TEMPO Near Real-Time (NRT) (SNWG-2020, Cycle 3) and TEMPO NRT Enhanced (SNWG-2022, Cycle 4)

SOL #: TEMPO-SS01-2025JustificationSole Source

Overview

Buyer

National Aeronautics And Space Administration
National Aeronautics And Space Administration
NASA MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER
HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35812, United States

Place of Performance

Cambridge, MA

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical (541715)

PSC

Space R&D Services; Space Flight, Research And Supporting Activities; Applied Research (AR12)

Set Aside

No set aside specified

Timeline

1
Posted
Mar 2, 2026

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) Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has issued a Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (JOFOC) for a sole-source new work modification to contract 80MSFC24CA004 with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO). This modification is for the TEMPO Near Real-Time (NRT) project, specifically to extend Cycle 3 data production and add development and production of Cycle 4 TEMPO NRT Enhanced data products. This effort supports the Satellite Needs Working Group (SNWG) and provides critical data for air quality monitoring and forecasting by agencies like the EPA and NOAA.

Scope of Work

The modification will extend the production of Cycle 3 TEMPO NRT data products and include the development and production of Cycle 4 TEMPO NRT Enhanced data products. This work is essential for the Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO) project, leveraging SAO's unique expertise with the TEMPO instrument, its data stream, and calibration techniques. The data products are vital for environmental monitoring and research.

Contract & Timeline

  • Type: Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (JOFOC) for a sole-source new work modification.
  • Contracting Agency: NASA Marshall Space Flight Center.
  • Contract Number: 80MSFC24CA004.
  • Contractor: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO).
  • Purpose: Extend existing TEMPO NRT data production and add new enhanced data products.
  • Period of Performance: The total effort is structured as a 1-year extension with two, 1-year option periods, extending the contract through March 2029.
  • Published Date: March 2, 2026.
  • Set-Aside: Not applicable (sole-source justification).

Justification

The sole-source award to SAO is justified by their unique qualifications and the impracticality of obtaining these specialized services from another source. SAO possesses unparalleled expertise with the TEMPO instrument, its data stream, and calibration techniques, which are critical for the continuity and integrity of the NRT data products. Market research, including a synopsis posted on SAM.gov from August 5 to August 20, 2025, yielded no requests for consideration from other potential sources.

Contact Information

People

Points of Contact

Bryan BregardPRIMARY
Iris WalterSECONDARY

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Justification
Posted: Mar 2, 2026
TEMPO Near Real-Time (NRT) (SNWG-2020, Cycle 3) and TEMPO NRT Enhanced (SNWG-2022, Cycle 4) | GovScope