Bid guide
How to bid on Moon Base Demonstrations for NASA's NextSTEP-3 Appendix B
What NASA is buying and why it matters
NASA is seeking industry partners for its Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships-3 (NextSTEP-3), Appendix B: Moon Base Demonstrations. The agency wants to develop and test technologies for a future permanent Moon Base located in the lunar South Pole region. This opportunity is for concepts at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 and beyond, aiming to bridge the gap between technology development and mission operations.
This initiative is part of a national space policy emphasizing America's leadership in space, including returning to the Moon and building a permanent base. For small businesses, this means a chance to contribute to significant space exploration goals and potentially secure Firm-Fixed Price contracts with performance-based milestone payments.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
The final solicitation was reissued on July 16, 2026. All questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted in writing electronically by July 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Central Time. The deadline for submitting your Step-1 White Paper is August 17, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
After the White Paper submission, only invited proposers will be requested to submit a full project proposal in Step-2. It is important to submit questions early to ensure they are considered.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for small businesses with innovative ideas and technologies ready for demonstration and testing, specifically those at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or higher. NASA is looking for industry-led demonstrations and special topic activities that address architectural gaps and reduce risks for Moon Base development.
The solicitation uses a dual-path call structure: Directed-Topic Calls and Open-Topic Calls. Directed-Topic Calls guide partners toward specific Moon Base objectives, while Open-Topic Calls, available later, allow for broader innovative solutions. Firms with expertise in professional services related to space technology development and lunar exploration will find this relevant.
How to respond to this solicitation
To access the solicitation, click the “View original source” link. 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, though this is not always required.
All questions must be submitted electronically to Brad Vest, Contracting Officer, at [email protected] by July 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CT. Remember to courtesy copy (cc) [email protected] on your communication. The proposal submission follows a two-step process, starting with a White Paper.
Tips for preparing a competitive response
Carefully review the solicitation to understand the specific objectives for Moon Base Demonstrations and the requirements for TRL 6 and beyond. Ensure your proposed concept clearly addresses NASA's need to bridge the gap between technology development and mission operations.
For the Step-1 White Paper, focus on clearly articulating your innovative solution and its relevance to lunar exploration and Moon Base objectives. Highlight how your technology reduces risks and addresses architectural gaps. Since this is a two-step process, a strong White Paper is crucial for advancing to the full proposal stage.
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.