Bid guide
How to bid on NASA Postdoctoral Program-3 (NPP-3) for NASA
What NASA is buying and why it matters
NASA plans to hire a contractor to manage and administer its Postdoctoral Program (NPP-3). This program offers research and management opportunities to talented individuals at NASA facilities and designated universities. The selected contractor will provide the necessary materials, facilities, supplies, and administrative and programmatic support for the NASA Postdoctoral Research Program and the NASA Postdoctoral Management Program.
This is a significant opportunity for firms specializing in program management and administrative services, particularly those with experience supporting scientific research or academic programs. The work supports NASA's Science Mission Directorates and is crucial for advancing NASA's mission and vision.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This is a Request for Information (RFI), meaning NASA is gathering information before issuing a formal solicitation. The deadline for submitting questions is September 17, 2026, at 3:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. All questions must be submitted electronically via email to Leona D. Ellis at [email protected]. Telephone questions will not be accepted.
NASA anticipates releasing a Draft Request for Proposal (RFP) in September 2026, followed by the final RFP around October 2026. Offers are expected to be due around December 2026. It is the offeror's responsibility to monitor SAM.gov for the release of the solicitation and any amendments.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for firms that provide management and administration consulting services. The relevant NAICS Code is 541612, with a small business size standard of $29 million. Firms with experience in supporting complex research programs, managing academic or postdoctoral programs, and providing comprehensive administrative and logistical support will find this opportunity relevant.
The contract requires the ability to provide facilities, supplies, administrative support, programmatic support, and expertise at various NASA locations and designated universities.
How to respond to this RFI
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For this RFI, the primary action is to submit any contractual or technical questions you have about the planned acquisition. These questions must be sent via email to Leona D. Ellis at [email protected] by the September 17, 2026, 3:00 PM ET deadline. Prospective offerors are also encouraged to notify NASA of their intent to submit an offer once the RFP is released.
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
Given that this is an RFI for a future RFP, use this time to thoroughly understand NASA's needs for managing postdoctoral programs. Review the details provided to identify specific areas where your firm's capabilities align with the requirements for administrative support, programmatic support, and expertise.
Start preparing your internal resources and team. Consider how your firm can provide the necessary materials, facilities, and supplies across multiple locations. Begin outlining your approach to managing a large-scale postdoctoral program, including how you would handle recruitment, placement, and ongoing support for researchers and managers. Pay close attention to the anticipated release dates for the Draft and Final RFPs to ensure you are ready to respond promptly when they become available.
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.