanistic and risk-stratification input is within the scope of this request?

Response – Ground-based analog research may be proposed for this RFQ, particularly those that develop or leads to the development of a countermeasure for use by astronauts.

20. Vendor Question 8

Are submissions allowed from research labs focused on translational physiological monitoring sensors and imagers?

Response – The development of novel technologies to assess VT risk (e.g. venous flow dynamics, biomarkers) are within scope for this RFQ.

21. Vendor Question 9

Does the exclusion apply specifically to AI/ML, or would physics-based vascular modelling also be excluded?

Response - Modeling that directly leads to or is used in the implementation of surveillance approaches or countermeasures are acceptable.

22. Vendor Question 10

Would clot characterization, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and controlled-flow experiments fall within scope?

Response – Research plans that require capabilities not currently available on the International Space Station may be proposed for use in or the development of an appropriate ground-based model of VT.

23. Vendor Question 11

Could researchers access existing NASA blood samples and associated vascular ultrasound data?

Response – A moderate quantity of pre- and inflight serum and plasma samples within astronauts (>20) for whom ultrasound imaging also were acquired can be made available. The volume of available individual samples varies.

24. Vendor Question 12

Would ex-viv FXIa inhibitor studies or a small human pharmacodynamic study involving orally administered anticoagulants be eligible?

Response – Non-FDA approved anticoagulation pharmaceuticals would be considered emerging and out of scope of this

RFQ.

25. Vendor Question 13

Would a reusable, NASA-operated vascular research platform be considered an appropriate project deliverable?

Response - The development of novel technologies to assess VT risk (e.g. venous flow dynamics, biomarkers) are within scope for this RFQ.

26. Vendor Question 14

Would a project centered on VT-specific point-of-care assay development, analytical validation, and prospective measurement feasibility be responsive when its core deliverables are achievable through terrestrial studies, with astronaut specimens and flight testing included only where access is authorized and available? Is demonstration using astronaut specimens or an in-flight cohort expected within the proposed period of performance?

Response – Point-of-care assessment devices capable of functioning in weightlessness and reduced gravity are within scope of this RFQ. Demonstration in spaceflight may be proposed.

27. Vendor Question 15

Are archived astronaut specimens potentially accessible for research under this RFQ, particularly citrated plasma or other documented matrices suitable for the proposed assays? To the extent information can be shared, could NASA provide an aggregate feasibility overview of the approximate number of participants, availability of repeated preflight/in-flight/postflight specimens, and typical aliquot volumes?

Response - A moderate quantity of pre- and inflight serum and plasma samples within astronauts (>20) for whom ultrasound imaging also were acquired can be made available. The volume of available individual samples varies.

28. Vendor Question 16

Can eligible specimens be linked, under appropriate approvals, to IJV ultrasound findings and the timing of imaging relative to blood collection? Relevant information would include flow patterns or stasis, acquisition conditions, adjudicated thrombosis findings where available, and existing laboratory measurements. Could relevant medication or anticoagulant exposure and other permitted clinical context also be made available through an approved data-access process?

Response – For retrospective analyses, a moderate quantity of pre- and inflight serum and plasma samples within astronauts (>20) for whom ultrasound imaging also were acquired can be made available. The volume of available individual samples varies. De-identified relevant clinical interpretations and medications usage can be requested.

29. Vendor Question 17

Which publicly available descriptions of ongoing or planned NASA/ESA hemostasis and venous-flow studies should we consult to avoid duplication? Are existing biomarker measurements potentially available for authorized secondary analysis, and is there an established mechanism for coordinating complementary assay-development work while conserving limited specimens?

Response – Ongoing efforts can be accessed via Taskbook: https://taskbook.nasaprs.com/tbp/index.cfm. Existing datasets can be searched on NLSP: https://www.nasa.gov/hrp/nlsp/. Selected proposals will be evaluated and potentially modified for research integration to maximize science output while minimizing constraints (e.g. crew time, blood volume, ect.).

https://taskbook.nasaprs.com/tbp/index.cfm https://www.nasa.gov/hrp/nlsp/

30. Vendor Question 18

Which repository or office would coordinate specimen and linked-data requests? Please also clarify whether proposers should secure documentation of potential access before submission or describe access as contingent on post-award review and availability.

Response – Upon award, the Human Research Program will coordinate distribution of retrospective samples and data from astronauts to the awarded team and/or the acquisition of prospective samples and relevant data for future work.

31. Vendor Question 19

Does the scope of 80JSC026Q0014 include research conducted during the immediate post-landing and water-recovery phase, including data collected on return day (R+0) from commercial crew?

Response – Spaceflight research may be proposed and timepoints should be well-justified, especially for highly-constrained timepoints such as R+0.

32. Vendor Question 20

Are matched specimens available for pre-flight, during flight, and post-flight?

Response - For retrospective analyses, a moderate quantity of pre- and inflight serum and plasma samples within astronauts (>20) for whom ultrasound imaging also were acquired can be made available. The volume of available individual samples varies. De-identified relevant clinical interpretations and medications usage can be requested.

