Appendix 26B: Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I Funding Opportunity

This solicitation, identified as Appendix 26B under NASA SBIR/STTR Program FY2026–2027, targets Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I funding opportunities with a unique solicitation number of 80NSSC26R0007 and a firm deadline of May 21, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET. The contract is structured as a total small business set-aside under FAR 19.5, requiring all offerors to qualify as small businesses according to SBA size standards tied to NAICS code 541715. Proposals must be submitted electronically through ProSAMS, with no paper submissions accepted, and must strictly adhere to a 15-page technical proposal limit using standard 8.5x11-inch formatting with one-inch margins. The work involves advancing advanced materials development in microgravity environments using AI-coupled robotics and modeling, with phase I focused on feasibility through ground analogs and conceptual design, aiming to achieve Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 2–5. Performance is expected to occur primarily at NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, though access to ISS or other NASA facilities may be required for future validation. Contract type is firm fixed price, and payment terms follow fixed-price research and development structures with electronic funds transfer mandated via SAM.gov, along with provisions for accelerated payments to small business subcontractors. The contract includes strict compliance requirements for cybersecurity, data handling, and information security through multiple NASA-specific deviations including safeguarding covered systems, restricting activities with China, and mandating cyber readiness under NIST SP 800-171. Key personnel, particularly the principal investigator, must be fully dedicated to the project and changes require government approval. Offerors must submit certifications on small business status, export control compliance, cybersecurity practices, and foreign affiliations, including a mandatory representation on China-related activity. Data rights are preserved for the contractor under SBIR protections, while final technical reports must follow NASA STI distribution guidelines and Alternate III specifications. Evaluation is based on four non-weighted factors: scientific and technical merit, team qualifications, work plan effectiveness, and commercial potential, assessed through a trade-off process rather than LPTA. Final acceptance, inspection, and delivery are governed by F.O.B. destination terms, with the government retaining oversight responsibility for compliance. Packaging and transportation must satisfy clause 1852.211-70