NRL Space Science Division R&D Support Services
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
The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Space Science Division, Code 7600, is conducting market research through a Sources Sought Notice (SSN)/Request for Information (RFI) to identify qualified firms capable of providing Research and Development (R&D) Support Services in Washington, D.C. This effort aims to support spaceflight and ground system hardware and software development, integration, testing, operation, and data analysis. Responses are due March 4, 2026.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for multi-disciplinary scientific and engineering evaluation, analysis, and development services, as directed by Technical Direction Memorandums (TDM). This includes support across all aspects of mission and instrument development for components, subsystems, systems, scientific instruments, observatories, launch, ground systems, spacecraft, and suborbital craft. Key areas include:
- Systems Engineering: Mission requirements, technical concepts, functional analysis, interface definition, performance assessments, trade studies, risk analyses.
- Hardware Engineering: Design, development, fabrication, and testing of various electronic components (processors, FPGAs, circuit cards, power converters), optical systems, and specialized detector/array engineering.
- Software Engineering: Development of flight and ground software, modeling and simulation tools (e.g., SWORD), ground data analysis software (GDAS), mission planning, and web development.
- Laboratory and Operations Support: Design, fabrication, integration, and testing of support equipment; specialized facilities; environmental testing (EMC, shock, vibration); instrument calibration; payload processing; mission operations and data analysis; parts and material procurement.
- Mission Assurance: Implementation of programs for EEE parts, quality/reliability assurance, change management, materials/processes control, contamination control, and support for design reviews (PDR, CDR, PSR).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Duration: Anticipated 1 base period of 12 months and four (4) 12-month option periods.
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: March 4, 2026, by 6:00 PM EST
- Published: February 18, 2026
- Place of Performance: Washington, D.C., potentially on-site and off-site at NRL, with extensive travel.
Response Requirements
Interested parties are requested to email the following information to Daniel St. Denis:
- Contact Information: Company name, Point of Contact (POC), business size/socioeconomic categories, Unique Entity ID (DUNS), and CAGE Code.
- Technical Information: List of capabilities/resources relevant to the draft SOW, prior experience of similar scope/complexity, suggested job titles and qualifications, current facility clearance status, and any questions/suggestions related to the draft SOW.
Important Notes
This is not a solicitation and is for planning purposes only. The Government is not committed to awarding a contract or issuing a solicitation based on this announcement, nor will it pay for information solicited. No evaluation letters or results will be issued. Personnel requiring access to classified material must possess appropriate security clearances (Secret or TS/SCI). The Government will have unlimited rights to all documents and materials produced under any resulting contract.