Notice of Intent to Enter Into a Non-Exclusive International Agreement
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 Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has issued a Special Notice regarding its intent to enter into a non-exclusive international agreement with Orica Australia Pty Ltd. The purpose is to adapt JPL's NeBula autonomy architecture and develop autonomy capabilities (hardware, software, algorithms) for Orica's advanced blast services in the mining industry. This notice seeks to identify other domestic or international entities interested in partnering with NASA JPL on similar technical activities or programmatic objectives. Expressions of Interest are due April 6, 2026, at 2 PM PT.
Background & Purpose
Orica, a leading explosives supplier, aims to innovate tele-remote, automated, and autonomous operations in harsh mining environments, particularly for tasks unsafe for humans. They require robust navigation and manipulation capabilities, including GPS-denied navigation, autonomous planning, multi-agent orchestration, and semantic reasoning, which JPL can provide. This collaboration will enhance the NeBula platform for remote mining and support NASA's future surface and subsurface robotics mission objectives.
Scope of Potential Collaboration
Activities contemplated for the agreement with Orica, and potentially with other interested parties, include:
- Developing/adapting NeBula autonomy architecture and capabilities (hardware, software, algorithms) for safe operations, mobility, manipulation, multi-agent coordination, and sensing in surface and underground mining.
- Developing software and systems, and testing in simulation.
- Developing new hardware prototype designs.
- Integrating JPL-developed software and systems into Orica's systems and testing in relevant field environments.
Any resulting agreement will be non-exclusive, and the U.S. Government will reserve an irrevocable, royalty-free right to practice any developed intellectual property (IP). Orica will have the first right of refusal for exclusive commercial IP rights on patented IP.
Expressions of Interest
Interested parties should submit a written expression of interest including:
- Organization name, address, and point of contact.
- Description of relevant technical capabilities and experience.
- Summary of proposed collaboration concept(s) aligned with the stated objectives.
- Any additional information demonstrating ability to meet NASA's technical and programmatic needs.
Important Notices
This is not a Request for Proposals (RFP), Invitation for Bids (IFB), or Request for Quotations (RFQ). It does not constitute a commitment by the U.S. Government to enter into any agreement. No funds are available to support response preparation, and NASA JPL will not reimburse costs incurred.
Timeline & Contacts
- Response Due: April 6, 2026, at 2 PM PT
- Published: March 23, 2026
- Primary Contact: Michael Beltran (michael.beltran@jpl.nasa.gov)
- Secondary Contact: JPL Small Business Programs Office (smallbusiness.programsoffice@jpl.nasa.gov)