Partnering Opportunity for the Demonstration in the Lunar Environment of Autonomous Robotic Construction (DiLE-ARCon) Project
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 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Langley Research Center (LaRC) is seeking partners for the Demonstration in the Lunar Environment of Autonomous Robotic Construction (DiLE-ARCon) project. This initiative aims to develop and demonstrate autonomous robotic systems for lunar infrastructure construction, such as radiation shelters, in response to an Early Career Initiative (ECI).
Purpose & Scope
NASA LaRC is soliciting information from potential partners to collaborate on a proposal addressing the technical objectives of the DiLE-ARCon project. The goal is to advance the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of autonomous construction capabilities to TRL 6 by FY28 in a high-fidelity lunar environment. This involves developing critical infrastructure on the Lunar surface using robotic systems prior to astronaut arrival.
Key Requirements / Deliverables
Potential partners are sought to provide at least one of the following robotic systems for a TRL 6 demonstration:
- Robotic Manipulator: Must have a minimum of six (6) degrees of freedom, one (1) meter reach, 10 kg payload capacity, and be capable of assembly tasks in a vacuum and lunar simulant environment. Integration support is required.
- Robotic Mobility System: Must have a 70 kg minimum payload capacity, support a robot arm and payload, be battery-operated (4+ hours), traverse hundreds of meters on uneven terrain (max 20% grade), and operate in a vacuum and lunar regolith simulant environment. Integration support is required.
- Integrated Mobility and Robotic Manipulator System: A combined system offering the capabilities of both.
Contract Details
This is a partnering opportunity for proposal development and does not guarantee an award. If a proposal is selected, NASA Langley anticipates issuing contracts or other agreements. Selected partners are expected to provide technical requirements, conceptual designs, data, proposal input, schedules, and cost estimates at no cost to NASA.
Submission & Evaluation
- Submission Deadline: February 18, 2026, 4:30 pm EDT.
- Submission Method: Electronic via email to Esther Lee, Matthew Mahlin, and Jessica Friz.
- Questions Deadline: February 18, 2026.
- Evaluation Criteria: Technology Solutions and Technical Approach, Technical Qualifications, Cost (existing technology loan preferred), and Amenability to collaborative solutions.
Eligibility / Set-Aside
Participation is open to all categories of U.S. and non-U.S. organizations (educational, industry, not-for-profit, government agencies). Non-U.S. organizations are welcome but cannot receive NASA funds.
Additional Notes
Ideal partners have experience in robotic system development, operations, and demonstrations. Partners must participate in laboratory demonstrations. Responses should be no more than five (5) pages. This is for information and planning purposes only and is not a commitment by NASA.