Request for Information (RFI) Advancement of “Science as a Service” for NASA and Commercial Partners
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), specifically the Science Mission Directorate (SMD), has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to advance its “Science as a Service (SaaS)” initiative. This RFI seeks industry input to leverage existing capabilities, identify new technology investment areas, and accelerate the development, testing, validation, and transition of next-generation NASA technologies for operational use. Responses are due by April 23, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
NASA's SaaS initiative aims to foster public-private partnerships across its Earth Science Technology Office (ESTO), Heliophysics Space Weather Program (HPD), and Astrophysics Division (APD). The goal is to inform strategies for technology acceleration, space weather observations, and advancing space-based astrophysics through commercial capabilities.
Key Areas of Interest
- Earth Science Technology Office (ESTO): Inform the Venture Technology Accelerator (VTA) program to speed technology transition and identify investment needs.
- Heliophysics Space Weather Program: Develop strategies for the Space Weather Observations Architecture, seeking public-private partnerships for distributed monitoring.
- Astrophysics Division (APD): Identify emerging commercial capabilities for spacecraft buses, telescopes, and observatories, and explore public-private partnerships.
Specific Commercial Perspectives Sought
- Technologies needed to expand commercial business cases with NASA investment.
- NASA mission concepts or technology demonstrations attractive for commercial hosting or adoption.
- Operational and integration needs to align technology development with commercial cycles.
Requested Response Topics
Respondents should address one or more of the following:
- Topic A: Commercial Business Case Technology Needs
- Topic B: Demonstration Pathways and On-Orbit Validation Needs
- Topic C: Streamlined Access to Space and Integration Support
- Topic D: Transition from Demonstration to Commercial Operations
- Topic E: Partnerships and Community Ecosystem
- Topic F: Program Design, Funding Models, and Milestone Structures
- Topic G: Market-Driven Application Needs
- Topic H: Commercialization Interest in VTA Earth Science and Space Weather Missions
- Topic I: Other Relevant Topics
Submission Details
- Response Date: April 23, 2026
- Submission Method: Via NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) as a PDF document.
- Note: This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment to award a contract. Responses are not considered offers.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: April 23, 2026
- Published: March 24, 2026
Additional Notes
Responses are subject to restrictions on bilateral relationships with China as per SEC. 526 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024.