CLDC Pre-Proposal Conference Q and A 7926.pdf

Draft RFP CLDC Pre-Proposal Conference Questions and Answers Presented on July 9, 2026

1. Please clarify when the final Draft RFP comments are due. NASA plans to update the due date to

Monday, July 27, 2026, at 8am CDT.

2. Implementation Partners: How are implementation partners taken into consideration during the evaluation and selection process in this solicitation? NASA’s goal is to avoid a gap in low earth orbit and has included viable research capability in the minimum configuration for evaluation. The term "implementation partner" is not utilized in the CLDC contract. The specifics of the Instructions and Evaluation criteria related to sub-contractors are in the draft CLDC RFP Section L and M.

3. Protection of Implementation Partners: How does the program plan to protect implementation partners from industry risks or challenges? NASA’s goal is to avoid a gap in low earth orbit and has included viable research capability in the minimum configuration for evaluation. The term "implementation partner" is not utilized in the CLDC contract.

4. Are there plans to define a mandatory percentage for American payloads and Implementation Partners on CLDs? No. The CLDC contract follows 51 USC 50131 but does not require a mandatory percentage of "American" payload services. NASA does not intend to define a mandatory percentage for American payloads. NASA has not used the term 'Implementation Partners' in the CLDC draft RFP.

5. Please clarify the required schedule for initial on-orbit capability, certification, and commencement of standard service missions. The schedule is to be proposed by the offeror.

6. Regarding the ‘fixed period to reach CLIN 1 completion’ referenced on page 16, has this period already been defined? If not, when will it be established, and will the same fixed period apply uniformly to all awardees? NASA intends to provide an estimated schedule in the Final RFP.

7. What is the anticipated timing for the CLIN2 down select? NASA intends to provide an estimated schedule in the Final RFP.

8. Does NASA plan to establish some sort of IGA of current International Space Station program? It could encourage non-US customers, user and scientist to use a selected CLD as a one of customer. No. An executive agreement similar to the Intergovernmental Agreement Concerning Cooperation on the ISS (IGA) is not planned to be used for CLDs. NASA may use bilateral agreements.

9. Re the "IGA question": Does NASA intend to discuss or coordinate the liability policy with its international partners, or will that be the purview of the industry bidder? Is the manner in which the bidder resolves liability with potential international users a factor? For international entities that are CLD customers or partners, the prime contractor is responsible for liability coordination and flow down as outlined in the draft RFP. Information pertaining to liability approach are requested through DRD CLDC-015 Program Management Plan.

10. "The Contractor shall...comply with 51 U.S.C. §50131 in performance of this contract by acquiring space transportation services from United States commercial providers." Please clarify what transportation services are considered "in performance of this contract" vs commercial.

Space transportation services provided to the government in performance of this contract must comply with 51 U.S.C. §50131. The contractor is responsible to comply with all applicable statutes and regulations to the extent applicable to their commercial missions.

11. J-15 describes Government Furnished Transportation and Support Services (GFTSS). Under what conditions does NASA envision electing to provide such support? How will price of such services be evaluated vs commercial alternatives? NASA plans to collect data as part of this draft RFP to provide Government Furnished Transportation and Support Services (GFTSS). In accordance with Section L.17.2 Price Factor, the Total Evaluated Price (TEP) only utilizes the end-to-end pricing.

12. Please clarify NASA’s expectations regarding cargo transportation beyond the baseline Standard Service Mission. Will NASA acquire additional cargo transport under CLIN 3, through Government Furnished Transportation Services, or another contract vehicle? The contractor is required to pre-price additional cargo transportation as part of CLIN 4 that will be ordered when the Government has a need via Task Order. NASA may choose to negotiate GFTSS for additional NASA needs.

13. L.17.3.2, TA.2 states "The Offeror shall describe their approach for certification of visiting vehicles and operations." Please confirm that the Offeror will be responsible for certifying visiting vehicles, including those on which NASA payloads and or crew may be flying. The Contactor is responsible for meeting the overall requirements in the CLDC contract including flow down of visiting vehicle requirements. NASA will continue to certify crew and cargo vehicles regardless of transportation acquisition path.

14. Certain non-U.S. entities are interested to provide bring modules, equipment, or visiting vehicles to a CLD. What is NASA's view on certification of these elements in the event NASA crew or payloads are not required or expected to depend on these elements? Any modules, equipment or visiting vehicles will require a NASA certification, although the requirements may be tailored depending on the impact against the baseline certification, design and use.

15. How does NASA intend to transition the ISS mission crew payload ramp down on ISS and crew payload ramp up on CLD? And is there an optimal ramp up on the CLD desired by NASA? How would this factor into award decision (notwithstanding the A, B, C mission approach contemplated). NASA is allowing the offeror to propose their evolutionary approach to meeting the full standard service. The CLDC award decision is not contingent on the ISS transition plan.

16. Regarding past performance, what level of work, certification, and TRL levels are considered past performance? In accordance with draft CLDC RFP Section M.5 JSC 52.215-115 PAST PERFORMANCE FACTOR (VOLUME III) (JUL 2022) paragraph C, past performance will be evaluated for recency, relevance, and performance. These elements are defined in paragraph D of this section.

17. What, if any, is the cost sharing requirement percentage with non-traditional small businesses?

How can small businesses participate and what are the eligibility requirements for small businesses? Would NASA facilitate teaming between primes and subs? NASA is requiring the prime contractor to propose small business goals and percentages. NASA will not facilitate teaming but will post an interested parties list.

18. Will NASA continue Phase 1 funded SAA or CDISS post CLDC award or extend current expirations? NASA does not currently plan to extend the Phase 1 Funded Space Act Agreements or the Commercial Destination Development in LEO using the ISS (CDISS) contract beyond the current period of performance.

19. Will NASA continue the CCSC2 unfunded SAA agreements? NASA is still evaluating the continuation of Destination CCSC2 Unfunded Space Act Agreements that expire in 2028 post CLDC award.