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 information from potential partners for the Demonstration in the Lunar Environment of Autonomous Robotic Construction (DiLE-ARCon) project. This Special Notice is an Early Career Initiative (ECI) focused on developing critical infrastructure for sustained human presence on the Moon. NASA LaRC is looking for partners to participate in a proposal development activity. Responses are due February 18, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
NASA LaRC aims to advance the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of autonomous robotic construction capabilities in a high-fidelity lunar environment. The project focuses on developing infrastructure like radiation shelters and plume ejecta barriers. This RFI seeks partners to provide either a robotic manipulator or a robotic mobility system for a hardware demonstration planned for FY2028.
Key Requirements
Partners are sought to provide one of the following robotic systems:
- Robotic Manipulator: Must have a minimum of six degrees of freedom (DOF), one-meter reach, 10 kg payload capacity, and be capable of integrating with NASA-provided end effectors for assembly tasks. It must operate in a vacuum and lunar simulant environment.
- Robotic Mobility System: Requires a 70 kg minimum payload capacity, ability to support a robotic arm and payload, battery-operated power for at least 4 hours, and capability to traverse hundreds of meters on uneven terrain (up to 20% grade). It must also operate in a vacuum and lunar regolith simulant environment. An integrated mobility and manipulator system meeting these specifications will also be considered.
Contract Details
This is a partnering opportunity and does not guarantee an award. If a proposal is selected, NASA Langley anticipates issuing contracts or other agreements. Selected partners will be expected to provide technical requirements, conceptual designs, data, proposal input, project schedules, and cost estimates at no cost to NASA. The loan of existing technology is preferred. NASA will not reimburse for response costs.
Submission & Evaluation
- Response Deadline: February 18, 2026, 4:30 pm EDT.
- Submission Method: Electronic via email to the specified NASA contacts.
- Response Format: A capability statement, not exceeding five pages, 12-point font, with 1-inch margins.
- Evaluation Criteria: Responses will be assessed based on Technology Solutions and Technical Approach, Technical Qualifications, Cost (of development and delivery), and amenability to collaborative solutions.
Eligibility
Participation is open to all U.S. and non-U.S. organizations, including educational institutions, industry, not-for-profit institutions, and other U.S. Government Agencies. Non-U.S. organizations are welcome but are subject to NASA's policy of no exchange of funds.
Additional Notes
Partners must have experience in robotic system development, operations, and demonstrations, and be prepared to participate in laboratory and proof-of-concept demonstrations. This notice is for information and planning purposes only and is not a commitment by the Government.