Ring Moon System Discipline Node
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 (GSFC) has issued a Sources Sought notice for the Ring Moon System Discipline Node. This is not a Request for Proposal but an RFI to gather information from interested parties regarding the reasonableness and feasibility of the requirement, and to promote competition. NASA GSFC is seeking capability statements to determine the appropriate level of competition and potential small business subcontracting goals. Responses are due June 12, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern Standard Time.
Scope of Work
The Ring Moon Systems Discipline Node (RMS) of the Planetary Data System (PDS) is responsible for the long-term secure preservation, usability, and accessibility of NASA planetary science data, ensuring compliance with Federal laws and NASA directives. Key responsibilities include:
- Planetary Science Mission Support: Ingesting, validating, and peer-reviewing data from missions, research scientists, and ground-based observations; providing expertise for data organization and submission.
- Data Archival & Preservation: Implementing PDS Level 3 and 4 requirements, ensuring long-term preservation via the NASA Space Science Data Coordinated Archive (NSSDCA), and maintaining public accessibility and security (Section 508 compliant, secure against disasters and unauthorized access).
- Tools & Services: Developing and maintaining tools for data providers (validation, submission, documentation, training) and value-added services for data search, discovery, visualization, and API access.
- Standards & Documentation: Maintaining archiving standards, ensuring interoperability with NASA standards, and managing PDS4 Local Language Dictionaries (LDD) and data system APIs.
- Enterprise Modernization: Supporting PDS enterprise modernization efforts, including data registration, conversion to PDS4, migration to a NASA-managed cloud environment, and supporting mission data pipeline evolution.
- Online Presence: Transitioning the Discipline Node's web presence and dataset access to NASA-managed infrastructure.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Period of Performance (Draft SOW): December 1, 2026, to November 30, 2029
- Set-Aside: None specified; seeking input to determine potential set-asides (Small Business, SDB, HUBZone, VOSB, SDVOSB, WOSB).
- Response Due: June 12, 2026, 2:00 PM EST
- Published: May 28, 2026
Purpose of RFI
NASA is requesting informed input on realistic and appropriate Small Business (SB) subcontracting and/or participation goals. Respondents should address:
- SB Subcontracting goals.
- Barriers limiting SB participation (e.g., certifications, technical requirements, security needs).
- Strategies to increase SB participation (e.g., breaking requirements, identifying subcontracting areas, teaming/mentor-protégé approaches).
Additional Notes
This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment by the Government. NASA intends to publicize a listing of respondents to facilitate teaming arrangements, unless a firm explicitly requests not to be included. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at the provided NASA link.