Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Transportation Request for Information
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 is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Transportation services. This RFI seeks input from both established commercial providers and new industry entrants to inform and shape the future acquisition strategy for crew and cargo transportation to commercial LEO destinations. The goal is to maintain America's presence in LEO as the International Space Station transitions to commercially provided space stations. Responses are due April 08, 2026.
Scope of Work
NASA is evaluating options for transitioning to commercial LEO stations and aims to prevent a transportation gap. The agency anticipates a demand for 2 crew missions and 4-5 cargo missions per year, in addition to resupply needs. Input is requested from:
- Incumbent providers: Solutions that evolve existing systems to reduce cost, maintain reliability, and business cases for supporting future LEO stations. Questions include sustainability of flight rates, cost reduction strategies, risk mitigation, and minimum annual flight rates.
- New entrants: Credible paths for cargo-class and human-rating certification, including architectures, development plans, and programmatic approaches. Questions cover interest in on-ramp opportunities, incentives needed, projected minimum flight rates, and certification approaches.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: April 08, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST
- Published: March 24, 2026
Evaluation
Information provided will be used solely for internal Government planning, market research, and acquisition strategy development. Company-specific data will not be publicly released; external communication will be aggregated and anonymized. Proprietary or confidential information can be marked as such.
Submission Instructions
- Submit electronically in PDF format to ashley.h.chaves@nasa.gov.
- File Naming Convention: "OrganizationName_LEOTransportationRFI.pdf".
- Include Organization name, address, and point of contact information.
- No page limits.
- Do not include export-controlled information.
Additional Notes
This RFI is for information-gathering and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to procure services. The Government will not reimburse respondents for costs associated with their submissions. Interested parties should monitor www.sam.gov for any future solicitations.