Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source Contract HelioSwarm Medium-Class Explorers Mission
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/Ames Research Center (ARC) intends to award a sole source contract to Southwest Research Institute for the HelioSwarm (HS) Medium-Class Explorers (MIDEX) Mission Bridge Phase and its subsequent phases. This mission is designed to explore the three-dimensional, dynamic mechanisms controlling plasma turbulence.
Scope of Work
The contract will cover the Bridge Phase and subsequent phases of the HelioSwarm MIDEX Mission. The mission's primary objective is to investigate the physics of plasma turbulence, a widespread process in the heliosphere and the broader plasma universe.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source Contract
- Awardee (Intended): Southwest Research Institute
- Justification: Other than full and open competition, as implemented by FAR 6.103-1, citing only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source)
- Response Due: February 18, 2026, 4:00 PM Pacific Standard Time (PST)
- Published: January 27, 2026
Evaluation
Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform this effort. These submissions will be evaluated solely to determine if the acquisition can be conducted on a competitive basis. The Government retains sole discretion in deciding whether to proceed with a competitive acquisition based on responses to this notice.
Additional Notes
NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at the provided NASA procurement link.