Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE)
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 Marshall Space Flight Center, has issued a Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (JOFOC) for a sole-source contract extension for the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) project. This action extends contract NNM15AA18C with BAE Systems, Inc. to ensure the continued study of X-ray production in stellar objects.
Purpose & Justification
This JOFOC justifies a sole-source extension under FAR 6.302-1 (Only one responsible source). The IXPE mission, launched in December 2021, is a small explorer class mission. A notice of intent to award this sole-source extension was posted on SAM.gov on July 23, 2025, and no other parties responded. Transitioning the mission operations to a new provider would introduce significant risk to spacecraft health, mission continuity, and scientific objectives.
Scope of Extension
The extension will prolong the contract's Period of Performance (POP) by 3 years, through March 31, 2029. This includes:
- A 12-month Phase E base period extension (October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026).
- Two subsequent 12-month option periods (through September 30, 2028).
- A realignment of the 6-month Phase F Closeout period (October 1, 2028 - March 31, 2029).
BAE Systems, Inc. will continue to provide essential services, including mission operations leadership and planning, execution, subject matter expertise for data trending analysis, anomaly support, corrective actions, and spacecraft subsystem health assessment.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Sole-source extension of existing contract NNM15AA18C.
- Agency: National Aeronautics And Space Administration (NASA).
- Office: NASA MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER.
- Product/Service Code: AR12 (Space R&D Services; Space Flight, Research And Supporting Activities; Applied Research).
- Estimated Value: The estimated value for the 3-year Phase E extension is redacted.
Eligibility & Response
This is a justification for a sole-source action, not a solicitation for proposals. Therefore, no submissions are applicable or required.
Contact Information
For inquiries, contact Iris Walter at iris.r.walter@nasa.gov or 256-544-8874.