Geoscience Discipline Node
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) Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has issued a Sources Sought notice for the Geoscience Discipline Node within the Planetary Data System (PDS). This Request for Information (RFI) seeks industry input and capability statements regarding a draft Statement of Work (SOW) for managing, preserving, and distributing NASA planetary science data. The effort ensures long-term secure preservation and usability of data, including compliance with Federal cybersecurity laws. Responses are due June 12, 2026.
Scope of Work
The Geoscience Discipline Node (GEO) of the Planetary Data System (PDS) will provide science data services. Key responsibilities outlined in the draft SOW include:
- Planetary Science Mission Support: Ingesting, validating, and archiving geosciences data from planetary missions and research, including data documentation, peer-review, and Digital Object Identifier (DOI) assignment.
- Data Archival & Preservation: Implementing PDS Level 3 and 4 requirements, ensuring long-term preservation via the NASA Space Science Data Coordinated Archive (NSSDCA), and public accessibility (Section 508 compliant).
- Cloud Migration: Migrating all Discipline Node data, software, tools, and services to a NASA-managed cloud environment.
- Cybersecurity: Ensuring compliance with Federal cybersecurity laws (e.g., FISMA, FITARA) and NASA directives, including System Security Plans (SSPs).
- Standards & Documentation: Maintaining PDS archiving standards, interoperability, PDS4 Local Language Dictionaries (LDD), and data system APIs.
- Online Presence: Transitioning the Discipline Node's web presence and data access to NASA-managed infrastructure.
- IDIQ Component: The contract may include an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) mechanism for additional planetary science mission support beyond routine activities.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Product Service Code: AJ11 - General Science And Technology R&D Services
- Period of Performance (Draft SOW): December 1, 2026, to November 30, 2029
- Place of Performance (Draft SOW): Washington University (WashU), with potential travel to other PDS sites, NASA GSFC, and NASA HQ.
- Set-Aside: None specified; market research will determine appropriate level of competition and potential small business set-asides (e.g., SB, SDB, HUBZone, VOSB, SDVOSB, WOSB).
- Response Due: June 12, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern Standard Time
- Published: May 28, 2026
Evaluation
Responses will inform NASA's market research to determine the appropriate level of competition and/or small business subcontracting goals. Vendors are encouraged to demonstrate capabilities as a prime, subcontractor, or teaming partner. Input is specifically requested on realistic SB subcontracting goals, barriers to SB participation, and strategies to increase SB involvement.
Additional Notes
This is not a Request for Proposal (RFP) and does not constitute a commitment by the Government. The Government will not pay for information submitted. Future solicitations will be posted on Sam.gov. Firms can indicate if they do not wish to be included in a public listing of respondents for teaming arrangements. Contact: Candis Edwards (Candis.Edwards@nasa.gov) for comments or questions.