Request for Information - Space Weather Next Program - Partner Contributed Instrument Capabilites for the Space Weather Observations at L1 to Advance Readiness (SOLAR)-B Mission
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 Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), under its Space Weather Next Program, has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for Partner Contributed Instrument (PCI) Capabilities for the Space Weather Observations at L1 to Advance Readiness (SOLAR)-B Mission. This RFI seeks organizations capable of providing a PCI to be hosted aboard the SOLAR-B spacecraft, complementing its primary observations and advancing space weather research to operations (R2O). Responses are due June 21, 2026, 11:59 PM ET.
Purpose & Scope
NOAA aims to identify a PCI that best complements SOLAR-B's primary observations, demonstrates a compelling R2O case, adheres to specified size, weight, and power limits, meets the project schedule, and is technically feasible and compatible with the spacecraft. The SOLAR-B mission, part of the broader SOLAR project, ensures continuous, high-availability, and low-latency space weather observations from the Sun-Earth Lagrange point (L1), focusing on operational resiliency and extending measurement continuity. This is a "next generation" opportunity building on SOLAR-A and SOLAR-1.
Key Requirements
- PCI Contribution: Scientific measurements or operational capabilities that complement planned SOLAR-B observations and advance space weather observation.
- Technical Parameters: Adherence to interface requirements, including:
- Volume: Max 30.0 cm x 30.0 cm x 20.0 cm
- Mass: Max 13 kg
- Power: Max 11 Watts operational, 5.5 Watts survival
- Voltage: +26 to +34 VDC
- Data Rate: Max 30 kbps
- "Do No Harm" Principle: PCI must not adversely impact the primary SOLAR-B mission.
- Schedule: Compressed schedule, with PCI delivery projected for June 2029. Leveraging existing designs is preferred.
Contract Details & Funding
This is an RFI for information gathering only and not a solicitation for acquisition. NOAA will not provide funding for PCI design, development, manufacturing, testing, or support; these costs are the responsibility of the submitting organization. NOAA's contribution includes providing the spacecraft platform, integration, launch services, and routine mission operations.
Submission & Evaluation
- Response Format: Single, searchable PDF (max 2 pages, excluding cover letter), minimum 12-point font.
- Submission Method: Email to Maryann.Orellana@noaa.gov with the subject line:
RFI-SWO-SOLAR-B-PCI - [Organization Name]. - Deadline: RFI Responses Due by June 21, 2026, 11:59 PM ET.
- Questions Deadline: June 9, 2:00 PM ET.
- Eligibility: Open to government entities, commercial firms, and non-profit organizations.
- Set-Aside: None specified.
- Feedback: NOAA will provide individualized feedback on proposed concepts.
Additional Notes
Export-controlled information (ICDs, CAD models) will be available under NDA. Responses are public unless marked proprietary. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude future proposal submissions.