AFP for Exploration Park at JSC
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
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Johnson Space Center (JSC) has issued an Announcement for Proposals (AFP) for the lease of all or a portion of approximately 183.7 acres of undeveloped land at Exploration Park, adjacent to JSC's main campus in Houston, TX. This opportunity seeks to foster commercial space applications, enhance U.S. commercial competitiveness, and promote aerospace-related capabilities. Proposals are due April 30, 2026.
Scope of Opportunity
This AFP solicits proposals for a 20-year base lease period with two 20-year option periods for undeveloped land accessible by Saturn Lane. The land, which can be sub-divided, is intended for commercial space applications and related activities. Proposers must detail their planned use, concept plans for development, financial capability, and experience in aerospace-related activities. The land is offered "as is," with no existing utilities, and development is at the proposer's expense. Construction must comply with NPR 8820 and City of Houston codes, with allowable occupancy types including Business, Factory, and Storage.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Announcement for Proposals (AFP)
- Product Service Code: X1PC (Lease/Rental Of Unimproved Real Property (Land))
- Lease Term: One 20-year base period with two 20-year option periods.
- Rent: Fair Market Value Rent ranges from $8,112.67 to $11,781.86 per acre/per year, with a 3.0% annual escalation rate.
- Set-Aside: None specified.
- Published Date: January 23, 2026
- Site Visit: February 18, 2026 (requests by February 16, 2026)
- Q&A Submission Deadline: February 23, 2026
- Proposal Due Date: April 30, 2026, by 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
Key Requirements & Deliverables
Proposals must address:
- Planned use of the property and concept development plans.
- Financial capability and viability for development and sustained operations.
- Experience with federal property development and aerospace activities.
- Approach to advancing the space economy.
- A Coordination and Collaboration Plan for shared infrastructure, utilities, and governance.
- Compliance with environmental regulations (NEPA) and local codes.
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
- Fair Market Value Rent
- Financial Capability/Viability
- Technical Approach
- Experience
These factors are listed in order of importance.
Eligibility
Eligible entities include U.S. Commercial Providers, U.S. Federal or State government entities, Non-profit entities, and Institutions of Higher Education. Ineligible entities include those debarred, suspended, or posing security risks.
Additional Notes
Key attachments include a Land Map (Attachment A), a Model Lease (Attachment B) detailing terms and responsibilities, and an Environmental Site Assessment (Attachment C) indicating no Recognized Environmental Conditions. Proposals are limited to 75 pages (excluding financial documentation) and must be submitted electronically as a searchable PDF. Technical services may be available via a separate Reimbursable Space Act Agreement (RSAA).
Contact: William Driebergen or Jenna Foertsch at hq-realestate@mail.nasa.gov.