Bid guide
How to bid on Chemical and Electric Propulsion Systems for JPL
What JPL is buying and why it matters
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is conducting market research for small businesses to support spacecraft chemical and electric propulsion systems. This includes work from design through flight readiness, covering areas like propulsion engineering, thrusters, feed systems, modeling, hardware support, testing, and failure analysis.
This is an opportunity for small businesses with expertise in advanced propulsion technologies to potentially work with JPL, a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) that supports NASA. While this is a Request for Information (RFI) and not a direct solicitation for bids, it's a chance to make your capabilities known for future opportunities.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This RFI was published on September 01, 2026. The deadline for submitting your information is October 02, 2026, at 6:00 PM ET.
Before the deadline, JPL will host three webinars to answer questions live. These are scheduled for Monday, September 14, 2026, from 10:00 - 11:00 AM PT; Tuesday, September 15, 2026, from 10:00 - 11:00 AM PT; and Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 10:00 - 11:00 AM PT. At the deadline, all submitted information will be reviewed by JPL to assess market capabilities.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for small businesses, or small-business-led joint ventures or teams, that have demonstrated experience in spacecraft chemical and electric propulsion systems. This includes the entire lifecycle from design to flight readiness.
Firms with capabilities in propulsion system architecture, thruster and feed-system design, propulsion subsystem engineering, modeling and simulation, power processing, propellant systems, hardware fabrication, environmental and performance testing, failure analysis, and verification are particularly relevant. Experience with electric propulsion technologies such as Hall thrusters, plasma diagnostics, vacuum facilities, and spacecraft–plume interaction testing is also highly valued.
How to respond to this RFI
To respond, you need to download and complete the attachment documents associated with this RFI. Once completed, email these documents to the JPL Small Business Programs Office (SBPO) at [email protected].
To access the opportunity and its documents, click “View original source”. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view documents.
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
Even though this is an RFI, treat your response professionally. Clearly articulate your firm's experience and capabilities in chemical and electric propulsion systems, directly addressing the areas JPL has highlighted. Provide specific examples of past projects or support that demonstrate your expertise.
Attend one of the scheduled webinars to gain a deeper understanding of JPL's needs and to ask any clarifying questions. This also shows your proactive engagement. Ensure your submission is complete, accurate, and submitted well before the October 2, 2026, 6:00 PM ET deadline.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from National Aeronautics and Space Administration; the original posting controls.