Space Agency Plans To Make A Selection In November

Boeing has submitted its final bid for NASA’s Cargo Mission Contract (CMC) for the International Space Station (ISS), the company announced Thursday. The contract calls for technical support services, including analysis and physical processing of pressurized cargo and flight crew equipment to be transported between the ISS and Earth. It also includes launch preparations and post-landing activities related to processing cargo and flight crew equipment.

"Boeing sees the ISS CMC as an important opportunity to ensure the viability of the ISS with effective logistics and resupply at an affordable price," said Brewster Shaw, vice president and general manager, Boeing Space Exploration. "The Boeing CMC team offers the skills and flexibility to support NASA's ISS cargo needs as the space transportation fleet evolves.

"As NASA's partner in the development, operation and sustainment of the ISS, Boeing shares an interest in ensuring this national resource and world-class laboratory is used to its full capability and potential," Shaw added.

NASA plans to select a contractor in November. Work is expected to begin on April 1, 2011, following a 90-day phase-in period. The performance period for the contract is three years with four one-year options, for a potential total of seven years.

If selected, Boeing plans to execute the contract with its highly experienced human spaceflight work force, with support from some of the workers who are currently performing tasks on CMC predecessor contracts. "Boeing has access to experts within our Space Exploration division and across the Boeing enterprise -- including technical experts in specialty disciplines NASA has relied on before," said Brad Cothran, Boeing capture team lead for the contract. "We will draw on our own resources and our extensive supplier network to offer a solution that is both innovative and cost-effective, while supporting NASA's priorities for safety and mission success."

The services and support Boeing provides under its CAPPS 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.

FMI: www.boeing.com/cmc