Boeing to Bid on International Space Station Cargo Contract

Boeing is to draw on its human spaceflight experience, as well as its knowledge of International Space Station (ISS) operations and cargo processing, to bid on NASA's ISS Cargo Mission Contract.

NASA released a Request For Proposals on 15 January 2010 for a contract to provide technical support services including the analysis and physical processing of pressurized cargo and flight crew equipment to be transported to and from the ISS. The contract also covers launch preparations and post-landing activities related to processing the flight crew equipment.

"Boeing's experience with the International Space Station program allows us to provide an offer that supports NASA's priorities for safety, mission success, and innovation," said Brad Cothran, Boeing's capture team lead for the contract. "We look forward to continuing our support of NASA and the future of the International Space Station. The ISS is an important international asset as both a research laboratory and test bed for living and working in space."

Boeing is a prime contractor to NASA for the ISS. In addition to designing and building all the major U.S. elements, Boeing also is responsible for ensuring the successful integration of any new hardware and software - including components from international partners - as well as for providing sustaining engineering work for the ISS.

The services and support Boeing provides under its Checkout, Assembly, and Payload Processing Services contract include planning for and receiving payloads, maintaining associated ground support systems, integrating payloads with the space shuttle, launch support, and space shuttle post-landing payload activities.

NASA is scheduled to select a contractor at the end of September with work to begin in January 2011. The performance period for the contract is three years with four one-year options, for a potential total of seven years.

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