Request for Information (RFI) Enabling Commercial Lunar Transportation to Support a Sustained Lunar Base
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
NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center has issued a Request for Information (RFI) titled "Enabling Commercial Lunar Transportation to Support a Sustained Lunar Base." This RFI seeks input from commercial providers to shape future acquisition strategies for Artemis Commercial Lunar Transportation Solutions. The goal is to support the establishment and sustainment of a permanent, continuously crewed U.S. lunar base, aligning with the Executive Order "Ensuring American Space Superiority." Responses are due by April 23, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
This RFI is for planning purposes only and is not a request for proposal. NASA is interested in transportation concepts capable of supporting the sustained buildup, logistics resupply, and crew rotation tempo required for lunar base operations. The scope includes end-to-end transportation from Earth launch through arrival at an orbital transfer location and return to Earth. Surface delivery is not within scope, except for informing docking/transfer operations with Human Landing System (HLS) providers.
Key Information Sought
NASA is seeking information on:
- Proposed human transportation systems capable of rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking (RPOD) with existing HLS providers.
- Architectures demonstrating a clear path to supporting future Artemis architecture requirements.
- Trajectories, staging orbits, and operational profiles that best support current HLS vehicles and future Artemis needs.
- How systems can evolve existing capabilities or introduce new architectures.
- For new entrants, a described path to human-rating certification.
Submission Details
- Response Due: April 23, 2026, 11:59 PM EST.
- Submission Method: PDF format, submitted electronically via a provided Box link.
- Evaluation: Responses will be reviewed by civil servants and support service contractors for planning purposes. This RFI does not guarantee a future solicitation, and NASA will not reimburse respondents for costs.
- Set-Aside: None specified for this RFI. Respondents are encouraged to indicate if they qualify as a small business, small disadvantaged business, or other socioeconomic category.
Agency & Contacts
- Department/Agency: National Aeronautics And Space Administration (NASA)
- Office: NASA MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER, Huntsville, AL
- Primary Contact: Jason Arnold (jason.l.arnold@nasa.gov)
- Secondary Contact: Stacey Hadavi (stacey.e.hadavi@nasa.gov)