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) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) titled "Advancement of Science as a Service (SaaS)" to gather industry input. This RFI aims to inform the development of NASA's SaaS initiative, leveraging existing commercial capabilities and identifying new technology investment areas. Responses are sought from a broad range of U.S. and international entities. Responses are due by May 7, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
This RFI, issued by NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD), specifically involves the Earth Science Technology Office (ESTO), the Heliophysics Space Weather Program, and the Astrophysics Division (APD). The "Science as a Service" initiative seeks to accelerate technology development, testing, validation, and rapid transition of next-generation NASA technologies for operational use by leveraging industry capabilities and identifying strategic government investments. This is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment to award a contract.
Key Areas of Interest
NASA is particularly interested in input related to:
- Earth Science Technology Office (ESTO): Informing the Venture Technology Accelerator (VTA) program to speed technology transition and identify better industry collaboration processes.
- Heliophysics Space Weather Program: Developing strategies for the Space Weather Observations Architecture, including public-private partnerships for distributed monitoring.
- Astrophysics Division (APD): Identifying emerging commercial capabilities for spacecraft buses, telescopes, and observatories, and exploring public-private partnerships for space-based astrophysics.
Requested Input
Respondents are asked to address one or more topics, including:
- Commercial business case technology needs and gaps.
- Demonstration pathways and on-orbit validation requirements.
- Mechanisms for streamlined access to space and integration support.
- Barriers and opportunities for transitioning technologies to commercial operations.
- Approaches to strengthen NASA-commercial partnerships.
- Program design, funding models, and milestone structures.
- Market-driven application needs for data/products.
- Commercialization interest in VTA Earth Science and Space Weather missions.
Submission Details
Responses must be submitted as a PDF document via the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES).
- Response Due Date: May 7, 2026 (corrected by Amendment 0002).
- Restrictions: Responses are subject to SEC. 526 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, prohibiting bilateral relationships with China.
Contact Information
For questions, contact Michael Seablom at michael.s.seablom@nasa.gov or Shawn Domagal-Goldman at shawn.goldman@nasa.gov.