Update January 30, 2026 - Aircraft Lease to Support NASA’s Spaceflight Imaging Activities
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 Langley Research Center (LaRC) issued a Sources Sought (RFI) for the lease of two aircraft to support its Scientifically Calibrated In-Flight Imagery (SCIFLI) team for airborne imaging missions. However, as of January 30, 2026, this RFI is considered closed. NASA LaRC does not intend to issue a solicitation specifically for this requirement but will consider the input received for future acquisition planning of aircraft resources.
Original Scope of Work
The RFI sought an exclusive dry lease for up to two aircraft, primarily Gulfstream V (G-V) or equivalent military variants, with consideration for a G-IV/G-V combination. These aircraft would be structurally modified by NASA to integrate custom EO/IR sensor systems and electronics, supporting critical flight phases like hypersonic reentry and parachute deployment for human spaceflight activities, including the Artemis II Orion reentry. One aircraft required high-speed internet connectivity (>=15 Mbps upload).
Original Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Anticipated Lease Type: Exclusive Dry Lease
- Anticipated Period of Performance: Mid-January 2026 award, February 10, 2026 lease start. A minimum guaranteed base period of two months with options for monthly extensions up to a total continuous term of six months.
- Original Response Due: November 25, 2025 (or sooner)
- Published Date: January 30, 2026 (Date of RFI closure update)
- Set-Aside: None specified
Key Original Requirements
Contractor/Lessor Responsibilities:
- Provide up to two aircraft meeting minimum specifications (e.g., G-V, one with >=15 Mbps internet).
- Ensure pre-delivery configuration and conduct pre/post lease inspections.
- Aircraft must be free of calendar/hourly maintenance inspections for the entire lease duration (up to 6 months).
- FOB origin at contractor's facility.
Government/Lessee Responsibilities:
- Exclusive use and operational control.
- Ensuring airworthiness, modifying/recertifying aircraft, and performing all maintenance.
- Providing crewmembers and de-modifying aircraft before return.
Additional Notes
This RFI was for market research and planning purposes only. No solicitation exists, and interested firms were advised not to request one. The input gathered will inform future acquisition strategies for aircraft resources.