The video confirms Boeing will be taking advantage of the "commercial SLS" option in their lander bid, just as I've speculated:
19. Q: Can NASA provide SLS as GFE? If not, what does NASA mean in the BAA when it states thatOfferors could propose to use an SLS-derived commercial cargo vehicle solution; what is a“commercial” SLS?A: No, NASA cannot provide SLS as GFE. As provided in contract section H clause, Contractor Useof Government-furnished Equipment, Property, or Information, while an Offeror may propose toutilize GFE not otherwise listed in the solicitation, the use of such GFE is “subject to itsavailability… and the Performing Organization’s ability and willingness to provide [it].” NASA hasassessed that the current manifest, funding levels, and schedules do not allow for the provisionof a GFE SLS flight for HLS use by 2024.Further, as stated in section 4.4.3.5.2 of the BAA, Offerors are required to propose how they willdeliver HLS to the Moon using commercial launch vehicle(s). And while a commercial launchvehicle approach does not prevent or preclude offerors from negotiating with the SLS primecontractors directly to provide an SLS-derived commercial cargo vehicle solution for the Artemislaunch mission(s), NASA providing SLS as GFE is not a commercial launch approach as requiredby the BAA.Finally, as defined at 42 U.S.C. 18302(10), the term “Space Launch System” means thegovernment-owned civil launch system developed, managed, and operated by NASA to serve asa key component to expand human presence beyond low-Earth orbit. Thus, by definition, SLS isgovernment-owned and not commercial. But as provided in BAA section 4.4.3.5.2, Offerors maynegotiate directly with the SLS prime contractors to propose the use of an “SLS-derivedcommercial cargo vehicle solution” (emphasis added).
44. Q: In 4.4.3.1. Technical Design Concept, NASA has referenced that HLS has to interface anddock with Gateway or Orion for crew transfer. Can industry propose a commercial crew lunarservice that would provide an alternative crew vehicle to Orion that HLS can interface anddock with? Will Orion (and the SLS launch of Orion) be considered as Commercial Servicesimilar to how the BAA addresses SLS for HLS?A: Orion launched on SLS is NASA's crew launch baseline for Appendix H. For the 2024demonstration mission, HLS must interface with Gateway or Orion. For 2026 missions andbeyond, interfacing with Gateway is required.
Industry Q&A log 1, which has this interesting clarification about "SLS-derived commercial cargo vehicle"Quote19. Q: Can NASA provide SLS as GFE? If not, what does NASA mean in the BAA when it states thatOfferors could propose to use an SLS-derived commercial cargo vehicle solution; what is a“commercial” SLS?A: No, NASA cannot provide SLS as GFE. As provided in contract section H clause, Contractor Useof Government-furnished Equipment, Property, or Information, while an Offeror may propose toutilize GFE not otherwise listed in the solicitation, the use of such GFE is “subject to itsavailability… and the Performing Organization’s ability and willingness to provide [it].” NASA hasassessed that the current manifest, funding levels, and schedules do not allow for the provisionof a GFE SLS flight for HLS use by 2024.Further, as stated in section 4.4.3.5.2 of the BAA, Offerors are required to propose how they willdeliver HLS to the Moon using commercial launch vehicle(s). And while a commercial launchvehicle approach does not prevent or preclude offerors from negotiating with the SLS primecontractors directly to provide an SLS-derived commercial cargo vehicle solution for the Artemislaunch mission(s), NASA providing SLS as GFE is not a commercial launch approach as requiredby the BAA.Finally, as defined at 42 U.S.C. 18302(10), the term “Space Launch System” means thegovernment-owned civil launch system developed, managed, and operated by NASA to serve asa key component to expand human presence beyond low-Earth orbit. Thus, by definition, SLS isgovernment-owned and not commercial. But as provided in BAA section 4.4.3.5.2, Offerors maynegotiate directly with the SLS prime contractors to propose the use of an “SLS-derivedcommercial cargo vehicle solution” (emphasis added).
This actually has some interesting implications. Boeing, whom we know is bidding a lander to be launched on SLS, wouldn't be likely to ask this question. They wouldn't need to ask NASA to get them an SLS when they can build one themselves. So the fact that this question was asked at all suggests someone else was interested.
Its out:Appendix 8 Human Landing SystemCombined Synopsis/Solicitationhttps://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&tab=core&id=d5460a204ab23cc0035c088dcc580d17Paging InternetFTW....EDIT:Proposals due November 30https://twitter.com/JimBridenstine/status/1178764903370371078
Quote from: GWH on 09/30/2019 08:22 pmIts out:Appendix 8 Human Landing SystemCombined Synopsis/Solicitationhttps://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&tab=core&id=d5460a204ab23cc0035c088dcc580d17Paging InternetFTW....EDIT:Proposals due November 30https://twitter.com/JimBridenstine/status/1178764903370371078Here is the updated link for Nextstep2 Appendix H, Human Landing System (Notice NNH19ZCQ001K_APPENDIX-H-HLS):https://beta.sam.gov/opp/faba44e72bd342e7bcdaabbb7cdb5d09/view
It should work.
