This Solicitation opportunity from National Aeronautics And Space Administration was posted on August 18, 2025. The submission period has ended. Browse the details below for market research, or find similar active opportunities.

Top

CIS Capability Studies IV: Lunar Trunkline Communication Architectures and Mars End-to-End Communication Service Architectures (NextSTEP-3: Appendix C)

Closed

NextSTEP-3_Omnibus-CIS-Appendix_CFederal

Submission Closed09/17/2025, 09:00:00 PM UTC

Contract Overview

Solicitation details, issuing organization, response deadlines, documents, and interested companies for this government contract opportunity.

Active Opportunities Like This One

NAICS: 541715

New

International

Science, Technology & Innovation Data ProviderThis subcontract opportunity with the Government of Canada seeks a Science, Technology and Innovation Data Provider to support prime contractors on Public Services and Procurement Canada information product projects. The selected provider will be responsible for delivering technical datasets, innovation reports, patent data, technical specifications, and comprehensive R&D trend analysis. A critical requirement for this engagement is the provider's ability to enter into a Provider’s Master License Agreement. The project falls under NAICS code 541715 and will be performed within Canada. Interested parties must submit their responses by the deadline of March 31, 2027. This contract focuses on equipping prime contractors with the necessary technical data and innovation metrics to enhance the delivery of government information products.

Government of Canada / Gouvernement du Canada

POSTED

DEADLINE

Highway Safety Research & AnalysisThis subcontract opportunity involves providing specialized research and analysis for prime contractors working on South Dakota Department of Transportation highway safety projects. The primary objective is to evaluate flagger operations to identify safety gaps and establish effectiveness metrics. The selected provider will utilize traffic simulation software to generate data-driven operational recommendations and deliver comprehensive research reports and data analysis summaries. The project is managed under the South Dakota State Government with a response deadline of December 17, 2026. Classified under NAICS code 541715, the contract focuses on technical research and analysis to enhance highway safety protocols within the state.

South Dakota State Government

POSTED

DEADLINE

Computer Vision Algorithm Development for Aerial RefuelingThis subcontract for the U.S. Air Force focuses on the development and training of computer vision AI/ML models to support aerial refueling projects. The scope of work involves implementing object detection and tracking for aircraft and refueling booms, as well as utilizing spatial analysis to ensure precise alignment measurements. To execute these tasks, the contractor must utilize high-compute GPU clusters and advanced AI frameworks to train models based on aerial footage. The project is designated as a Total Small Business Set-Aside under NAICS code 541715, specifically targeting firms with fewer than 500 employees. Key deliverables include the final trained AI models, all associated source code, and comprehensive validation reports. Due to the nature of the defense work, strict adherence to DFARS 252.204-7012 and CMMC cybersecurity standards is mandatory. Responses are due by November 25, 2026.

POSTED

DEADLINE

Optical Design & Photonics ConsultingThis subcontract for Optical Design and Photonics Consulting supports U.S. Navy Office of Naval Research HUD projects by providing specialized optical engineering and design services for prime contractors. The scope of work involves utilizing Zemax or Code V software to design light-engine configurations, holographic optical elements, and waveguides. Key deliverables include feasibility analyses, simulation reports, and detailed optical design specifications. The opportunity is a total small business set-aside under NAICS code 541715, specifically mandated for SBIR/STTR entities with fewer than 500 employees. Contractors must adhere to NIST SP 800-171 cybersecurity requirements to ensure data protection. The response deadline for this requirement is November 25, 2026.

POSTED

DEADLINE

Information Assurance (IA) and Secure Data Exchange SpecialistThis subcontract opportunity for the U.S. Air Force focuses on research and development for Technical Data Package modernization projects. The selected specialist will develop technical frameworks for secure data exchange, conduct feasibility studies on Information Assurance protocols, and design secure transmission workflows. Key deliverables include secure exchange architecture designs and technical feasibility reports intended to support prime contractors. The contract is a Total Small Business Set-Aside under NAICS code 541715, specifically mandating SBIR/STTR compliance for firms with fewer than 500 employees. Due to the sensitive nature of the work, strict adherence to ITAR and EAR regulations is required, and all data handling systems must be CMMC-compliant. Responses are due by November 25, 2026.

POSTED

DEADLINE

Technical Research Subcontractor / ConsultantThis subcontract opportunity, issued by the U.S. Air Force under the Department of Defense, seeks a Technical Research Subcontractor or Consultant to support prime contractors on Department of War SBIR projects. The selected entity will be responsible for conducting specialized research and technical analysis to determine feasibility, developing methods to meet technical objectives, and delivering comprehensive data and research findings for final reports. The contract is a total small business set-aside under NAICS code 541715, requiring the subcontractor to have fewer than 500 employees. Key compliance requirements include adherence to CMMC standards for handling Controlled Unclassified Information and Federal Contract Information, the implementation of OCI mitigation plans, and strict following of protocols regarding Recombinant DNA or Human and Animal Subjects. Responses are due by November 25, 2026.

