Bid guide
How to bid on Space Power and Reactor Capabilities (SPARC) with NASA
What NASA is buying and why it matters
NASA is planning a multiple-award contract called Space Power and Reactor Capabilities (SPARC) to develop nuclear systems for use in space and on the lunar surface. This includes technology development, hardware and software, ground support equipment, and operational support.
They are also seeking information for the Lunar Reactor 1 (LR-1) Phase 1 task orders, which will focus on research and development up to the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) level for a lunar reactor. This is a significant opportunity for firms specializing in nuclear space systems development and integration.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This is a Sources Sought Notice, which is a request for information (RFI). The deadline for submitting your capability statement is August 17, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. This is not a solicitation for bids, but rather a way for NASA to gather information from potential vendors.
Your response will help NASA determine the acquisition strategy, including potential set-asides for small businesses and subcontracting goals. No solicitation exists yet, so do not request one. If a solicitation is released, it will be posted on SAM.gov.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is ideal for companies capable of functioning as a developer and prime integrator of space-nuclear systems. This includes firms with experience in the definition, design, development, analysis, fabrication, assembly, test, verification, delivery, and/or operation of complex space systems and associated support equipment.
NASA is interested in responses from all interested parties, including large and small businesses, and specifically encourages participation from 8(a), Women-owned Small Businesses (WOSB), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB), HUBZone firms, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Minority Institutions (HBCUs/MIs). Vendors with existing nuclear system technologies at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 or greater are particularly relevant.
How to respond to this request
To respond, you need to submit a capability statement that is no more than ten pages long. This statement should detail your company's ability to perform all aspects of the effort described in the notice.
Your capability statement should address specific questions related to managing large-scale R&D contracts, spaceflight certification, nuclear regulatory compliance, potential barriers to proposing, company size and socioeconomic status, and commercial products. It should also address capabilities for the LR-1 Phase 1 Task Order, including flight hardware requirements, ability to meet deliverables within one year, relevant technology at TRL 4 or greater, design challenges for an 8-metric-ton lander payload, and feedback on the PDR work scope and radiation testing needs.
Tips for a competitive response
Carefully review the Draft Statement of Work (SOW) for both the overarching SPARC contract and the LR-1 Phase 1 Task Order. Tailor your capability statement to directly address the requirements and questions outlined in the notice, using the language from the SOW where appropriate.
Clearly articulate your company's experience in managing complex research and development contracts, especially those involving spaceflight and nuclear systems. If you are a small business, highlight your socioeconomic status and consider how you can address potential barriers to participation or propose strategies to increase small business involvement. Provide specific examples of relevant technologies at TRL 4 or greater, demonstrating your readiness for the project's technical demands.
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.