Mars Telecommunications Network (MTN)

SOL #: 80GSFC26MTN011Pre-Solicitation

Overview

Buyer

National Aeronautics And Space Administration

NASA GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER

GREENBELT, MD, 20771, United States

Place of Performance

Greenbelt, MD

NAICS

Satellite Telecommunications (517410)

PSC

Network Services Delivered As A Service, By Subscription, Or Service Contract. Physical And Wireless Networks Managed As A Service Connected To And From Core Data Centers, Work Areas, And Offices Connecting End Users To The Organization's Broader Networks. Network Services Delivered In Connection With Other Iaa S And Paa S Services. Cloud Based Network Management Services And Software Defined Networks (Sdn) Accessed By Service Contract Or Subscriptions. (DG10)

Set Aside

No set aside specified

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/5a5f10aa85f440eca99fd75b8c69e761/view

Timeline

Posted

Feb 23, 2026

Last Updated

Mar 3, 2026

Response Deadline

Mar 10, 2026, 6:00 PM

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) is conducting a presolicitation for the Mars Telecommunications Network (MTN), formerly Mars Telecommunications Orbiter (MTO). This initiative seeks a high-performance Mars telecommunications orbiter to provide robust, continuous communications for Mars sample return and future exploration missions. NASA is providing the "MTN Objectives and Requirements Document" for industry review and optional comment. Responses are due by March 10, 2026, at 2:00 PM EST.

Scope of Work

This opportunity encompasses the design, development, integration, launch, and on-orbit operations of a Mars telecommunications orbiter. The MTN is expected to support autonomous operations, onboard processing, and extended mission duration capabilities. This procurement is mandated by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), Public Law 119-21, specifically 51 U.S.C. § 20306(a)(1), which requires a competitively bid, firm fixed-price contract with a United States commercial provider.

Contract & Timeline

Type: Presolicitation (anticipates a competitively bid, firm fixed-price contract)
NAICS: 517410 – Satellite Communication (Size Standard: $44M)
Set-Aside: None specified
Response Due: March 10, 2026, 2:00 PM EST
Published: February 23, 2026
Place of Performance: Greenbelt, MD (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)

Response & Evaluation

NASA encourages potential offerors to submit feedback on the "MTN Objectives and Requirements Document", not exceeding five pages. This feedback will be treated as information only. NASA anticipates using an advisory multi-step process (FAR 15.101(e)) where nonbinding informational submissions will be requested to enable NASA to provide feedback on offerors' potential to be viable competitors. Responses should be submitted electronically to Alisha Mercadante at alisha.m.mercadante@nasa.gov.

Additional Notes

This notification is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment by the Government. NASA reserves the right to use and share submitted information. The Government anticipates acquiring a commercial product and/or service in accordance with FAR Part 12. NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable.