Communications, Navigation, Surveillance, and Security (CNS&S) Roadmap Request for Information (RFI)
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), specifically the Airspace Operations and Safety Program (AOSP) under the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD), is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) for a Communications, Navigation, Surveillance, and Security (CNS&S) Roadmap for Urban Air Mobility (UAM). NASA seeks industry and government feedback on an initial draft roadmap to guide future research and develop a robust CNS&S strategy. Responses are due by March 16, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
This RFI aims to gather input to develop a strategic CNS&S product, initially focused on mid-term UAM operations, particularly passenger-carrying remotely-piloted air taxis. The roadmap will address challenges such as radio frequency spectrum limitations, GPS dependency, inadequate surveillance, and cybersecurity threats. Key goals include identifying CNS&S capability options, research needs, gaps, areas of consensus/disagreement, potential roles/responsibilities between government and industry, and key barriers to midterm operations.
Future roadmap versions will expand to include package delivery drones, unmanned air systems (UAS) operating under 400 ft AGL, and high-altitude traffic management.
Key Areas of Feedback
NASA is requesting feedback on:
- The scope of the initial CNS&S roadmap (mid-term UAM, remotely-piloted 1:1).
- Agreement with potential CNS&S needs and identified long-lead items, including missing elements.
- Interest in contributing to the roadmap's completion and ideas for contribution.
- Suggestions for preliminary roles and responsibilities between government and industry, specifically for NASA.
Context & Background
NASA's AOSP contributes to the "Automate Airspace and Safety Management Capabilities" focus area, researching concepts and requirements for efficient, safe, and scalable operations in the National Airspace System (NAS). This RFI builds on prior engagements and workshop results (Attachment B), which highlighted the need for NASA to lead in coalescing the AAM community and defining strategic products.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (Sources Sought)
- Set-Aside: None specified (RFI for market research)
- Response Due: March 16, 2026
- Published: February 12, 2026
Additional Notes
This is for information and planning purposes only; it is not a solicitation or commitment to procure services. NASA will not pay for information submitted. Responses will be reviewed at NASA-hosted workshops. Proprietary information must be clearly marked, and submissions are accepted only from United States companies. NASA reserves the right to share information received throughout the Government and its support contractors.