Request for Information (RFI 80TECH26RFI0020): Strategic Partnerships for NASA Data Center Infrastructure

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is for market research purposes only, issued by NASA to explore potential partnerships and gather information on modernizing its data center infrastructure. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) and does not commit the Government to any contract. NASA is seeking innovative concepts for current, modern, and affordable data center infrastructure to support its mission-critical operations.

NASA is seeking perspectives on:

• Partnership models and value creation.

• Next-generation data center concepts, including high-density computing, hybrid cloud + on-prem integration, and edge/distributed architectures.

• Approaches to modernizing legacy data center facilities.

• Strategies for reliability, resilience, and security in shared environments.

• Operational and service models for mission-critical environments.

• Infrastructure evolution to support future demand and emerging technologies.

• Innovations in sustainability, energy efficiency, and cost-effective modernization.

• This RFI is for market research only; no specific requirements, evaluation criteria, or selection factors are presented.

• Responses are due no later than July 17, 2026.

• Submissions should focus on key ideas, differentiators, real-world examples, and lessons learned.

• Detailed technical specifications, pricing, and full engineering designs are not required.

• Responses are preferred to be limited to 20 pages (PDF or Word format).

• Proprietary information should be minimized and clearly marked.

Not applicable, as this is a market research RFI.

• Responders are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI.
• Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future competitive announcement.
• NASA is considering multiple potential pathways for follow-on activity, including FAR-based procurement or non-procurement partnership instruments (e.g., Space Act Agreements).

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is for market research purposes to explore potential partnerships and strategic IT and infrastructure planning for NASA's data center infrastructure. NASA is seeking innovative concepts for modern, affordable, resilient, efficient, secure, and scalable data center environments to support evolving mission needs and hybrid architectures. This RFI does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) and will not result in a contract award at this time. Costs incurred in responding are the sole responsibility of the interested party.

NASA is seeking perspectives on:

• Partnership models and value creation, including risk and responsibility sharing.

• Concepts for next-generation data centers, including high-density computing, hybrid cloud integration, and edge/distributed architectures.

• Approaches for modernizing aging data center facilities and accelerating transformation.

• Strategies for enhancing reliability, resilience, and security, including balancing automation and human oversight, and addressing FISMA controls.

• Operational and service models for mission-critical environments.

• Infrastructure evolution to support scalability and future demand.

• Innovations in sustainability and efficiency, including cost-effective modernization and hybrid storage architectures.

• Detailed technical specifications, pricing, and full engineering designs are not required.

• Responses should focus on key ideas, differentiators, real-world examples, and lessons learned.

• Proprietary information should be minimized and clearly marked.

• Responses are preferred to be limited to 20 pages (PDF or Word format, 11-point font).

• Respondents are not required to answer every question.

• Initial notification of interest and questions due via email to Charles Deaver (charles.j.deaver@nasa.gov) and Daniel Pierson (daniel.r.pierson@nasa.gov) within 10 business days of RFI release.

• RFI responses are due no later than July 17, 2026.

Not applicable, as this is a market research RFI.

• NASA is considering multiple potential pathways for follow-on activity, including FAR-based procurement or non-procurement partnership instruments (e.g., Space Act Agreements).
• No determination has been made regarding the appropriate authority for future actions.