Draft RFP - Mars Telecommunications Network (MTN)
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 Goddard Space Flight Center has released a Draft Request for Proposal (DRFP) for the Mars Telecommunications Network (MTN) acquisition. This opportunity seeks a U.S. commercial provider for the design, development, integration, launch, and on-orbit operations of a new relay network to support Mars sample return and future exploration missions through 2035. The contract type is anticipated to be Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) with an IDIQ component. Comments on the DRFP are due by April 13, 2026. The final RFP is anticipated for release around May 1, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
The MTN project is a three-phase effort to robustify the current Mars Relay Network and establish a new architecture for Mars telecommunications and navigation services. The network will provide communication and data exchange, positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services, support existing missions, and enable Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) demonstrations. Key objectives include supporting autonomous operations, onboard processing, and extended mission duration, with system viability targeted beyond 2035. The scope covers orbiter(s), Direct with Earth (DWE) links, and Proximity link requirements, excluding launch vehicle requirements.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) with an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) component for Time and Materials (T&M) Task Orders for Special Studies. The contract will include Schedule and Performance Incentives.
- Set-Aside: Unrestricted / Full and Open Competition. The contract must be awarded to a U.S. commercial provider.
- Period of Performance: Core requirements extend through December 31, 2028, with full operational readiness at Mars by December 31, 2030. Optional mission operations extend further.
- Estimated Value: CLIN 2 (IDIQ for Special Studies) has a Not-to-Exceed (NTE) value of $10M. Overall contract value is not explicitly stated.
- NAICS: 517410 (Network Services Delivered As A Service).
Key Requirements & Deliverables
Offerors must propose a Performance Work Statement (PWS) demonstrating how their solutions meet MTN objectives and RFP requirements. Key deliverables include:
- Core MTN Delivery: Design, development, integration, testing, and delivery of the MTN.
- Optional Services: Launch services, integration, on-orbit commissioning, and up to five years of mission operations.
- Documentation: Project Management Plan, Integrated Master Schedule, Risk Management Plan, IT Security Management Plan, System Requirements, Interface Control Documents, Design Data Book, and various test reports.
- Technical Data: Detailed mission trajectory instructions, spacecraft data (e.g., wet mass, engine types, power capability), and link budget templates for DWE and Proximity links.
- Compliance: Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) Avoidance Plan, Commercial Architecture Security Questionnaire (CASQ) addressing NIST and CNSS policies, and adherence to IT security, Section 508, and records management requirements. Disclosure of AI use is required.
- Government Furnished Equipment (GFE): NASA will provide the Electra UHF Transceiver (EUT) as GFE.
Eligibility & Submission
Potential offerors are encouraged to submit nonbinding information addressing statutory eligibility under The Working Families Tax Cut (WFTC) Act, including documentation of US commercial provider status, NASA funding in FY2024/FY2025 for Mars Sample Return commercial design studies, and prior proposals for an independently launched Mars telecom orbiter.
- Comments on DRFP: Submit electronically to Alisha Mercadante, Carlos McKenzie, and Antwan Reid by April 13, 2026.
- Industry Day Questions: Submit to the same contacts by April 12, 2026.
- Industry Day: An in-person event was held on April 9, 2026, at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Registration and one-on-one meeting abstract submissions are now closed.
Evaluation Factors
Technical Proposal and Past Performance are significantly more important than Price. Technical Proposal is more important than Past Performance as an individual factor, and Price is less important than Past Performance. Above-threshold performance is valued.
Important Notes
This is a Draft RFP and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to award. All acquisition-related documents will be available on SAM.gov. Offerors are responsible for monitoring SAM.gov for updates.