SWO Access to Space Request For Information
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 Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), specifically the Office of Space Weather Observations (SWO), has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for "Access To Space" services for its Space Weather Next (SW Next) program. This RFI seeks industry feedback on providing launch integration and launch services for future NOAA space weather systems. Responses are due by March 5, 2026, 11:59 PM ET.
Purpose
This RFI aims to gather information from industry regarding interest, capabilities, and options for providing launch integration and launch services for future NOAA Space Weather systems. NOAA is exploring direct contracts with industry (either through NOAA/NESDIS or NASA/GSFC) and innovative, cost-effective commercial industry partner ideas, including bundled contract approaches where the "Access to Space" services could be added to the scope of work for spacecraft development vendors.
Scope of Work
The SW Next program maintains a long-term sustained capability for operational space weather observations, building on existing missions (SOLAR project for L1) and anticipating future needs (SW GEO for geosynchronous observations). The "Access To Space" services would encompass:
- Launch Services Procurement and Contract Management
- Spacecraft to Launch Vehicle Integration
- Co-manifested Payload Integration and Mission Specific Accommodations
- Launch Site Processing Facilities, Equipment & Materials, and Support
- Regulatory and Payload Safety Coordination
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: March 5, 2026, 11:59 PM ET
- Published: February 4, 2026
Submission & Feedback Requested
Industry is requested to provide feedback on:
- Specific requirements for the notional SOLAR-A mission (launch in Q4 CY2029 to L1 orbit, 650 kg primary payload, potential co-manifested payloads up to 2, 1000 kg total).
- Strategic and contractual feedback for anticipated SW Next missions (e.g., SW GEO).
- Contractor experience in launch services, payload integration, and bundled services.
- Proposed contract mechanisms and risk mitigation strategies.
- Rough-order-of-magnitude pricing for the SOLAR-A mission.
Additional Notes
This RFI is for market research purposes only and does not guarantee a future Request for Proposal (RFP) or contract award. Information obtained may be shared with other US Government agencies.