Mars Telecommunications Network (MTN)
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) has issued a Presolicitation for the Mars Telecommunications Network (MTN), formerly Mars Telecommunications Orbiter (MTO). This opportunity seeks a high-performance Mars telecommunications orbiter for design, development, integration, launch, and on-orbit operations to support Mars sample return and future exploration missions. Industry is invited to provide feedback on the "MTN Objectives and Requirements Document" by March 10, 2026, 2:00 PM EST.
Opportunity Overview
NASA anticipates a competitive procurement for the Mars Telecommunications Network (MTN). This initiative involves acquiring a high-performance Mars telecommunications orbiter to provide robust, continuous communications for Mars sample return, surface, orbital, and human exploration missions. 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.
Key Actions & Timeline
A Draft Request for Proposal (RFP) is forthcoming. In advance of the Draft RFP, NASA has released the "MTN Objectives and Requirements Document" (MTN-402-REQ-0001_MTN Objectives and Requirements - Preliminary.pdf) for industry review and optional comment. Potential offerors are encouraged to submit feedback, limited to five pages, to inform NASA's formulation of the solicitation. This feedback will be treated as information only.
- Document for Review: "MTN Objectives and Requirements - Preliminary.pdf"
- Feedback Due: March 10, 2026, 2:00 PM EST
- Published Date: February 23, 2026
Contract & Compliance
NASA anticipates acquiring a commercial product and/or commercial service in accordance with FAR Part 12. The procurement will follow an advisory multi-step process (FAR 15.101(e)), where potential offerors may submit nonbinding informational submissions regarding statutory compliance for advisory feedback.
- Opportunity Type: Presolicitation
- Set-Aside: None specified
- NAICS Code: 517410 – Satellite Communication
- Size Standard: $44M
- Place of Performance: Greenbelt, MD, United States
Submission & Contact
Feedback on the "MTN Objectives and Requirements Document" must be submitted electronically via email to the Contracting Officer.
- Contact: Alisha Mercadante
- Email: alisha.m.mercadante@nasa.gov
Important Notes
This notice is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment by the Government. NASA reserves the right to use submitted information in its solicitation formulation. Offerors are responsible for monitoring Sam.gov for the release of the Draft RFP, Final RFP, and any amendments.