MCAT Data RFI
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) Johnson Space Center (JSC) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for MCAT Data Transfer Services. This RFI seeks to identify potential industry partners capable of providing a data path for the Eugene Stansbery Meter Class Autonomous Telescope (ES-MCAT), enabling daily data transfer from Ascension Island to NASA JSC in Houston, Texas. Responses are due by Friday, March 13, 2026.
Purpose
This RFI serves as a formal market research effort to identify industry partners who can provide the specified data transfer services on a commercially available platform. It is explicitly stated that this RFI does not constitute a Request for Quote (RFQ) or Request for Proposal (RFP), nor does it guarantee a future solicitation.
Scope of Work
The primary objective is to establish a data path for the ES-MCAT to facilitate the daily transfer of unclassified image and text files. Key requirements include:
- Providing a data path between Ascension Island Auxiliary Airfield (AAF) and NASA JSC.
- Accommodating daily data transfers at rates of 1.5-2.0 TB per month.
- All activities to be performed at the contractor's work location or along the communication path.
- Period of Performance: From contract start until the end of ES-MCAT operations, estimated to be 2028 or later.
- Contractor personnel must possess expertise with the established communication link.
- Electronic and information technology (EIT) procured must meet Section 508 accessibility standards.
Information Requested from Industry
Potential partners are requested to answer the following questions:
- How your company can meet the Draft Statement of Work (SOW) requirements, including relevant examples and contract references.
- Whether the services are considered commercially available, modified commercial, or non-commercial.
- Agreement with the proposed NAICS code 518210 and PSC DG11, or recommendations for alternatives.
- Estimated time to establish services and any special infrastructure requirements.
- A rough estimate of annual costs for these services.
- A brief description of how your company would accomplish this requirement.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Product Service Code: DG11 (Telecom Access And Other Usage Billing Services)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: March 13, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
- Published: February 24, 2026
Additional Notes
Late submissions are allowed but not encouraged. Unsolicited proposals will not be considered unless determined to be in the best interest of the Government. All communications regarding contract terms must be directed to the Contracting Officer, Stephen Noethen.