Network Extension for User Continuity and Sustainability (NEXUS) Ka-Band Backward-Compatible Relay Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) NextSTEP-3 Appendix E

Quick Summary

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center has issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) under NextSTEP-3, Appendix E, for Project NEXUS (Network Extension for User Continuity and Sustainability). This BAA seeks to acquire an end-to-end Ka-band backward-compatible relay service to support legacy Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRS) users for a minimum of 15 years, addressing the aging TDRS system and reducing continuity risk in 2029-2031. This is a phased competitive Research and Development (R&D) acquisition with anticipated multiple Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) awards. Proposals are anticipated to be due June 2, 2026.

Purpose & Objectives

The primary objective is to acquire a commercially scalable, technically credible, and secure solution for long-term commercial relay services. NASA aims to accelerate the maturation of commercially viable capabilities through competitive research demonstrations, informing the transition to future operational services. Key objectives include protecting continuity for legacy NASA missions using TDRS Ka-band, demonstrating an operational capability with at least two concurrent paired links (one CONUS, one provider-proposed), ensuring persistent coverage, and verifying performance through on-orbit demonstration. The goal is to generate sufficient technical, operational, and cost data to inform a follow-on competitive acquisition for sustained services.

Scope of Work

The BAA requires industry to develop, deliver, and sustain an end-to-end Ka-band relay service capability. This includes the space segment (with associated launch services), ground and network infrastructure, and service operations and maintenance. The service must provide continuous, global Ka-band communication (Forward and Return) between customer control centers and supported vehicles, delivering bidirectional services without requiring modifications to legacy customer vehicle onboard systems. For full operational services, the system must support 8 concurrently operational, paired links across three defined regions with a minimum 15-year service life. Comprehensive cybersecurity, information assurance, cryptographic, and cloud security controls are mandatory, along with secure external interfaces and web/API access for scheduling and control.

Contract Details & Phases

This is a full and open competition with no set-aside and no foreign offerors permitted. The acquisition is structured in phases:

• Phase 1 (~6 months): Mature proposed concepts and development plans. Multiple FFP awards anticipated by September 2026.
• Phase 2 (~15 months): Develop capability and integrate ground and space segments. Option exercise around February 2027.
• Phase 3 (~6 months): On-orbit flight demonstration and end-to-end verification. Option exercise around May 2028 for flight demonstration by June 2028 and verification through September 2028.
• Phase 4 (R&D phase-out & services transition): A separate commercial services acquisition (FAR Parts 12 & 15) anticipated around October 2028, with a one-year base and a one-year option.
• Phase 5 (Long-term operational services): A future competitive acquisition for full operational services (8 concurrent links, 24/7/365, 15-year life). The primary NAICS for Phases 1-3 is 541715 (R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences).

Key Requirements & Constraints

All proposed services must be backward compatible with heritage TDRS Ka-band users. Compliance with NTIA and ITU spectrum allocations is required, with NASA responsible for Ka-band space-to-space link authorization and the Provider for other spectrum authorizations (e.g., FCC). Implementation of NIST SP 800-53 controls (High impact for availability/integrity, Moderate for confidentiality) is mandatory. Certain countries are prohibited for infrastructure placement or routing. The demonstrated architecture must be scalable for transition to full operational services.

Important Dates & Actions

• Vendor Site Visit Requests Due: March 30, 2026, 4:00 p.m. CT (to Jennifer.George@nasa.gov).
• Draft Solicitation Release (Anticipated): April 10, 2026.
• Draft Solicitation Industry Day (Anticipated): 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).
• Final BAA Solicitation Release (Anticipated): May 11, 2026.
• Proposal Due Date (Anticipated): June 2, 2026.

Additional Information

The solicitation will include a Service Requirements Document (SRD) containing ITAR-controlled technical data. Access is restricted to contractors with valid ITAR export clearance. Interested parties should submit their Defense Trade Control Compliance (DTCC) letter to brooke.thornton@nasa.gov for guidance and access. NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, applies. This notice is for information and planning purposes only.