Astrophysics Science Operations Support

THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. NO PROPOSALS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO THIS NOTICE.

This notice is issued by the NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) to post a draft Statement of Work to solicit responses from interested parties. This document is for information and planning purposes and to allow industry the opportunity to verify reasonableness and feasibility of the requirement, as well as promote competition. 

NASA/ Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) is hereby soliciting information from potential sources for a potential requirement for astrophysics science operations support (ASOS) of its flagship Astrophysics missions: Hubble Space Telescope, James Webb Space Telescope and Roman Space Telescope. This requirement includes managing the scientific observations proposal selection process, scheduling observations, building event and command timelines for onboard the spacecraft, calibrating the science instruments, processing science data, archiving that data, enabling science community access to the data, providing a Roman cloud-based science data analysis platform, and managing the research award funding to the astronomical community. The requirement also includes sustaining engineering of the associated ground systems, performing mission-specific communications (outreach), and operations and sustainment of the Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes (MAST).

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) GSFC is seeking capability statements from all interested parties, including all socioeconomic categories of Small Businesses (SB) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)/Minority Institutions (MI) for the purposes of determining the appropriate level of competition and/or small business subcontracting goals for astrophysics science operations support (ASOS). Vendors are encouraged to demonstrate capabilities as a prime, subcontractor and/or teaming partner. The Government reserves the right to consider a Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), HUBZone, Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB), Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, and Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) set-aside based on responses received.

This RFI is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government, nor will the Government pay for the information submitted in response. The Government may not respond to questions/concerns submitted. The Government will use the information to finalize the RFP as necessary.

As part of your response, please indicate your level of interest in responding to a potential solicitation for this requirement. The Government also requests feedback on the clarity, completeness, and feasibility of the draft Statement of Work, including identifying any areas of the draft SOW that may be unclear, overly restrictive, or in need of revision. You are also encouraged to suggest alternative approaches or improvements to the draft SOW.

Respondents are also asked to comment on any changes to the grouping of scope in the SOW which may result in a benefit from an integrated management approach.

Interested offerors shall address the following requirements. Respond to each item below (identify by function) by describing your ability to fully perform each activity. Document your demonstrated experience for each activity by providing objective evidence of that experience (specific but brief examples that clearly indicate the specific, demonstrated experience). If you are unable to fully perform an activity, identify such is the case, and address how you may accommodate the area(s) that you cannot currently perform.

  A. Ground Systems Support Services (SOW Section C.2) – systems engineering, engineering and science analyses, development and maintenance of ground systems, integration and test, sustainment, information technology security, systems and database administration, facilities management, and safety.

        B. Science Operations (SOW Section C.3) – executing science operations for astrophysics missions to include science observation planning and scheduling, science instrument calibration, and science data collection, processing, distribution, and archive.

         C. Science Program Implementation (SOW Section C.4) – developing recommendations for science program strategy, science program selection and award, science awards administration, science community engagement, science program reporting, and public engagement.

         D. Science Operations Support for Anomalies (SOW Section C.6) – increased science operations support required in response to mission anomalies including spacecraft, observatory, instruments, and/or ground systems.

The Government is considering an IDIQ contract type with Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) task orders for items A through C above. Cost-Reimbursement task orders may be issued as needed for anomaly support and unknown future requirements that fall within scope of item D.  These Cost-Reimbursable task orders are anticipated to be only a small percentage of the contract. The government seeks industry feedback on this assessment. Industry should identify if they agree or disagree with this assessment. If there is a disagreement with this assessment, please identify specific elements within these task orders that drive cost risk and preclude a FFP arrangement. Please identify any concerns with the proposed contract structure if any incentive arrangements are recommended.

Respondents are requested to provide informed input on realistic and appropriate SB subcontracting and/or participation goals for the specific requirement.  This type of feedback supports NASA’s market research and helps ensure the acquisition strategy is aligned with actual industry capability. Industry feedback is requested for:

         1. SB Subcontracting goals;

         2 Barriers that may limit SB participation, such as certifications, unique technical requirements, security needs, specialized                  tools, or high-risk performance areas and/or

         3. Strategies to increase SB participation, including:

             • Breaking requirements into smaller components

             • Identifying areas appropriate for subcontracting

            • Considering teaming or mentor protégé approaches

Additionally, please identify your business size and socioeconomic status under applicable NAICS codes.

We anticipate employing NASA standard invoicing procedures as found in NFS 1852.232-80 – Submission of Vouchers/Invoices for Payment for this requirement. Please provide your feedback on the suitability of this anticipated approach.

Responses are limited to a total of 12 pages.

All comments or questions must be submitted electronically via email to Raymond Jones at Raymond.R.Jones@nasa.gov, no later than July 29, 2026 at 3 p.m. eastern standard time (EST). When responding reference 80GSFC26RFIASOS.

NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at: https://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/regs/Procurement-Ombuds-Comp-Advocate-Listing.pdf

If a solicitation is released, then it and any additional documents will be available on Sam.gov. It is the offeror's responsibility to monitor this website for the release of the solicitation and amendments (if any). Potential offerors will be responsible for downloading their own copy of the solicitation and amendments, if any.

NASA intends to publicize a listing of respondents to facilitate teaming arrangements. Should your firm desire not to be included in this listing, clearly indicate this desire in your response.