August 13, 2004

Glenn Mahone/Bob Jacobs 
Headquarters, Washington
(Phone: 202/358-1600)

RELEASE: 04-267

NASA ISSUES ADDITIONAL REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION IN RESPONSE TO U.S. SPACE EXPLORATION POLICY REPORT

NASA today issued additional Requests for Information, known as RFIs, 
in response to the final report from the President's Commission on 
Implementation of U.S. Space Exploration Policy. 

The Commission's report, issued in June, offered findings and 
recommendations on how NASA can better implement the Vision for Space 
Exploration outlined by President George W. Bush in January, during 
an address at Headquarters in Washington. 

Recommendation 5-1 asks NASA to aggressively use its contractual 
authority to reach broadly into the commercial and nonprofit 
communities. Recommendation 3-1 suggests that the agency recognize 
and implement a far larger presence of private industry in space 
operations. 

"The President's Commission recommended major changes in the way we 
engage private industry and conduct space operation activities. We 
believe these RFIs will generate a new wave of interest in 
innovation," said William F. Readdy, Associate Administrator for the 
Office of Space Operations. "This is an opportunity for us to 
encourage new thinking and see what new ideas industry can bring to 
the table." 

The deadline for submitting questions regarding both RFIs is Aug. 27 
at 5 p.m. EDT. Questions can be submitted to Lynn Bailets by calling 
202/358-0435, or by email at lbailets@nasa.gov. Responses to the RFIs 
are due by Sept. 13 and are limited to 20 pages. 

"The RFI process is an important first step in our ongoing efforts of 
gathering and analyzing information," added Readdy. "The Commission 
outlined a general roadmap for implementation of the new Vision for 
Exploration. It's up to us, working closely with industry, government 
and academia, to develop the best tools and processes to get there." 

For more information on business opportunities with the Federal 
government, please visit: 

http://www.fedbizopps.gov 

The Commission's final report and more information about the Vision 
for Space Exploration are available on the Internet at: 

http://www.nasa.gov/missions/solarsystem/explore_main.html 

	
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