Autonomous Space-Based Situational Awareness Software - Starling Mission Follow-On
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) Ames Research Center has issued a Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (JOFOC) for a sole-source, firm-fixed-price contract to EraDrive, Inc. This contract is for the Autonomous Space-Based Situational Awareness Software - Starling Mission Follow-On, extending the capabilities of the existing StarFOX flight software for the Starling formation-flying mission. The period of performance is approximately seven months, from June 10, 2026, through January 20, 2027.
Purpose & Scope
This JOFOC provides the rationale for awarding a non-competitive contract to EraDrive, Inc. to continue development of the StarFOX flight software. The effort will enhance the autonomous, space-based situational awareness capabilities of the software, specifically adding autonomous conjunction assessment and multi-satellite autonomous orbit determination. This work supports the four 6U CubeSats currently operating in low Earth orbit as part of the Starling mission.
Sole Source Rationale
EraDrive, Inc. is identified as the only responsible source due to their unique position as the original developer of the proprietary StarFOX flight software. They own the source code and possess the essential institutional knowledge and integration expertise required for this follow-on effort. Transferring this work to another contractor would result in unacceptable schedule delays, jeopardizing the mission's objectives and timeline.
Contract Details
- Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) commercial contract
- Authority: 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1), as implemented by FAR 6.103-1 (only one responsible source)
- Duration: Approximately 7 months (June 10, 2026 – January 20, 2027)
- Set-Aside: None specified (sole-source)
- Place of Performance: Palo Alto, CA, United States
- Product Service Code: DA01 (Support Services for Application Development)
Market Research & Outcome
NASA previously published a Notice of Intent to Sole Source on SAM.gov. No responsive capability statements were received from alternative sources, further supporting the sole-source determination.
Key Takeaway
This is the final acquisition for the Starling mission, as the constellation is scheduled to terminate operations on January 20, 2027. No future competitive acquisitions for this specific mission are anticipated.
Contact Information
- Primary Point of Contact: Joshua Taggart (joshua.d.taggart@nasa.gov)