Request for Information for a Non-governmental Organization to Manage ISS Utilization
NASA is developing plans for contracting with a non-government organization (NGO) to manage portions of the U.S. responsibilities for ISS utilization. The purpose of the Institute is to seek the most effective and efficient approach to managing research utilization of the ISS system, while maximizing productivity within physical and fiscal constraints.
This Request for Information (RFI) seeks information from industry, academia, and other organizations and individuals regarding contracting to an NGO to establish an Institute for ISS research management. The scope of this Institute is limited to ISS utilization, and does not extend to the ISS vehicle systems or operations. This RFI may be followed later by a Request for Proposals (RFP).
View the complete RFI document
Summary. The International Space Station (ISS) planning includes over 27 internal
laboratory sites and up to 31 external platform sites to support U.S. research and
development projects. NASA is developing plans for contracting with a non-government
organization (NGO) to manage portions of the U.S. responsibilities for ISS utilization.
The U.S. utilization program involves extensive coordination of users from academia,
industry, and government, as well as close liaison to the programs of our International
Partners.
This Request for Information (RFI) seeks information from industry, academia, and other
organizations and individuals regarding contracting to an NGO to establish an Institute
for ISS research management. The scope of this Institute is limited to ISS utilization, and
does not extend to the ISS vehicle systems or operations. This RFI may be followed later
by a Request for Proposals (RFP). The RFP would provide an opportunity for
organizations to submit proposals. The designation “RFP10-07206-215” has been
assigned to this acquisition in order to assist persons who subscribe to NASA’s email
notification service.
The purpose of the Institute is to seek the most effective and efficient approach to
managing research utilization of the ISS system, while maximizing productivity within
physical and fiscal constraints. NASA intends to establish the Institute as a research
leader with the ability to achieve and sustain research progress while providing
intellectual leadership to the diverse user communities. The awardee must have direct and
diverse experience in the management of laboratories and developmental test beds for
both basic and applied research across the academic, industrial, and government sectors.
Understanding of payload engineering, payload integration, and payload operations will
also be necessary, in order for the Institute to interact with those organizations having
responsibility for payload development and payload integration functions.
The website at http://spaceresearch.nasa.gov/research_projects/ngo.html provides
information about plans for an ISS NGO. This RFI refers to studies posted at that site,
including the most recent study completed in 2002.
