Bid guide
How to bid on University Provided Lunar Tracking and Communications Services for NASA
What NASA Ames is buying and why it matters
NASA Ames Research Center is seeking information from potential sources for university-provided lunar and cislunar satellite tracking and communications services. This includes operating antennas and associated ground systems, and providing limited mission integration support.
This is an opportunity for universities and related businesses to provide critical support for NASA's space missions. NASA is conducting market research to understand industry capabilities and to determine the best approach for a future solicitation, including potential small business participation goals.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
The deadline for submitting your capability statement is September 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM EDT. All responses must be submitted electronically via email by this time.
This is a Request for Information (RFI), not a solicitation for bids. NASA is gathering information for planning purposes. There will be no notification of evaluation results, but qualified respondents may be considered if a formal solicitation is released later. NASA also plans to publicize a list of respondents to help facilitate teaming arrangements, unless you specifically request not to be included.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for universities with antenna and ground system capabilities for satellite communications, especially those experienced in lunar and cislunar mission support. It also suits firms that can provide limited mission integration support.
NASA encourages responses from all interested parties, including small businesses, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), and Minority Institutions (MI). Vendors can demonstrate capabilities as a prime contractor, subcontractor, or teaming partner. This is a technology-focused opportunity.
How to respond
To respond, you need to submit a capability statement of no more than 10 pages. This statement should detail your qualifications to perform the work described in the draft Statement of Work and discuss your familiarity with similar efforts.
Email your capability statement to Erik Whitehill at [email protected]. Make sure to reference 80ARC026LTCS in your response. Also, indicate if the requirement is considered a commercial or commercial-type product, as defined in FAR Part 2. If you do not wish to be included in a public listing of respondents, clearly state this in your submission.
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
Focus your capability statement on demonstrating direct relevance to lunar and cislunar satellite tracking and communications. Highlight specific antenna and ground system assets, operational experience, and any past mission integration support.
Since NASA is also seeking input on small business subcontracting goals and participation, consider including your thoughts on these areas. If you are a small business, clearly state your socioeconomic category. If you are interested in teaming, mention this and any specific areas where you could partner effectively.
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.