Attachment 2 - Question and Answers_5.14.25.pdf

Sources Sought - 80KSC025ZL001L Astronaut Crew Rescue Services

Questions & Answers

Question #1 Question: Is NASA open to proposals that utilize existing DoD and USCG air and watercraft (e.g., MH-60 helicopters, HC-130 aircraft, Fast Response Cutters) for SAR and AIREVAC, with contractor-provided operators and emergency personnel?

Response: Government provided air/watercraft are not available. NASA is seeking firms capable of providing all the necessary assets. Assets could be contractor owned or secure via partnerships or other agreements.

Question #2 Question: Are there specific certifications, training requirements, or operational protocols for contractor personnel to interface with DoD/USCG assets, particularly for secure communications (e.g., NIMS-compliant, UHF 243.0 MHz) and coordination with NASA’s mission control?

Response: There are no specific certifications, training requirements, or operation protocols required. Firms are requested to identify their communications capability and ability to coordinate with the DoD to utilize the National SAR network.

Firms are encouraged to research how communication paths, such as those NASA provided as examples, could be utilized with DoD. If such paths are not possible, firms may respond with alternate communication paths they may use instead.

Question #3 Question: Would NASA consider a hybrid model where the Contractor provides personnel and specialized equipment (e.g., medical supplies, capsule handling tools) while relying on DoD/USCG for vehicle assets and maintenance?

Response: As stated in the response to Question #1, NASA is seeking firms capable of providing all the necessary assets and maintenance.

Question #4 Question: AIREVAC requirement does not specifically state 4 non-ambulatory patients. Was that intentional?

Response: Yes. NASA intent is to understand firms AIREVAC capability. Industry capabilities might help NASA refine the contemplated requirements. Firms should include their AIREVAC transportation capacity and include a timeline to implement a solution to support up to 4 injured personnel.

Question #5 Question: Can you please provide coordinates to define the Boeing staging abort landing zone?

The ascent track near NY is a VERY challenging area for maritime helicopters because of the distance from shore.

Response: This information cannot be provided at this time. Approximate locations are provided in the RFI. Firms should address their capabilities to support the approximate locations and/or include locations they can support.

Question #6 Question: Mode 3 rescues are required in “pre-defined water regions around the world”. How far in advance of launch are the regions identified? Is there a standard set of regions that are evaluated for each mission? Approximately how many different regions are in play for a typical free flight period on a mission to ISS?

Response: NASA is seeking to understand what world-wide coverage, including coverage areas and time frames to reach those areas, firms are capable to support. Firms should define their world-wide capability in their response. Coverage maps with approximate ranges and times would be beneficial.