[NASA]. GILRUTH, Robert R. (1913-2000). NASA Solicits Bids for Contractors to Build the Capsule for What Would Become Project Mercury in NASA’s Early Days, Including: mimeographed letter and list of contractors invited to bid on building the manned space capsule (eventually known as “Project Mercury”). 5 4to pages on 5 leaves on white paper, text in brown. Approximately 276 x 216 mm. Light toning, rubbing, marginal light soiling. The copy of the letter is from Project Manager Gilruth, in which he states the objective of the, as yet, unnamed mission, and he invites the contractor to bid on the project. The remaining 4 pages list the “Proposed Bidders on Preliminary Specifications of Manned Satellite Program,” including Douglas Aircraft Company, Bell Aircraft, Boeing Airplane Company, General Electric Company, McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, Northrop Aircraft, and many others. [And] GILRUTH, Robert R. Typed Memo Signed. NASA-Space Task Group, Langley, February 4, 1959. 1 4to page on a 4to leaf. On plain white paper. Approximately 268 x 205 mm. Light toning, rubbing, some NASA inkstamps. “From Space Task Group To NASA / Attention: Mr. George Low”. In this memo, Gilruth (who signs below in blue ink) states the request from the Public Information Office of NASA to invite the bidding contractors to attend the NASA Bidder’s Briefing at Langley Field on November 7, 1958. And small sheet “As soon as this correspondence has completed circulation, please return it to Correspondence Branch for filing. (Room T302).” Approximately 99 x 132 mm. Soiled at upper left corner. All of these sheets in this lot are stapled together at the upper left corner. An interesting look at the early days of NASA (NASA began operations on October 1, 1958, just three weeks before the solicitation invitation was issued to the various contractors).