Satellite Laser Ranging Services III
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) intends to issue a sole source presolicitation for Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) Services III. This acquisition aims to secure critical SLR operations, maintenance, and calibration for the NASA Transportable Laser Ranging System (TLRS-4) and support new NASA geodetic stations. The intended sole source contractor is the University of Hawaii. Interested organizations capable of performing this effort must submit their qualifications by June 26, 2026, at 12:00 PM EST.
Opportunity Details
NASA/GSFC plans to award a sole source contract to the University of Hawaii, citing FAR 6.302-1 (only one responsible source) due to the remote geographic location providing uninterrupted laser tracking support at the TLRS-4 facility at Haleakala. The Government does not intend to acquire commercial products or services under FAR Part 12.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide comprehensive SLR services, including:
- SLR operations and maintenance for the TLRS-4 facility at Haleakala Observatories, Maui, Hawaii.
- Selection and training of qualified personnel for station operations.
- Support for the implementation, maintenance, and local operation of new NASA geodetic stations (SLR, GNSS, Vector Tie System) at Haleakala.
- Logistical and technical support for new station installation, covering equipment receipt, facility planning, permit coordination, installation, training, testing, commissioning, and local operation.
- Participation in International Laser Ranging Service (ILRS) workshops and meetings.
Performance Requirements
Key performance standards include:
- Satellite ranging: 2000 or more passes per 12-month period.
- Calibration: Average single shot calibration RMS of 5.5 mm or less.
- Tracking: LAGEOS 1 & 2, LARES tracking with average single shot RMS of 12 mm or less.
- Environmental Measurements: Accuracy within specified tolerances (e.g., pressure +/- 0.1 mb).
- Data Transmission: Full rate and normal point satellite range data transmitted to NASA Operations Center within 24 hours of each pass.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Presolicitation (intended Sole Source)
- Product Service Code: AJ11 (General Science And Technology R&D Services; Basic Research)
- Place of Performance: Haleakala Observatories, Maui, Hawaii (Honolulu, HI 96822)
- Published Date: June 11, 2026
- Response Due: June 26, 2026, 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time
Submission Requirements
Organizations believing they can satisfy the agency's requirements must submit their capabilities and qualifications electronically to Nathan Freeman (nathan.a.freeman@nasa.gov). Responses will be evaluated to determine if a competitive acquisition is feasible.
Additional Notes
NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman information is available via the provided link.