The request for proposal defines the procurement approach for Phase I of the Ares V acquisition. NASA released in a statement that the contract work will include developing products to successfully complete the system requirements review and system definition review, critical milestones in the development of the rocket. Completion of the system definition review will verify the design concept and demonstrate mission objectives can be met.
The solicitation includes five separate work packages available for bid. The first four work packages include the payload shroud that will protect the Altair lunar lander during launch, the Earth Departure Stage, the core stage, and avionics and software. The products for the work packages include assessing point of departure architecture, assessing risks and opportunities, trade studies and analysis, assessment of NASA requirements and a final report. The fifth work package includes a first stage concept for an upgraded solid rocket fueled booster.
NASA claims it is going forward with an open competition. The selections will be made in the spring of 2009 with the period of performance for each contract at 18 months with two, one-year options.
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