How to bid on the RIDM LANDHOLT Spacecraft Platform for George Mason University

What George Mason University is buying

George Mason University is looking for a single contractor to provide a flight-qualified spacecraft bus. This includes payload integration and verification services, setting up early hardware-in-the-loop testbed infrastructure, and managing integrated routine and orbital operations.

This work supports a one-year astrophysics mission in Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) for the NASA Landolt Mission. This is a significant opportunity for firms specializing in spacecraft systems and mission support.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

The solicitation was published on September 03, 2026. All proposals must be submitted by September 23, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET. This deadline is firm, and proposals must be submitted through the Bonfire platform as specified in the solicitation.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is ideal for firms with expertise in providing flight-qualified spacecraft platforms, payload integration, and orbital operations. Vendors with experience in astrophysics missions or similar complex space projects will find this relevant. The work falls under the equipment category for specialized spacecraft components and services.

How to respond

To access the solicitation, you need to go to eVA, Virginia's eProcurement portal. The solicitation number is 127876. You can view the posting publicly without an account.

To submit a proposal, you must sign in with a free eVA vendor account. Proposals themselves must be submitted through Bonfire, as stated in the full description, before the deadline.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Carefully review all requirements related to the flight-qualified spacecraft bus, payload integration, and the hardware-in-the-loop testbed. Ensure your proposal clearly demonstrates your firm's capability to meet each of these specific technical needs.

Highlight your experience with similar astrophysics missions or complex space-based projects. Provide concrete examples of past successes in spacecraft operations and integration. Pay close attention to the one-year mission duration and the geostationary orbit requirement, detailing how your proposed solution aligns with these parameters.