Bid guide
How to respond to NASA JPL’s Chemical and Electric Propulsion Systems RFI
What JPL is seeking
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is gathering information from small businesses and small-business-led joint ventures or teams with experience in spacecraft chemical and electric propulsion systems. The work spans design, development, integration, testing, qualification, and flight readiness.
Relevant capabilities include thrusters and feed systems, propulsion engineering, modeling and simulation, hardware fabrication and assembly support, testing, failure analysis, and verification. Hall thrusters, plasma diagnostics, vacuum facilities, and spacecraft–plume interaction testing are especially relevant. This is a request for information, not a stated contract award.
Dates and the response deadline
The RFI was published October 6, 2026. Responses are due October 30, 2026, at 6:00 PM ET. Submit the completed attachments to JPL’s Small Business Programs Office by the deadline.
JPL also listed webinars for September 14, 15, and 17, 2026, each from 10:00 to 11:00 AM PT. Those dates precede the publication date provided for this opportunity, so check the posting for current information.
Who this opportunity may suit
This RFI may suit small businesses with demonstrated spacecraft propulsion experience, as well as small-business-led joint ventures or teams that can describe relevant capabilities across the propulsion lifecycle.
Firms with experience in Hall thrusters, plasma diagnostics, vacuum facilities, or spacecraft–plume interaction testing may have particularly relevant information to share.
How to access and respond
Open the opportunity through the portal’s “View original source” option. If the first click opens the portal homepage, click the option again to go to the bid. A free account may be needed to view documents, though it is not always required.
Download and complete the attachment documents, then submit them to the JPL Small Business Programs Office at [email protected]. Webinar registration links are listed in the “Attachments/Links” section of the SAM.gov posting.
Prepare a clear, relevant response
Describe your firm’s specific propulsion capabilities and experience, and connect them to the lifecycle stages and technical areas in the RFI. Explain your role on past work and identify relevant equipment, testing, or engineering experience without overstating your contribution.
Follow the attachment instructions, answer each requested item, and check that the completed documents are readable and consistent before sending. If submitting as a team or joint venture, make the participating firms and their respective capabilities clear.
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.