Commercial Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Development Program Phase 2- SAA
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's Commercial Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Development Program (CLDP) is seeking proposals for Funded Space Act Agreements (FSAA) under the Commercial Destinations – Development and Demonstration Objectives (C3DO) initiative. This program aims to advance commercial LEO destinations towards on-orbit crewed demonstration flights by 2030. Proposals are due December 1, 2025.
Purpose & Background
As the International Space Station (ISS) approaches retirement, NASA is committed to ensuring a continuous U.S. presence in LEO through private industry. This special notice outlines NASA's revised Phase 2 strategy, shifting from firm fixed-price contracts to multiple FSAAs to support the design and demonstration of Commercial LEO Destinations (CLDs). The goal is to stimulate private sector investment, commercialize space, and advance human space exploration.
Scope of Work & Key Requirements
Partners will be responsible for safely and efficiently designing and developing free-flying platforms in LEO. Key requirements include:
- Maturing CLDS from pre-Critical Design Review (CDR) to an in-space crewed demonstration.
- Demonstrating primary space station functions (e.g., structural integrity, power, life support).
- Achieving interoperability with commercial crew and cargo transportation services.
- Conducting a U.S.-led crewed demonstration flight with a minimum of four crew for at least 30 days.
- Developing processes for hazard identification, control, and system certification for crew habitation.
- Providing NASA insight into development and data systems. NASA has outlined specific utilization capabilities and quantities needed across three categories, from minimum short-duration mission needs to a vision for future CLD end-state capabilities.
Contract Details
- Type: Funded Space Act Agreements (FSAA)
- Funding: NASA anticipates $1.0 - $1.5 billion spread over FY2026-2031 for a minimum of two SAAs.
- Period of Performance: Up to 5 years, with potential for one-year extensions.
- Set-Aside: No specific set-aside allocations are required under Space Act Agreements.
- Eligibility: Entities must be organized under U.S. laws, with specific criteria for ownership and prohibitions against certain foreign collaborations (e.g., China).
Submission & Evaluation
- Proposal Due Date: December 1, 2025.
- Submission Method: Electronically via NASA's Enterprise File Sharing and Sync Box (EFSS Box).
- Evaluation: Proposals will be evaluated based on effectiveness ratings for Technical Approach and Business Information, not FAR-based procedures. Evaluation will consider management experience, financial investment ability, affordability, and development of capabilities supporting both government and commercial customers. Past performance submission is not required.
Key Dates & Contacts
- Anticipated Award Date: April 2026.
- Primary Contact: Rogelio Curiel, JSC-C3DO-SAA@mail.nasa.gov, 575.524.5191
- Secondary Contact: Matthew Windemuth, JSC-C3DO-SAA@mail.nasa.gov, 281.244.6212
Additional Notes
This is a special notice for an Announcement for Partnership Proposal (AFPP), not a solicitation. No solicitation exists at this time. NASA will provide additional clarity on procurement milestones in the coming weeks. Interested parties should monitor www.sam.gov for any subsequent solicitations or synopses. NASA offers a Public-Private Partnership Guide detailing available resources and expertise.