Request for Information (RFI): Ultra-Low Power Bistable Display for Lunar Surface EVA Operations
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) Goddard Space Flight Center has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to identify ultra-low power, high-reliability bistable display technologies for integration into handheld astronaut science instruments used during lunar surface Extravehicular Activity (EVA). This RFI is for market research purposes only and is not a request for proposals. Responses are due by February 26, 2026.
Scope of Requirements
NASA is seeking display technologies that meet stringent spaceflight constraints, including:
- Bistability: Requires power only to change image state, with effectively zero static power consumption (0W).
- Environmental Resilience: Operational thermal range of -30°C to +50°C (full function) and survival range of -40°C to +60°C. Must operate in hard vacuum without delamination, exhibit low outgassing (TML < 1.0%, CVCM < 0.10%), and be resistant to ionizing radiation (TID Design Threshold 10 krad(Si), SEE Latch-up Immune to LET > 75 MeV*cm^2/mg).
- Physical & Mechanical: Active area diagonal of 54 mm (approx. 49 mm x 24 mm), mass less than 0.1 kg, low-profile form factor, shatter-proof cover, IP6X dust-tight rating, and minimum 7H scratch resistance.
- Optical Performance: Sunlight readable in high-contrast lunar conditions, >160° viewing angle preferred, sufficient resolution for alphanumeric data (>130 DPI suggested), and anti-glare/anti-reflective coatings.
- Operational Life: Dormant for up to 3 months (launch/transit), followed by up to eight 8-hour EVAs on the lunar surface.
- Technology Maturity: Minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of TRL-6.
Submission Details
Vendors are requested to provide information on existing products or capabilities that meet these specifications. If COTS solutions are not available, details on custom engineering capabilities should be provided. Responses must include:
- Vendor name, CAGE code, and small business status.
- Product literature and descriptions of relevant experience (maximum 3 projects in the past 5 years).
- Technical approach, estimated pricing, and answers to specific questions outlined in Section 4 of the RFI. The total submittal package shall not exceed 5 pages. NASA will not pay for information provided or for development/non-recurring engineering costs.
Eligibility & Set-Aside
This market research aims to determine the adequacy of both Large and Small Business contractors. Small Businesses are reminded of FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting.
Key Dates
- Published Date: January 27, 2026
- Response Due Date: February 26, 2026
- Anticipated Delivery Date: June 2027