BAMSI, BOEING, McDonnell Douglas, and the United Space Alliance of Lockheed Martin and Rockwell have informed NASA of their interest in becoming prime contractor for Space Shuttle operations.
The statements of interest will be evaluated by the space organisation and a draft request for proposals (RFP) issued in November for comment by industry. A formal RFP, is scheduled to be issued in 1996, with the selection of a prime contractor being made, in 1997.
NASA will retain overall management responsibility for the Space Shuttle and will still be responsible for such things as safety, programme schedule and the operations budget.
Source: Flight International