Atmosphere Discipline Node
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) is conducting market research via a Sources Sought (RFI) for the Atmosphere Discipline Node. This RFI seeks capability statements and industry feedback to determine the appropriate level of competition and potential small business subcontracting goals for the long-term preservation and usability of NASA planetary science data. Responses are due June 12, 2026.
Scope of Work
The Atmosphere Discipline Node is a critical component of the Planetary Data System (PDS), responsible for the long-term secure preservation and usability of NASA planetary science data. This effort involves functioning as a Federal information system, ensuring compliance with Federal cybersecurity laws (e.g., FISMA, FITARA), and engaging in standards development. The Node supports the NASA planetary community in applying and implementing standards to enhance access, interoperability, and usability of mission and instrument observations, models, software, and ancillary NASA planetary science data.
Key Information Requested
NASA/GSFC is soliciting capability statements from all interested parties, including all socioeconomic categories of Small Businesses (SB) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)/Minority Institutions (MI). Respondents are specifically requested to provide informed input on:
- Realistic and appropriate SB subcontracting and/or participation goals.
- Barriers that may limit SB participation, such as certifications, unique technical requirements, security needs, specialized tools, or high-risk performance areas.
- Strategies to increase SB participation, including breaking requirements into smaller components, identifying areas appropriate for subcontracting, or considering teaming or mentor protégé approaches.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: None specified; NASA reserves the right to consider various small business set-asides (SB, SDB, HUBZone, VOSB, SDVOSB, WOSB) based on responses received.
- Response Due: June 12, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern Standard Time
- Published: May 28, 2026
- Place of Performance: Greenbelt, MD
Additional Notes
This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and is not a request for proposal. The Government will use the information gathered to finalize a future Request for Proposal (RFP). NASA intends to publicize a listing of respondents to facilitate teaming arrangements; clearly indicate if your firm desires not to be included in this listing. All comments or questions must be submitted electronically to Candis.Edwards@nasa.gov, referencing 80HQTR27PDSADN. NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable.