REQUEST FOR INFORMATION FOR LUNAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PAYLOADS FOR EXPANDED LUNAR LANDING OPPORTUNITIES
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) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for Lunar Science and Technology Payloads to support expanded lunar landing opportunities. This RFI aims to inform NASA's strategy for filling government-provided payload allocations on the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, which plans for a near-monthly lunar landing cadence starting in 2027. Responses are due by April 23, 2026.
Scope of Work
NASA is seeking details on potential payloads that can be manifested on CLPS deliveries in 2027, 2028, and beyond. Of particular interest are payloads from self-funded teams that can deliver completed flight units to CLPS and perform their own operations on the lunar surface. Payloads should ideally align with NASA's Moon to Mars objectives and technology gaps. CLPS will cover launch, landing, and surface mobility, and provide power, communications, thermal regulation, and potential survive-the-night capabilities. Respondents should provide information on payload concept, technical specifications (mass, volume, power, communications, thermal), heritage, readiness, cost, schedule, and business/strategy approach.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (Sources Sought)
- Agency: National Aeronautics And Space Administration (NASA Headquarters)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Published: March 24, 2026
- Response Due: April 23, 2026
Evaluation
Responses to this RFI will be used to inform how NASA approaches filling payload allocations and to determine potential small business participation and overall industry capability. NASA will also provide an option for respondents to list their proposed payloads on a public Lunar Payload Database, fostering connections between payload teams, funders, and CLPS providers.
Additional Notes
This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment by NASA to take action or award a contract. NASA will not pay for information submitted. Responses are open to a broad range of entities globally, including industry, universities, non-profits, and government agencies, but are subject to restrictions on bilateral relationships with China. Submissions must be made via the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES), primarily through an electronic cover page with specific questions, with an optional supplementary 5-page PDF.