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 via the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative. This RFI aims to inform NASA's strategy for filling government-provided payload allocations on numerous new CLPS deliveries starting in 2027. Responses are due May 8, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
NASA is preparing for a near-monthly lunar landing cadence starting in 2027 through the CLPS initiative, significantly increasing opportunities for science, technology, and economic development on the Moon. This RFI seeks information from potential payload developers across industry, universities, non-profit organizations, individuals (including foreign entities), and government agencies (excluding bilateral relationships with China per SEC. 526 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024). The goal is to understand available payloads that can leverage these expanded landing opportunities.
Key Details for Respondents
NASA is particularly interested in self-funded payload teams that can deliver completed flight units to CLPS and perform their own operations on the lunar surface. If a payload is selected by NASA, the agency will cover launch, landing, and surface mobility costs, with CLPS partners handling integration and providing power, communications, thermal regulation, and potential survive-the-night capabilities. Respondents should provide details on payload concept, technical specifications, heritage, readiness, cost, schedule, and business strategy. Payloads should ideally align with NASA's Moon to Mars objectives.
Lunar Payload Database
Respondents have the option to list their proposed payloads on a public Lunar Payload Database. This database aims to foster broader interconnections within the growing lunar economy, linking payload teams, funders, and CLPS delivery providers.
Submission Details
- Response Due: May 8, 2026 (supersedes previous dates).
- Submission Method: Via the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES).
- Format: Primarily an electronic cover page with specific questions, with an optional supplementary 5-page PDF for additional context.
Important 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 in response to this RFI.