2026 Astrophysics Small Explorer (APSMEX)
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) has released the Announcement of Opportunity (AO) for the 2026 Astrophysics Small Explorer (APSMEX) program. This solicitation seeks Principal Investigator (PI)-led space science investigations to expand human knowledge of the universe through astrophysics. NASA intends to select one investigation proposal for combined Phase A&B.
Scope of Work
This opportunity focuses on astrophysics investigations that address key science goals, including understanding the universe's workings, exploring its origin and evolution, and searching for life beyond Earth. Specific technical requirements and the full scope of work are detailed in the complete AO document, available on NSPIRES.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (Announcement of Opportunity)
- Program: Astrophysics Explorers Program
- Published: June 8, 2026 (AO released June 9, 2026)
- Preproposal Conference: June 30, 2026
- Mandatory Notice of Intent (NOI) Due: July 21, 2026
- Proposal Due: September 9, 2026
Eligibility & Set-Aside
This opportunity is open to prospective investigators from any category of organizations or institutions, including U.S. and non-U.S. educational, industrial, not-for-profit organizations, FFRDCs, UARCs, NASA Centers, and other Government agencies. Specific restrictions apply to participation from China. There is no specific set-aside designation.
Evaluation
Proposals will undergo a single-step competitive process. The selection will focus on the scientific merit and technical feasibility of the proposed PI-led investigations.
Important Notes
Interested parties must visit and monitor the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) at https://nspires.nasaprs.com (Solicitation Number NNH26ZDA011O) for the full AO text and any amendments. The attached 9JuneEmail.pdf provides critical early dates. All questions and comments should be emailed to Daniel Moses, Hannah Jang-Condell, and Omar Torres, using "APSMEX26" in the subject line.