Moon to Mars NextSTEP-3 Appendix B, Architecture Studies
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's George C. Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has released the Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships-3 (NextSTEP-3) Appendix B, Moon to Mars Architectural Studies solicitation. This initiative seeks industry-led architecture concept development, concept refinement studies, and risk-reduction activities to address Moon to Mars architecture gaps. NASA intends to establish a Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC) with a combined maximum value not to exceed $500M over five years. Proposals for MATOC membership are due February 20, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. CT.
Scope of Work
The solicitation focuses on applied concept development, risk reduction, and special studies to build a knowledge foundation for informed programmatic decisions. Key areas include infrastructure, transportation, habitation, mission Concept of Operations (CONOPS), and Lunar/Mars mission science capabilities. Work is structured across maturity levels: Exploration (CLIN 0001), Refinement (CLIN 0002), Maturation (CLIN 0003), Risk Reduction (CLIN 0004), and Special Studies (CLIN 0005).
Participation pathways include:
- Directed-Topic Calls: Issued to MATOC holders for specific NASA-defined areas of interest, such as integrated surface power infrastructure and Mars Crew Transportation concepts.
- Open-Topic Opportunities: For innovative solutions from the broader industrial base, potentially leading to standalone Firm-Fixed Price contracts for any qualified organization, regardless of MATOC membership.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC).
- Task Orders: Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) with performance-based milestone payments.
- Standalone Contracts: FFP for open-topic opportunities.
- Period of Performance: Base Period of 24 months, with an Option Period of 12 months.
- Contract Ceiling: Not to exceed $500,000,000 over five years.
- Set-Aside: None specified; open to qualified U.S. institutions (companies, universities, nonprofit organizations), including large and small businesses.
Eligibility & Submission
- Eligible Offerors: U.S. institutions only. NASA civil servants, JPL employees, national laboratories, and FFRDCs cannot be Prime Contractors but may be team members.
- Intent to Submit: By February 6, 2026, 5:00 p.m. CT.
- Proposal Submission Deadline: February 20, 2026, 5:00 p.m. CT.
- Submission Method: Electronically via a provided Box link.
- Questions Deadline: February 6, 2026, 5:00 p.m. CT.
- Contact: Maranda McCord, Contracting Officer, at HQ-NEXTSTEP3APPB@mail.nasa.gov.
Evaluation
Proposals will be evaluated on their own merits, and NASA may award without negotiations. Specific evaluation criteria are detailed for MATOC membership, directed-topic task orders, and open-topic opportunities. Past performance will be assessed using a questionnaire (Attachment C) or equivalent documentation. Offerors must also submit an Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI) Plan (Attachment D).
Important Notes
An Industry Day was held on January 22, 2026, with materials and Q&A available on SAM.gov. Offerors must ensure their SAM.gov registrations are current.