Final RFP Engineering Services and Science Capability Augmentation (ESSCA) II
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 Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is seeking proposals for Engineering Services and Science Capability Augmentation (ESSCA) II, a hybrid indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. This opportunity provides engineering and science skills augmentation support and related services to MSFC, Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF), Stennis Space Center (SSC), and potentially other NASA Centers, including end-item deliverables. The maximum potential value is $3.248 billion.
Current Status & Upcoming Changes
NASA intends to issue a significant amendment to this solicitation. This amendment will address the potential impact of NASA’s February 6, 2026, Workforce Directive: Restoring NASA’s Core Competencies, and will require new submission (or resubmission) of proposals from all potential Offerors. Additionally, NASA is assessing the impact of Executive Order 14402 "Promoting Efficiency, Accountability, and Performance in Federal Contracting" (April 30, 2026), which may result in further amendments. Interested parties must continue monitoring SAM.gov for acquisition updates.
Scope of Work
The contract covers a broad spectrum of engineering and science disciplines, including research, design, development, analysis, testing, operations, and sustaining engineering. End-item deliverables may include software, trade studies, support equipment, prototypes, flight hardware, electronic systems, and research instruments. Work will be managed via Task Orders (TOs) for skills augmentation and Delivery Orders (DOs) for end-item deliverables. A Top Secret facility clearance is required at the time of proposal submission, and offerors must disclose any intent to use Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Contract Details
This is a Full and Open Competition for a hybrid IDIQ contract, allowing for Cost-Plus-Award-Fee (CPAF), Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF), and Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) orders. The contract includes a four-month phase-in period, a five-year base ordering period, and an option for a three-year additional ordering period. The NAICS code is 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, Exception 3 Guided Missiles and Space Vehicles), with a small business size standard of 1,300 employees. The anticipated award date is September 30, 2026.
Submission & Evaluation
Proposals will be evaluated using a best value tradeoff, where Mission Suitability and Past Performance combined are significantly more important than Cost. Mission Suitability is the most important individual factor, followed by Past Performance, then Cost. Offerors must submit an Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) Plan. Small business subcontracting goals are set at 40.0% for Small Business, with specific targets for WOSB, SDB, VOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone, and HBCU/MI.
Key Dates & Contacts
The previous proposal due date of March 16, 2026, is superseded by the upcoming requirement for new proposal submissions. All questions regarding the RFP were due by February 10, 2026. Contact: Sadie Moulton, Contracting Officer, at sadie.m.moulton@nasa.gov.