Asteroids and Dust Subnode
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) Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has issued a Sources Sought notice for the Asteroids and Dust Subnode. This is a Request for Information (RFI) to gather capability statements and market research from interested parties, including all small business categories, to determine the appropriate level of competition and potential small business set-asides for the Planetary Data System (PDS) Asteroids and Dust subnode. Responses are due by June 12, 2026.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for the Asteroids and Dust subnode (SBN_PSI) of the Planetary Data System (PDS), which ensures the long-term preservation, accessibility, and usability of NASA planetary science data. Key services include:
- Planetary Science Mission Support: Ingesting, validating, and archiving asteroid and dust data, providing data documentation and DOI designation.
- Data Archival, Preservation, Discovery, and Distribution: Implementing PDS Level 3 and 4 requirements, ensuring public access, Section 508 compliance, and data security.
- Standards and Documentation: Maintaining PDS archiving standards, interoperability, PDS4 Local Language Dictionaries (LDD), and data system APIs.
- Cloud Migration: Migrating all subnode data holdings, software, tools, and services to the NASA-managed cloud environment.
- Mission Data Pipeline Evolution: Supporting the development of cloud-based mission data delivery and validation pipelines.
- Enterprise Efficiency and Training: Identifying and documenting software/tools for PDS enterprise efficiency and developing user training materials. The period of performance is anticipated from December 1, 2026, to November 30, 2029, with the primary place of performance at the Planetary Science Institute (PSI).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: Market research to determine potential Small Business, SDB, HUBZone, VOSB, SDVOSB, and WOSB set-asides.
- Response Due: June 12, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern Standard Time
- Published: May 28, 2026
Purpose of RFI
NASA GSFC is seeking capability statements from all interested parties, including Small Businesses and HBCU/Minority Institutions, to verify the reasonableness and feasibility of the requirement and promote competition. Respondents are also requested to provide informed input on realistic small business subcontracting and/or participation goals, potential barriers to SB participation, and strategies to increase SB involvement. This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and is not a request for proposal.
Additional Notes
NASA intends to publicize a listing of respondents to facilitate teaming arrangements; firms wishing not to be included must clearly indicate this in their response. All comments or questions must be submitted electronically to Candis.Edwards@nasa.gov, referencing 80GSFC27PDSADS.