Continuing from previous summaries:ConOps | Up/Down mass | Requirements DocsFrom the BAA and Whitepapers:* Contract timeline: Ten month base contract with multiple awardees. The firm fixed price of each Offeror for their respective initial landers would be set at this time. After those ten months, up to two contractors would be selected for Option A. Those contractors would then go on to finish development of their landers. If two contractors are selected, one would perform its demonstration flight in 2024, the other in 2025. Option B, the development of a more sustainable vehicle, would be selected two months after the Option A vehicle CDR, selecting only from the Option A providers.
1.3 Human Landing System Acquisition Strategy 1.3.1 Acquisition Strategy Overview [...]While NASA reserves the right to change its HLS acquisition strategy at any time, NASA is currently planning to award Base Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) to up to four contractors; exercise Option A CLINs for up to two of those contractors; and later exercise Option B CLINs for either one or two Option A contractors. NASA estimates that individual award values for this Appendix will be valued in excess of 1 billion dollars. Initial proposals to Appendix H shall include a firm-fixed-price (FFP) for the Base period and Option A period, and no price for the Option B period (to be priced at a later date). [...]1.3.2 Overview of Contract Periods of Performance To achieve a 2024 crewed HLS demonstration mission and a 2026 HLS demonstration mission that exhibits increased sustainability, NASA has structured this solicitation with the following discrete periods of performance that align with those objectives: Base period: Contract award through 10 months -CLIN 001 – Base: 2024 HLS Design and Development. 2024 Design and Development, excepting long lead items. [...]Option A period: October 2020 through 2024 flight demonstration. [...] incorporation of a firm fixed-price for Option A at the time of initial contract award does not guarantee exercise of the Option A cited in the contract. -CLIN 005 – Option A: 2024 HLS DDT&E and Demonstration Mission. 2024 mission Design, Development, Test and Evaluation and flight demonstration (excepting detachable docking adapter work, if proposed, to be performed under CLIN009). [...]Option B: Approximately 2 months after 2024 HLS CDR through 2026 flight demonstration.The 2026 sustainability demonstration mission is referred to as “Option B” throughout this solicitation. Unlike the Base and Option A CLINs, an Option B firm fixed-price will not be incorporated into the contract at the time of initial award.-DDT&E for the 2026 HLS demonstration mission. Specific CLINs are to be determined at a later date.As noted above, NASA anticipates exercising Option A for up to two contractors. NASA, at its sole discretion, will select one contractor to perform its demonstration flight first, in 2024, and one contractor to perform its demonstration mission in 2025. This may result in the second contractor incurring unforeseen expenses (e.g., storage, staffing, etc.). To accommodate this situation, NASA will effectuate any necessary contractual changes, as well as any corresponding requests for equitable adjustment [...]. 1.3.3 Option B Scope of Work To support increased sustainability after the 2024 demonstration mission, NASA anticipates funding the DDT&E necessary to evolve one or more contractors’ initial HLS designs for a 2026 flight demonstration of a sustainable HLS.
The purpose of this notice is to post the following update: NASA now anticipates that awards for the NextSTEP-2 Appendix H Human Landing System BAA will be made in late March or early April, 2020.
NASA is expected to announce [...] awards for human lunar lander study contracts, by the middle of April.
Boeing's dual SLS architecture ... AE ... DE ... TE ...
They avoid rendevous of AE and DE on first mission but not on 2nd mission when new DE will be needed.
For the mission scenarios given in this report, the TE does the transfer to LLO burns to place the Lander into LLO, but it does not carry any return‐to‐NRHO propellant; it operates in an expendable mode. In other analysis (not included in here) the TEcarries the modest additional propellant needed for it to depart LLO, by itself and return to NRHO.
Dear Administrator Bridenstine: We write in support of the Artemis program and, in particular, NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS) program. Further, we write to highlight the importance of establishing repeatable, large cargo delivery services to the lunar surface to support the goal of developing a sustainable presence on the Moon.[...]We urge you to proceed with the HLS acquisition as currently planned.
https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=97945999-D5F8-49BE-9144-BBDCF443B0D8Quote from: Senators Rubio and BlumenthalDear Administrator Bridenstine: We write in support of the Artemis program and, in particular, NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS) program. Further, we write to highlight the importance of establishing repeatable, large cargo delivery services to the lunar surface to support the goal of developing a sustainable presence on the Moon.[...]We urge you to proceed with the HLS acquisition as currently planned.https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=97945999-D5F8-49BE-9144-BBDCF443B0D8
Quote from: yg1968 on 04/16/2020 01:49 amhttps://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=97945999-D5F8-49BE-9144-BBDCF443B0D8Quote from: Senators Rubio and BlumenthalDear Administrator Bridenstine: We write in support of the Artemis program and, in particular, NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS) program. Further, we write to highlight the importance of establishing repeatable, large cargo delivery services to the lunar surface to support the goal of developing a sustainable presence on the Moon.[...]We urge you to proceed with the HLS acquisition as currently planned.https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=97945999-D5F8-49BE-9144-BBDCF443B0D8What could one infer from this letter? Is there some politics at play that’s delaying the HLS awards and Bridenstine possibly lobbied the pair of senators for this public show of support and urging to awards contracts?
