POSTPONED: Commercial Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Destination Contract (CLDC) Industry Day

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to industry questions submitted following the CLDC Sources Sought Synopsis and a CLDC Industry Update Presentation. It aims to clarify contractual requirements, strategy, and operational details for potential bidders.

• Crew & Station Operations: NASA plans to procure services for two NASA crew members as a minimum, with potential for additional seats. Alternating increments for multiple CLDs is an option. The concept for multiple CLDs depends on NASA's needs and budget.

• Technical Standards: NASA is developing a new UHF radio standard as an alternative to C2V2. Standards like CLDP-STD-3102 (Hazard Analysis and Safety Process) will be invoked via "shall" statements, with commercial providers needing to "meet the intent." Specific requirements for Pharmacy Lockers, Wetlabs, and Bio Sequencers are being updated and will be provided in the Draft RFP.

• Safety & Mission Assurance: Safety processes apply to both the destination and transportation vehicles. Low TRL hardware can be demonstrated on Destinations if hazards are identified and mitigated.

• Medical & Behavioral Requirements: NASA's proposed medical requirements will be released with the Draft RFP for industry comment. Crew certification is the responsibility of the CLD Provider, though NASA will participate in the assessment process.

• Utilization & Operations: NASA plans to request pricing and schedule options for unpressurized cargo services. Utilization is broadly defined to include science, research, industrialization, education, and outreach. NASA expects to need additional volume for payloads and stowage.

• Contracts & Procurement: NASA is not planning a small business set-aside for this acquisition but will require large business prime contractors to meet specific subcontracting goals. Price is a significant factor, but Mission Suitability will also be heavily weighted. NASA is not considering a Cost-Plus contract.

• The document indicates that additional details on NASA's approach, including updated requirements and standards, will be provided in the Draft RFP. This Q&A serves to inform industry and refine NASA's strategy before the Draft RFP release.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a presentation titled "CLDC Industry Update May 2025 Charts." It appears to be an informational update for industry partners regarding the Commercial LEO Development Program (CLDP). The presentation covers various aspects of the program, including:

• Requirements and Standards Updates: Details on the development of CLDP-REQ-1130 Rev. A, incorporating industry feedback and significant changes.
• Heritage Visiting Vehicle Transportation: Background on existing vehicles and interface requirements for compatibility with CLDs.
• Safety & Mission Assurance Updates: Revisions to hazard analysis and safety requirements based on industry feedback.
• Medical and Behavioral Requirements: Standards for crew qualification, including psychological suitability.
• Utilization Requirement Updates: Restructuring of utilization requirements into a new standard, CLDP-STD-1106.
• Operations and Training Concepts: Overview of operational standards, planning, mission systems, ground systems, and training concepts.
• Certification Approach: Details on the design, certification, and transportation system certification processes.
• Jurisdiction and Export Control: Considerations for criminal and civil jurisdiction, as well as export control regulations.
• Data Rights: Proposed government rights for contractor-produced data.
• Crew Code of Conduct: Development of behavioral standards for commercial LEO destination crewmembers.
• Liability Framework: Overview of the proposed liability framework, including cross-waivers, informed consent, insurance, and indemnification.

This document provides potential bidders with a comprehensive overview of NASA's current thinking and plans for the Commercial LEO Development Program. It outlines key areas of focus, requirements, and programmatic approaches that will likely inform future solicitations and contract requirements. Vendors can use this information to understand the scope of NASA's objectives, identify areas where their capabilities align, and prepare for upcoming opportunities related to LEO commercialization.