Facilitation and logistical coordination of the 2026 SMD Data Repositories Workshop

Recommendation and Determination to Solicit from One Source

This document recommends a sole-source negotiation with DevGlobal for the professional facilitation and logistical coordination of the 2026 Data Repositories Workshop. The workshop is crucial for the NASA Headquarters' Office of the Chief Science Data Officer (OCSDO) and the Marshall Space Flight Center's Data Analysis Services Project (DASP) to gather input for NASA's Data Governance team and finalize formal SMD initiatives.

• Professional facilitation and logistical coordination of the 2026 Data Repositories Workshop.

• Rapid management of complex logistics, including securing a host facility, developing an agenda, and coordinating speakers and attendees.

• Utilizing specialized facilitation frameworks and engagement models for interdisciplinary science communities.

• The estimated period of performance or lead-time for delivery is 7 months.

• The total estimated cost is not explicitly stated but is implied to be a significant investment.

• This document is a recommendation for a sole-source procurement, not a solicitation requiring proposals.

• This is a sole-source recommendation, citing that competition is impractical due to specific circumstances.

• Compressed Timeline: The OCSDO has accelerated planning for the workshop to occur by September 2026 due to FY27 federal budget uncertainties. A delay would push the event to at least February 2027.

• Vendor Expertise: DevGlobal has an established relationship with NASA SMD and has successfully supported similar initiatives, including NASA Lifelines. They possess unique technical, logistical, and stakeholder-engagement capabilities, and have developed working relationships with key NASA personnel and organizations.

• Impact of Non-Selection: Using another vendor would require a substantial learning curve, re-creation of materials, re-establishment of relationships, and significant NASA staff involvement, leading to unacceptable schedule delays and duplication of costs. Missing the September deadline would impede progress on ongoing governance initiatives and incur significant additional contract costs.

• The document highlights that a standard competitive procurement process would not meet the accelerated schedule.

• The workshop outcomes are essential for finalizing NASA's Data Governance team's initiatives related to artificial intelligence and the commercial data paradigm.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This notice indicates NASA/NSSC's requirement for Facilitation and logistical coordination of the 2026 SMD Data Repositories Workshop. The government intends to acquire Commercial items or services for this effort.

• The contract is intended to be a sole source contract awarded to DEVGLOBAL PARTNERS LLC under the authority of FAR 12.102(a).

• Performance will be located at NASA/ Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC).

• The NAICS Code for this procurement is 541611.

• Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications in writing to the identified point of contact.

• The deadline for submissions is 7 a.m. Central Standard Time on 4/17/2026.

• Submissions will be evaluated solely to determine whether to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis.

• The determination to compete this effort on a full and open competition basis is at the sole discretion of the government.

• Oral communications are not acceptable.

• This is currently intended as a sole source procurement.

• NASA FAR Supplement Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. Information on the Center Ombudsman can be found at the provided link.

• Primary Point of Contact: Shanna Patterson, Procurement Specialist, Shanna.L.Patterson@nasa.gov

Statement of Work (SOW)

To provide professional facilitation and logistical coordination for one or more workshops supporting strategic planning, technical exchange, stakeholder engagement, and decision-making. The goal is to ensure planning activities and workshop events are efficient, inclusive, compliant, and outcome-driven.

This SOW covers end-to-end support for Workshop Planning Committee (WPC) planning and workshop execution. Key areas include:

• Facilitation services for WPC sessions, working groups, and workshops.

• Scheduling, coordination, and logistics (venue, A/V, hybrid platforms, on-site support).

• Participant management (invitations, registration, check-in, help desk).

• Agenda design and run-of-show orchestration.

• Stakeholder communications (save-the-dates, emails, FAQs).

• Post-event analysis and recommendations.

• Task 1: Project Initiation & Planning: Includes kickoff, developing a Project Management Plan (PMP), and a Facilitation Plan.

• Task 2: Committee Support (WPC): Involves facilitating WPC meetings and preparing artifacts like agendas, minutes, and action logs.

• Task 3: Workshop Design: Focuses on co-developing the workshop agenda, creating session materials, and designing hybrid/virtual formats.

• Task 4: Logistics & Operations: Covers venue and A/V coordination, participant registration and management, on-site support, and contingency planning.

• Task 5: Communications & Stakeholder Engagement: Includes developing messaging, branding, pre-event briefings, and ensuring accessibility.

• Task 6: Post-Event Reporting & Closeout: Involves consolidating outcomes and recommendations into a Post-Event Report and providing a final Records Package.

Not explicitly stated in the provided text, but implies a duration tied to the planning and execution of workshops.

• Neutral facilitation.
• Support for in-person, hybrid, or virtual formats.
• Development of various artifacts (agendas, minutes, reports, etc.).
• Adherence to accessibility standards (Section 508).
• Coordination with [Agency/Center] brand guidance.