Bid guide
How to bid on future research and technology missions with NASA Ames Research Center
What NASA Ames Research Center is buying and why it matters
NASA's Ames Research Center (ARC) is looking for partners to help develop proposals for future research and technology demonstration missions. They are interested in science investigations, research activities, and new technology development. This is an opportunity for organizations to collaborate with NASA on significant space and Earth science projects.
ARC is particularly interested in partners who can also provide flight hardware, such as spacecraft, deployment systems, suborbital systems, ground support systems, equipment, or instrumentation. This request is ongoing, and ARC anticipates responding to various NASA Announcements of Opportunity (AOs), Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs), and other proposal calls.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This is a Sources Sought Special Notice, published on January 07, 2026. Responses are encouraged at any time, but the official deadline for this notice is January 01, 2027, at 2:59 AM ET. ARC reserves the right to evaluate responses as needed to support timely submission of their own proposals to specific opportunities.
This notice is posted annually and may have subsequent updates as ARC seeks partners for specific proposal opportunities. Submitted responses will be maintained for possible future opportunities for three years after receipt.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity suits organizations capable of performing science investigations, conducting research activities, and developing and demonstrating new technologies aligned with NASA's goals. This includes academic institutions, industry, nonprofit entities, and other government agencies.
ARC is especially interested in partners with capabilities in Earth sciences, heliophysics, astrophysics (e.g., Astrophysics Pioneers), space biology, instruments (e.g., Life Detection), payloads and research investigations on the surface of the Moon (PRISM), planetary instrument concepts, and the maturation and development of lunar instruments. Firms that can provide flight hardware are also highly sought after.
How to respond
To access the original source of this opportunity, click the “View original source” button. 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.
Responders should identify which specific NASA announcement(s) are appropriate for their capabilities, even if a particular solicitation is not explicitly listed. Questions can be submitted in writing to the identified Point of Contact.
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
Clearly articulate your organization's specific expertise and how it aligns with NASA's mission directorates, such as Science Mission Directorate (SMD), Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD), Space Operations Mission Directorate (SOMD), and Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate (ESDMD). Highlight any relevant past performance or successful projects.
If you can provide flight hardware, clearly detail your capabilities in this area, including specific types of hardware and your experience in their development and deployment. Emphasize how your proposed contributions would integrate with and enhance ARC's potential proposals. Ensure any proprietary information is clearly marked, as NASA support service contractors may have access to responses.
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.