Network Extension for User Continuity and Sustainability (NEXUS) Ka-Band Backward-Compatible Relay Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) NextSTEP-3 Appendix E
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 intends to release a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) under NextSTEP-3, Appendix E, for Project NEXUS (Network Extension for User Continuity and Sustainability) Ka-Band Backward-Compatible Relay. This initiative seeks to acquire an end-to-end Ka-band relay service, including space, ground, launch, integration, and operations, that is backward compatible with legacy TDRSS users for a minimum of fifteen years. The goal is to support select on-orbit missions and reduce continuity risk in the 2029-2031 timeframe. This will be a phased competitive Research and Development (R&D) acquisition, with multiple initial Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) awards. Proposals are anticipated to be due June 2, 2026.
Scope of Work
NASA requires industry to develop and demonstrate an end-to-end Ka-band relay service capability. This includes the space segment, associated launch services, ground and network infrastructure, and service operations and maintenance. The solution must be backward compatible with existing TDRSS users. NASA seeks to accelerate commercially viable capabilities, anticipating proposed solutions will be supported by a broader commercial business case beyond NASA.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) – Phased competitive R&D acquisition, with multiple FFP awards.
- Phases:
- Phase 1 (~6 months): Concept maturation and development plans. Multiple FFP awards anticipated by September 2026.
- Phase 2 (~15 months): Capability development and integration of ground/space segments. Option exercise anticipated around February 2027.
- Phase 3 (~6 months): On-orbit flight demonstration and end-to-end verification. Option exercise anticipated around May 2028 for demo NLT June 2028.
- Phase 4 & 5: R&D phase-out/service transition and long-term operational services will be separate commercial acquisitions.
- Set-Aside: None; full and open competition. No foreign offerors permitted.
- NAICS: Phases 1-3: 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)); Phases 4 & 5: 517810 (All Other Telecommunications) and/or 517410 (Satellite Communication).
- Anticipated Final BAA Release: May 11, 2026.
- Anticipated Proposal Due: June 2, 2026.
- Published: March 23, 2026.
Evaluation
NASA anticipates progressive downselects based on demonstrated performance, technical credibility, and commercial viability. NASA does not expect to be the sole commercial customer, and solutions should have a broader commercial business case.
Key Dates & Information
- Site Visit Requests Due: March 30, 2026, 4:00 p.m. CT to Jennifer.George@nasa.gov.
- Anticipated Draft Solicitation Release: April 10, 2026.
- Anticipated Draft Solicitation Industry Day: April 14, 2026, at Catalyst Campus, Colorado Springs, CO.
- One-on-One Meeting Requests Due: March 30, 2026, 4:00 p.m. CT to Jennifer.George@nasa.gov (meetings April 14-15, 2026).
- ITAR Data: The Service Requirements Document (SRD) contains ITAR-controlled technical data. Access is restricted to contractors with valid ITAR export clearance. Contact Jennifer.George@nasa.gov and brooke.thornton@nasa.gov for early access.
- This is a presolicitation for planning purposes only; it is not a request for proposals. Offerors are responsible for monitoring SAM.gov for updates.