Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) detection and analysis services
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) John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is conducting a Sources Sought for Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) detection and analysis services. This effort aims to protect NASA personnel, the public, launch vehicles, flight hardware, and critical assets at KSC. NASA is seeking capability statements from all interested parties, including small businesses, to determine the appropriate level of competition. Responses are due February 9, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide comprehensive UAS detection and analysis services at KSC, which spans over 144,000 acres. Key responsibilities include:
- Real-time detection and identification of unknown UAS out to at least 40 nautical miles (NMI), with a goal of 100 NMI.
- Providing rapid and timely information to multiple users for response and mitigation.
- Compatibility and integration with Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), US Air Force, and US Space Force counter-UAS systems, procedures, and protocols.
- Delivering technical and threat analyses, real-time detection, and alerting capabilities.
- Providing identification and operational information (type, serial number, location, speed, direction, operator location).
- Maintaining continuous 24/7 coverage with rapid (within 24 hours) on-site support as needed.
- Utilizing both fixed and mobile detection components, including at least two primary detectors at separate remote locations and two co-located secondary sensors.
- Logging and archiving all relevant UAS tracking data and providing insights into new trends.
- The work will involve access to classified information up to the Secret level.
Key Requirements & Clarifications
- Detection Scope: The effort focuses on detection and tracking only; active or passive mitigation systems are not required.
- Data Independence: The system must operate independently of NASA communications and IT systems, with mobile device access over cellular being acceptable.
- User Interface: A user-accessible, map-based dashboard with threat tracking, automated alerts, and positional data is required.
- Data Provision: The Government will provide data on authorized UAS flights for system ingestion.
- Contract Mechanism: NASA prefers Firm-Fixed-Price contracts but is open to other options.
- Cybersecurity: Offerors must comply with relevant cybersecurity standards; no specific framework is mandated by NASA.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- NAICS: 561621, Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths), $25M size standard.
- Set-Aside: None specified; open to all, with potential for future set-aside based on responses from Small, 8(a), WOSB, SD-VOSB, EDWOSB, or HUBZone businesses.
- Anticipated Start: April 1, 2026.
- Response Due: February 9, 2026, 12:00 PM ET.
- Published: February 6, 2026.
- Solicitation Release: Expected late March.
Industry Engagement
NASA KSC plans one-on-one meetings with interested parties the week of March 2, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET via conference call or Microsoft Teams. Meetings will not exceed 45 minutes. Interested respondents should include attendee names, company affiliation, and titles in their capability statement.
Submission Requirements
Submit a capability statement of no more than 20 pages electronically to Justin Ko (justin.j.ko@nasa.gov). The statement must include company details (name, address, POC, UEI, CAGE, size, socioeconomic status, GSA info, ownership, prime/sub interest), specific relevant capabilities, and applicable contract references from the last five years. Reference "NASA/Kennedy UAS Detection and Analysis" in the submission.
Additional Notes
This is for information and planning purposes only and is not a commitment to contract. Questions regarding this Sources Sought must be submitted by January 21, 2026, 12:00 PM ET.