NASA Extends Contract for Astronaut Training Facilities

HOUSTON - NASA has issued a contract extension with a potential value of $78.25 million to Raytheon Technical Services Co. of Webster, Texas. The contractor will support facilities and operations for astronaut training at NASA’s Johnson Space Center and Sonny Carter Training Facility in Houston.

The contract for operations at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory/Space Vehicle Mockup Facility will continue support to the Space Shuttle, International Space Station and Constellation Programs. Work includes supporting astronauts and other subjects in an underwater, neutrally buoyant environment; maintenance and upgrade of mechanical, hydraulic, fluid and electrical systems; design and manufacture of space vehicle mockups; and operation of the two facilities. Extending the contract will prevent a lapse in spaceflight training services at these facilities.

The original contract was awarded to Raytheon Technical Services Co. in February 2003. Its current value is $111.51 million. The contract extension is valued at $56.99 million and has a base period of performance from April 1, 2008, to Sept. 30, 2010. It includes one pre-priced option, valued at $21.27 million, with a one-year period of performance.

The contract is for cost-plus-award-fee/indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity with fixed fee.