Space Launch System (SLS) Universal Stage Adapter (USA)

Added: Nov 02, 2016 5:44 pm

Added: Sep 30, 2016 7:52 am This is the Final RFP for the SLS USA procurement.

Added: Sep 23, 2016 4:56 pm Draft RFP NNC16ZMX004R is hereby updated to add two questions and two answers.

1) Question: Some companies have inquired whether NASA will indemnify the contractor and subcontractors for work performed under this contract.

Answer: Work performed under this contract may involve risks resulting in potential third party liability. At this time, NASA does not have the legal authority to grant indemnification for risks associated with the work performed under this contract. Offerors should plan accordingly, considering the availability, cost, and terms and conditions of commercial insurance.

2) Question: Some companies have asked for clarification on the Government Task Agreement (GTA) and Government Furnished Property (GFP) processes.

Answer: In considering these and other comments to the draft Request for Proposals, NASA intends to clarify the GTA and GFP processes in the final RFP.

Added: Sep 11, 2016 6:47 pm

Draft RFP NNC16ZMX004R is hereby updated to add 15 various technology-related documents for general reference.  During the Industry Day on August 17th, NASA speakers indicated that NASA GRC would post a library of documents relating to structural composites, in addition to other technology areas.  The documents in this posting complete this action. 

Note that these documents are only supplemental and are for reference only.  None of these documents replace or update any other existing documents, nor should they be construed as any requirements to the SLS USA effort. 

Added: Aug 23, 2016 11:45 am

Draft RFP NNC16ZMX004R is hereby updated to include the following:

1) Industry Day slides from August 17, 2016.

2) Answers to questions recieved at Industry Day:

Q - Why was the PAF chosen to be part of the primary load train rather than having the USA bolt directly to the EUS?

A - To enable offline processing at KSC. If you need more details contact Chad Brown (chad.e.brown@nasa.gov) and Joe Roche (joseph.m.roche@nasa.gov) .

Q - Why the change to single piece USA separation given the vital requirement of no recontact with EUS MPCV?

A - To maximize separation reliability, minimize component mass, and reduce cost.

Q - Would NASA consider offering a standardized test service quote for qual test conduction at Plum Brook and MSFC for potential offerors to use if desired?

A - No. Offeror unique test requirements will influence the cost.  GTA is the mechanism for establishing proposal estimates.

Q - Will the USA Industry Day presentation charts be available for reference?

A - Yes, they are posted here with this update. 

Q - Is on pad access to the personnel acces doors planned?

A - No. Please see Chad Brown for further information.

Q - How would NASA like to receive feedback on the questions you would like industry to provide feedback on?

A - Either discuss in one-on-one sessions (already completed) or contact Jeff Hoyt at Jeffrey.D.Hoyt@nasa.gov . Note that NASA requests comments to the DRFP by August 31, 2016. 

Q - When does the blackout begin?

A - When the final Request for Proposal is released. 

Q - What is the GTA process?  What is the format for the GTA?

A - The GTA process is identified in Draft RFP attachment "17 of 19 DRFP Att J.2-8 Government Task Agreement Instructions".  The format for each GTA should be discussed with the Government point of contact who assists with completion of the GTA. 

Added: Aug 03, 2016 2:03 pm

Amendment #1 to the Space Launch System (SLS) Universal Stage Adapter (USA) Synopsis / Draft Request for Proposal

Attachment "01 of 19 DRFP Introduction" is hereby modified to add one additional question on page 1 for the purposes of soliciting feedback from industry:

"Options contract type - Are there any comments on the use of a cost plus award fee contract type for options 1 - 6?"

The attachment "01 of 19 DRFP Introduction" is hereby modified and attached with track changes to this modification.

Added: Aug 01, 2016 4:59 pm NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) plans to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Space Launch System (SLS) Universal Stage Adapter (USA) Acquisition.

The SLS is being developed to explore the solar system and extend the human presence throughout it. SLS will meet these objectives through a block upgrade strategy. Block 1 is being developed to launch the Exploration Mission (EM)-1 mission while the Block 1B configuration is being developed to launch the crewed EM-2 mission and future crewed missions. The Block 1B configuration features the Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) and requires an adapter to carry the Orion crew vehicle. This adapter is known as the Universal Stage Adapter (USA). The RFP will be for the acquisition of the USA for EM-2 and six Optional USAs for additional EMs.

The draft RFP package is attached to this synopsis.

The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code and Size Standard are 336419, Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing and 1,000 employees, respectively.

All responsible sources may submit an offer which will be considered by the agency.

The anticipated release date of the FINAL RFP is on or about 10/01/2016 with an anticipated offer due date of on or about 12/01/2016.

NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition is Michael J. Zernic, michael.j.zernic@nasa.gov .

The solicitation and any documents related to this procurement will be available over the Internet at www.fbo.gov .

Prospective Offerors should notify this office of their intent to submit an offer. It is the Offeror's responsibility to monitor the Internet site for the release of the solicitation and amendments (if any). Potential Offerors will be responsible for downloading their own copy of the solicitation and amendments (if any).

All questions must be submitted in writing via email. Telephone questions will not be accepted.