Lunabotics management support
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/NSSC has issued a Special Notice indicating its intent to award a sole source contract to the University of Central Florida Research Foundation for Lunabotics management support. This requirement, under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), supports the Lunabotics 2026 University Challenge, extending its period of performance and detailing additional FY26 requirements. Interested organizations may submit capabilities to challenge this sole source determination by April 2, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Central Standard Time.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for management support of the Lunabotics 2026 University Challenge, with performance located at NASA/Kennedy Space Center (KSC). An addendum to the existing Statement of Work (SOW) extends the period of performance to September 30, 2026, and outlines expanded FY26 requirements. These include:
- Additional Project Management Support: Labor for extended operations, support for the 2026 Final Challenge (May 19-21, 2026) at the AMF facility, coordination meetings, post-competition data management, and administrative closure.
- AMF Facility Rental: Securing facility access at the KSC AMF Center for Space Education (Building M6-306) for competition activities, robot assembly, audio-visual presentations, and judging.
- PPE and Supplies: Procurement of required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), safety supplies for simulant-handling, replacement consumables, and safety signage.
- Student Lunabotics Scholarships: Administration and awarding of scholarships to qualified competitors at the 2026 Final Challenge Closing Ceremony. The primary location for the final challenge is the Astronaut Memorial Foundation (AMF) Center for Space Education at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor's Center.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Special Notice (Sole Source Intent)
- Agency: National Aeronautics And Space Administration (NASA/NSSC)
- Intended Awardee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation
- Authority: FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i)
- Acquisition Strategy: Commercial items and services under FAR Part 12 and FAR Part 13.
- NAICS Code: 611310 (Educational Support Services)
- Product Service Code: R499 (Other Professional Services)
- Period of Performance: Extended to September 30, 2026
- Response Due: April 2, 2026, 3:00 p.m. Central Standard Time
- Published: March 30, 2026
Additional Notes
This notice is for market research purposes to determine if a competitive procurement is feasible. Capabilities and qualifications must be submitted in writing. Oral communications are not acceptable. NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. Primary Point of Contact: Kacey Hickman, Procurement Specialist, Kacey.l.hickman@nasa.gov Secondary Point of Contact: Karen Artis, Contracting Officer, Karen.l.artis@nasa.gov