The Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) advances NASA’s mission to explore Earth, the solar system, and the universe through cutting-edge research, instrument development, and space systems engineering. Its core priorities center on Earth observation, atmospheric and geophysical science, space-based ...
The Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) advances NASA’s mission to explore Earth, the solar system, and the universe through cutting-edge research, instrument development, and space systems engineering. Its core priorities center on Earth observation, atmospheric and geophysical science, space-based sensor systems, and mission-critical data infrastructure. Key initiatives include next-generation satellite platforms such as LandSat Next and SWFO-L1, alongside advanced data systems like ESDIS Next, which enable real-time processing of environmental observations. GSFC drives innovation in remote sensing, climate modeling, and space instrumentation, supporting national and global scientific understanding through sustained technological development.
Procurement activity is dominated by research and development services in physical and engineering sciences, particularly in support of Earth and space science missions. The agency frequently acquires custom software engineering, systems design, and analytical support to maintain and enhance its data processing architectures and mission control systems. Contracts are typically structured as full and open opportunities, with selective use of small business set-asides and 8(a) competed awards to foster innovation from specialized vendors.
GSFC primarily targets NAICS 541715 for scientific R&D and 541511/541512 for software and systems design, reflecting its reliance on high-performance computing and mission-specific programming. It actively engages small businesses through total set-asides and reserved competitions, while also leveraging full and open procurements for complex, high-risk hardware development in navigation systems and spacecraft manufacturing. Vendor relationships emphasize technical expertise in aerospace instrumentation, data analytics, and systems integration.
GSFC operates as a field center of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, with no public location listed, and functions as a central hub for mission design, payload development, and science operations. It relies on a mix of indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts, direct awards, and forecasted opportunities to procure specialized technical services and advanced hardware systems essential to its scientific and exploratory missions.
