Small Bodies 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) is conducting market research through a Sources Sought notice for the Small Bodies Discipline Node of the Planetary Data System (PDS). This initiative aims to identify qualified sources and gather industry input to determine the appropriate level of competition and potential small business subcontracting goals for a future requirement. Responses are due by June 12, 2026.
Scope of Work
The Small Bodies Discipline Node (SBN) is crucial for the long-term preservation, accessibility, and usability of planetary mission data, supporting NASA's scientific goals. The draft Statement of Work (SOW) outlines key responsibilities:
- Planetary Science Mission Support: Ingesting, validating, and archiving small bodies data from missions, research, and ground observations, including Digital Object Identifier (DOI) designation.
- Data Archival & Preservation: Implementing NASA PDS Level 3 and 4 requirements, ensuring long-term preservation and public availability of data.
- Cloud Migration: Migrating all Discipline Node data holdings, services, and tools to a NASA-managed cloud environment.
- Standards & Documentation: Maintaining PDS archiving standards, interoperability, and PDS4 Local Language Dictionaries.
- Working Groups: Participating in PDS working groups and supporting NASA Science Mission Directorate data management activities.
- Minor Planet Center (MPC) Management: Providing technical and financial management for the MPC, processing astrometric observations, and maintaining databases.
- International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) Support: Offering administration and data aggregation support to the Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Anticipated Period of Performance: December 1, 2026 – November 30, 2029 (as per draft SOW).
- Set-Aside: None currently designated; market research will inform potential Small Business, SDB, HUBZone, VOSB, SDVOSB, and WOSB set-asides.
- Response Due: June 12, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern Standard Time.
- Published: May 28, 2026.
- Place of Performance: University of Maryland at College Park (UMCP) and Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO).
Evaluation
Responses will be used for market research to verify the reasonableness and feasibility of the requirement, promote competition, and determine appropriate competition levels and small business subcontracting goals. Industry feedback is specifically requested on SB subcontracting goals, barriers to SB participation, and strategies to increase SB involvement (e.g., breaking requirements into smaller components, identifying subcontracting areas, teaming/mentor-protégé approaches).
Additional Notes
This is not a Request for Proposal; no proposals should be submitted. The Government will not pay for information submitted. NASA intends to publicize a listing of respondents to facilitate teaming arrangements, unless a firm explicitly requests not to be included. All comments or questions must be submitted electronically to Candis.Edwards@nasa.gov, referencing 80GSFC27PDSSBD.