NASA Announcement for Proposals: Commerical Operation of Launch Complex 39A
NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center provides notice that the Government will issue an Announcement for Proposals (AFP) seeking a qualified lessee who is capable of taking responsibility for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of Launch Complex 39, Pad A (LC-39A) as a commercial launch facility.
Synopsis – May 17, 2013
General Information
Solicitation Number: AFP-KSC-LC39A
Posted Date: May 17, 2013
FedBizOpps Posted Date: May 17, 2013
Recovery and Reinvestment Act Action: No
Original Response Date: Jun 21, 2013
Current Response Date: Jun 21, 2013
Classification Code: X — Lease or rental of facilities
NAICS Code: 481212
Set-Aside Code:
Contracting Office Address
NASA/John F. Kennedy Space Center, Procurement, Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899
Description
The following information is preliminary and subject to change.
The National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA), John F. Kennedy Space Center provides notice that the Government will issue an Announcement for Proposals (AFP) seeking a qualified lessee who is capable of taking responsibility for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of Launch Complex 39, Pad A (LC-39A) as a commercial launch facility.
LC-39A is a potentially useful, historically significant, launch platform for a commercial company or consortium, or other U.S. domestic entity, including state agencies, to use to support commercial launch activities while assuming financial and technical responsibility for O&M. Such commercial use will protect LC-39A from deterioration resulting from non-use.
Additionally, commercial use will support NASA in fulfilling its mandate to, “seek and encourage, to the maximum extent possible, the fullest commercial use of space.” 51 U.S.C. 20112(a)(4). Such use is also authorized under the Commercial Space Launch Act, 51 U.S.C. 50913(a)(1), which encourages the acquisition by the private sector and State governments of launch or reentry property of the U.S. Government that is excess or otherwise not needed for public use. NASA therefore envisions a lease with a commercial company or consortium or U.S. domestic entity that has a plan for use of LC-39A to support active launch operations, and which demonstrates the financial and business resources, as well as the technical capability and past experience, to make the fullest commercial use of LC-39A.
NASA contemplates entering into one or more lease agreements under the authority of the Commercial Space Launch Act (CSLA). If a Proposer feels a different contractual relationship is more appropriate, it may so stipulate in its proposal. NASA intends to seek proposals to operate and maintain LC-39A as a commercial launch facility through an agreement or agreement(s) for a minimum of five years. Proposers who are interested in a longer term agreement should be prepared to provide the proposed length of the agreement, and rationale for the required time period beyond five years. Proposers should note that NASA will not act as the site operator for LC-39A under any lease arrangement and, therefore, Proposers will be expected to address site operation, as well as any anticipated launch operations, in their proposals.
With the completion of Shuttle retirement activities, NASA will no longer fund the maintenance of the dedicated infrastructure and systems located at LC-39A. In order to maximize the utility of the facility and avoid the deterioration that results from lack of regular maintenance, NASA intends to expedite the release of an Announcement for Proposals, with submittal of proposals due 30 days after release of the Announcement.
Proposers may indicate their interest in this announcement through submission of a non-binding letter of intent by May 24, 2013. This letter should include the following:
1) Company name, designated point of contact, and relevant contact information for same; 2) The nature of interest (i.e. exclusive user, part of multi-user consortium, site operator); 3) Type of agreement contemplated (i.e. lease under CSLA, Space Act Agreement, Enhanced Use Lease).
This letter should be submitted to the Contracting Officer Officer listed below. An electronic PDF file sumbitted by email is preferred. Potential respondents are responsible for monitoring the Internet site below for the release of the Announcement and for downloading their own copy of the Announcement and any amendments. The Internet site, or URL, for the Kennedy Space Center Business Opportunities page is: http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eps/bizops.cgi?gr=D&pin=76
This is not a solicitation for proposals and NASA does not intend to respond to questions about this synopsis at this time. As necessary, further information will be provided as amendments to this synopsis.
Point of Contact
Name: Steven E. Parker
Title: Contracting Officer
Phone: 321-867-2928
Fax: 321-867-7189
Email: steve.parker@nasa.gov
