Capability Demonstrations & Supply Chain Challenges for NASA Moon Base Development
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) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) titled "Capability Demonstrations & Supply Chain Challenges for NASA Moon Base Development". This RFI seeks industry, academia, and stakeholder input to inform near-term capability maturation for establishing a permanent lunar outpost by 2030. Responses are due April 23, 2026.
Purpose
NASA is committed to establishing a permanent lunar outpost by 2030, serving as a hub for exploration, research, and technology demonstration to support future missions to Mars and beyond. This RFI supports a phased development approach for a human-tended Moon Base.
Scope of Work
NASA is seeking information on technologies and hardware solutions that can be rapidly repurposed or efficiently developed for demonstration testing on the lunar surface within the next 2-4 years. These capabilities should aid in validation, accelerate initial lunar surface operations, and inform future development. Focus areas include:
- Integration: Solutions easily integrated into CLPS-class landers, LTV-class rovers, or orbiting communications/observation platforms.
- Alignment: Concepts addressing NASA's Architecture-Driven Technology Gaps and Data (Science) Gaps.
- Partnerships: Ideas for public/private partnerships where NASA could facilitate launch and landing of partner-provided science and technology payloads.
- Challenges: Proposed mitigation approaches for identified supply chain challenges (e.g., propellant tank dome manufacturing, isolation/control valves, high thrust hypergolic engines, large-scale welding, heat pipes, radiation-hardened electronics) and test facility challenges (e.g., hypergolic test stands, commercial test house DPAS priority, NASA facility prioritization, limited full acceptance test facilities).
Requested Information
Respondents should provide details on:
- Technical Capabilities: Description, functionality, readiness, and how it addresses specific areas.
- Public/Private Partnerships: Proposed arrangements and contributions.
- Cost Estimates: Rough order of magnitude (ROM) costs.
- Integration Potential: Compatibility with existing NASA systems.
- Business Size: Socioeconomic category under FAR Part 19.
- Teaming Arrangements: Description of partnerships or subcontracting plans, including proposed Government resource utilization.
Submission Details
- Format: Electronic PDF only.
- Email: HQ-Moon-Base-RFI@nasa.gov.
- Deadline: April 23, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.
- Naming Convention: "OrganizationName_MoonBaseRFI.pdf".
- Content: Include organization name, address, point of contact. No page limits. Do not include export-controlled information.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (Request for Information)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Published Date: March 23, 2026
- Response Due: April 23, 2026
Additional Notes
This RFI is for planning and information purposes only and is not a solicitation for a contract or grant. NASA will not reimburse respondents for costs. Responses will be used for internal planning and will not be shared publicly. Proprietary data may be used for internal planning, potentially leading to future competitive acquisitions. Interested parties should monitor sam.gov for any future solicitations.