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 seeks to inform NASA's strategy for filling government-provided payload allocations on the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, which aims for a near-monthly landing cadence starting in 2027. This effort will dramatically increase science, technology, and economic opportunities on the Moon.
Scope of Interest
NASA is interested in potential payload details from self-funded teams that can deliver completed flight units to CLPS and perform their own operations on the lunar surface. The RFI seeks information on payloads ready for flight with minimal development, as well as those requiring medium-term development (4-6 years). Respondents should provide details on payload concept, technical specifications (mass, volume, power, communications, thermal), heritage, readiness, cost, schedule, and business/strategy approach. Payloads should ideally align with NASA's Moon to Mars objectives and technology gaps.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought
- Response Due: May 7, 2026
- Published: April 20, 2026
- Agency: NASA Headquarters
- Set-Aside: None specified
Submission & Evaluation
Responses are open to industry, universities, non-profit organizations, individuals, foreign entities, NASA centers, FFRDCs, and other U.S. federal, state, local, and tribal government agencies. 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 and an optional 5-page PDF. NASA will evaluate responses to inform its approach to filling CLPS payload allocations and may share opted-in payload information globally via a public Lunar Payload Database to foster connections within the lunar economy.
Important Notes
This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment or guarantee of future action by NASA. NASA will not pay for information submitted. Responses are subject to restrictions on bilateral relationships with China as per the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024.