33. Vendor Question 21

Are the volumes available: 1 mL of blood plasma or serum, and 2 mL of urine

Response - For retrospective analyses, a moderate quantity of pre- and inflight serum, plasma, and urine samples within astronauts (>20) for whom ultrasound imaging also were acquired can be made available. The volume of available individual samples varies. De-identified relevant clinical interpretations and medications usage can be requested.

34. Vendor Question 22

Are the participant-availability and mission-duration assumptions in the April 2024 Flight Experiment Information Package applicable to this RFQ? What approximate number of consenting research participants per year should an individual selected investigation reasonably assume and for what mission durations?

Response – Crew rotations are averaging 6-8mo in duration for both US commercial crew providers and Soyuz launches with 1-3 possible research participants per mission. Assume a 50% consent rate for planning purposes.

35. Vendor Question 23

What existing research hardware and implementation support may be available to selected investigations, and how should offerors establish availability? May offerors assume access to relevant NASA or international-partner hardware already aboard the ISS, subject to coordination, or must access be confirmed before submission? Please clarify the eligibility of modifying existing or commercial equipment versus developing new flight hardware under this RFQ and how launch and integration costs, if applicable, should be addressed.

Response – Access to research hardware does not require pre-coordination prior to quote submission. NASA will work with selected research teams for access to necessary hardware post-award. Flight certification of new hardware, including launch and integration costs will be covered by NASA.

36. Vendor Question 24

May offerors independently arrange research on commercial crewed spacecraft or free-flying missions, including short-duration missions and participation by non-NASA crewmembers? Are there platform, mission-duration, or participant-eligibility restrictions?

Response – NASA cannot guarantee access to commercial platforms or commercial astronauts, nor preclude offerors from obtaining alternate sources of funding for research conducted solely on commercial platforms. Offerors who propose prospective studies with spaceflight participants to this RFQ should prioritize data collection on the International Space Station, and not be reliant on measures collected on commercial platforms to fulfill research aims.

37. Vendor Question 25

For ISS, independently arranged commercial missions, and parabolic flights. Specifically, would NASA arrange or provide parabolic flights, or should offerors independently arrange them and include their full cost in the quotation? Please address flight access, hardware qualification and integration, transportation, crew time, and research operations.

Response – For parabolic flights, offerors should independently arrange and cost said flights in their RFQ response.

38. Vendor Question 26

What evidence is required to demonstrate access to a commercial platform or crew, such as a feasibility letter, budgetary quotation, or binding agreement? May access arrangements remain contingent on award, and how should provider identities be handled under the anonymization requirements?

Response – NASA cannot guarantee access to commercial platforms or commercial astronauts, nor preclude offerors from obtaining alternate sources of funding for research conducted solely on commercial platforms. Offerors who propose prospective studies with spaceflight participants to this RFQ should prioritize data collection on the International Space Station, and not be reliant on measures collected on commercial platforms to fulfill research aims. Any documentation submitted as part of the RFQ that has offeror’s identities or commercial providers named may be submitted as part of the non-anonymized portion of the RFQ with general statements only in the anonymized portion.

39. Vendor Question 27

Are phased investigations with ground or analog milestones and a subsequent flight phase acceptable?

Response – Given the limited opportunities for data collection on the International Space Station and long lead time (>12 months) from award to the implementation, offerors proposing ground-based and spaceflight research should not design their projects with the expectation that ground-based results are critical to the implementation of the flight study.

40. Vendor Question 28

Does venous thrombosis risk during landing, recovery and return to gravity, fall within "during spaceflight and exploration missions"?

Response – Yes.

41. Vendor Question 29

Do maritime, water-immersion and saturation-diving settings count as "spaceflight-analog" research?

Response – Those platforms have been used as spaceflight analogs for some applications but their use in the study of venous thrombosis in spaceflight will need to be strongly justified.

42. Vendor Question

Will offerors have access to existing astronaut imaging and biomarker datasets for retrospective work, and through what process?

Response – For retrospective analyses, a moderate quantity of pre- and inflight serum, plasma, and urine samples within astronauts (>20) for whom ultrasound imaging also were acquired can be made available. The volume of available individual samples varies. De-identified relevant clinical interpretations and medications usage can be requested. Upon award, the Human Research Program will coordinate distribution of retrospective samples and data from astronauts to the awarded team.

43. Vendor Question

The Conformed documents (Conformed - 80JSC026Q00140001 and Conformed - 80JSC026Q00140002.pdf) have been removed from the SAM.gov listing. Are these documents no longer a requirement?

Response – Please see attachment Conformed – 80JSC026Q00140003 per Amendment 003, which make the previous conformed copies obsolete (this is the reason they were removed).

44. Vendor Question

As part of the proposal submission, should SF 18 or SF1449 be included?

Response – Respond on the provided SF18

45. Vendor Question

Where can exceptions/redlines to the Contractual items be placed within the proposal materials?

Response – Redlines can be submitted