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), is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to gather industry input for its "Science as a Service (SaaS)" initiative. This RFI aims to leverage existing industry capabilities and identify areas for government investment to accelerate technology development, testing, validation, and transition for operational use. Responses are sought from a broad range of entities, including U.S. industry, universities, and non-profits. Responses are due May 14, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
This RFI informs the development of NASA's SaaS initiative, which seeks to advance science through partnerships. It focuses on identifying where new technology investments by the Government can accelerate development and enable rapid transition of next-generation NASA technologies. The RFI involves the Earth Science Technology Office (ESTO), the Heliophysics Space Weather Program, and NASA’s Astrophysics Division (APD).
Key Areas of Interest
- Earth Science Technology Office (ESTO): Informing the Venture Technology Accelerator (VTA) program to speed technology transition and identify investment needs.
- Heliophysics Space Weather Program: Developing strategies for the Space Weather Observations Architecture and exploring public-private partnerships for distributed monitoring stations.
- Astrophysics Division (APD): Identifying emerging commercial capabilities for spacecraft buses, telescopes, and observatories, and potential public-private partnerships.
Specific Commercial Perspectives Sought
NASA is interested in:
- 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 are asked to address one or more topics, including:
- Commercial Business Case Technology Needs
- Demonstration Pathways and On-Orbit Validation Needs
- Streamlined Access to Space and Integration Support
- Transition from Demonstration to Commercial Operations
- Partnerships and Community Ecosystem
- Program Design, Funding Models, and Milestone Structures
- Market-Driven Application Needs
- Commercialization Interest in VTA Earth Science and Space Weather Missions
- Other Relevant Topics
Submission Details & Timeline
- Contract Opportunity Type: Sources Sought (RFI)
- Set-Aside: None specified (RFI for market research)
- Response Due: May 14, 2026 (extended by Amendment 0001)
- Submission Method: Via NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) as a PDF document.
- Eligibility: Open to U.S. industry, universities, non-profits, individuals, NASA centers, FFRDCs, and other U.S. federal, state, local, tribal government agencies, as well as the international science community. Responses are subject to SEC. 526 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, prohibiting bilateral relationships with China.
- Note: This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment to award a contract.
Contact Information
- Primary: Michael Seablom (michael.s.seablom@nasa.gov)
- Secondary: Shawn Domagal-Goldman (shawn.goldman@nasa.gov)