CLDC Request for Proposals Questions and Answers

CLDC Final RFP Questions and Answers
November 9, 2026

1. Contents

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CLDC Final RFP Questions and Answers
November 9, 2026

Theme 1: Transportation (Launch Vehicle, Crew and Cargo) 1. [In reference to Statement of Work 3.4.1] Table 3.4.1-1 NASA First Right of Refusal Allocated Cargo Per Mission states: "2 crew = 50%; 4 crew = 65%; 4 crew = 75% of cargo." Section 2.14 states: "For any crew or cargo mission, the Contractor shall ensure NASA has first right of refusal of no less than 70% of the available late load and early destow volume capability. The exact volume will be documented at the CLIN 3 RFTOP award based on the Contractor proposed vehicle traffic plan." Please clarify if late load cargo is handled differently in terms of NASA allocation compared to nominal cargo. Yes, the late load cargo requirements identified in SOW 2.14 Mission Integration are handled differently than the NASA First Right of Refusal Allocated Cargo percentages in SOW 3.4.1 Additional Services for nominal cargo. For late load and early destow capability, NASA is requiring first rights of refusal of 70% of any crew and cargo vehicles.
2. RFP Section L, L.17.3.1 MS SUBFACTOR 1 – TECHNICAL APPROACH (TA) - Please clarify the launch vehicle requirements for cargo missions to CLDs. Section L.17.3.1.TA.1 of the RFP specifies NLS 2+, while SOW 2.17.5 specifies "three (3) or more previous successful flights of a similar launch vehicle configuration." Section L.17.3.1.TA.1 in Paragraph (5)(B)(2) identifies that offerors should describe their launch vehicles and how they meet requirements in SOW.2.17.5. for crew, cargo and element launch. Launch vehicles of cargo do not require an NLS level but only require "three (3) or more previous successful flights of a similar launch vehicle configuration." SOW 2.17.5, Launch Vehicle Maturity establishes the applicable mission assurance standards, requiring Category 3 launch vehicles for element launches, with Category 2 use allowed only with NASA approval and added risk/insurance conditions. The reference to “three (3) or more previous successful flights of a similar launch vehicle configuration" is associated with the requirement for launch of cargo.

3. RFP Section H, H.8 UNITED STATES COMMERCIAL PROVIDER AND DOMESTIC SOURCE

CRITERIA - Are there percentage domestic sourcing requirements for cargo and crew vehicles, only for the rocket on which they launch, or for the integrated stack? Clarification has been made in Amendment 1, H.8 UNITED STATES COMMERCIAL