Article Posted on : - Jan 19, 2010

A file photo

HOUSTON (BNS): The Boeing Company is all set to bid for the NASA's International Space Station (ISS) Cargo Mission Contract.

According to a news release by Boeing, NASA has released a contract proposal to provide technical support services, launch preparations and post-landing activities related to processing the flight crew equipment of ISS.

"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, both as a research laboratory and test bed for living and working in space."

Boeing is the prime contractor to NASA 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, as reported in the release.

Proposals are due to NASA on April 1. NASA is scheduled to select a contractor at the end of September; work will 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.