POSTED

DEADLINE

Senior Advisor Consultant (Biological Therapeutics SME)The Senior Advisor Consultant (Biological Therapeutics SME) is a small business set-aside subcontract under the Department of Health and Human Services, specifically within the Omas Strategic Buying Center for Professional Services. The selected consultant will provide subject matter expertise to prime contractors supporting NIH NINDS BPN-Biologics program projects. Primary responsibilities include leading biologic drug discovery for nervous system conditions, reviewing operations, and offering strategic recommendations and technical feedback on biotherapeutics trials and project milestones. Qualified candidates must possess specialized expertise in pharmaceutical development, pain management, and FDA regulatory review processes concerning toxicology and safety pharmacology. This engagement focuses on delivering high-level technical guidance to ensure the success of biologic drug discovery and development initiatives. The opportunity was posted on October 28, 2026, with a response deadline of November 5, 2026.

Omas Strategic Buying Center - Professional Services

POSTED

DEADLINE

GEO Geophysical Retrieval Algorithm DevelopmentThis subcontract, titled GEO Geophysical Retrieval Algorithm Development, involves the creation and implementation of geophysical retrieval algorithms for geostationary sensors supporting NASA Goddard Space Flight Center projects. The selected provider will work with prime contractors to develop, implement, and provide technical support for the integration and evaluation of spaceborne cloud and precipitation retrieval datasets. The project requires specialized expertise in satellite remote sensing and atmospheric science to deliver validated algorithms and comprehensive integration support. Managed through the NASA Shared Services Center under NAICS code 541715, the opportunity was posted on October 28, 2026, with a response deadline of November 2, 2026.

NASA Shared Services Center

POSTED

DEADLINE

Epidemiological Analysis & Public Health ResearchThis subcontract, titled Epidemiological Analysis and Public Health Research, supports prime contractors on CDC DNPAO projects through the Department of Health and Human Services. The scope of work involves performing advanced epidemiological analyses and public health research, specifically focusing on maternal-child nutrition. Key responsibilities include downloading and formatting surveillance data from sources such as NHANES, NHIS, BRFSS, YRBS, and NSCH, as well as designing hypothesis tests using regression models, conducting microsimulation modeling, and performing systematic reviews. The successful provider must demonstrate proficiency in R and Python to deliver critical outputs, including data tables, scientific manuscripts, and surveillance reports. The work is based in Atlanta and falls under NAICS code 541715. Interested parties should note the response deadline of November 10, 2026.

CDC Office Of Acquisition Services

POSTED

DEADLINE

Research Institution Partner (Non-Profit)This subcontract opportunity is for a registered non-profit research institution to partner with prime contractors on U.S. Air Force STTR projects. The primary objective is to conduct core scientific research to evaluate the technical feasibility of cyber resiliency within edge computing environments. Selected partners will be expected to leverage university laboratories, high-performance computing clusters, and specialized academic research software to produce research data, peer-reviewed findings, and contributions to technical reports. The opportunity is designated as a total small business set-aside under the SBIR/STTR mandate for organizations with fewer than 500 employees, falling under NAICS code 541715. Interested parties must submit their responses by November 25, 2026, at 5:00 PM. This effort is managed through the U.S. Department of Defense on behalf of the U.S. Air Force.

POSTED

DEADLINE

Edge and Fog Computing Architecture SpecialistThis subcontract opportunity for the U.S. Air Force focuses on research and development for cyber resiliency projects, specifically targeting the design of resilient architectures for fog and edge computing devices. The selected provider will be responsible for conducting feasibility studies, establishing technical milestones, and utilizing edge gateways, fog computing nodes, and embedded hardware. Key deliverables include a technical feasibility report and a Final Scientific or Technical Report. The project is a total small business set-aside under NAICS code 541715, requiring the contractor to have fewer than 500 employees. Due to the sensitive nature of the work, strict security compliance is mandatory, including CMMC Level 2 and adherence to NIST SP 800-171 and NIST SP 800-172 standards. Responses are due by November 25, 2026.

POSTED

DEADLINE

Quantum Algorithm & Benchmark DevelopmentThe Quantum Algorithm and Benchmark Development subcontract involves performing technical research and development for prime contractors on projects for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. The scope of work focuses on developing benchmark instances for commercial application workloads, defining resource estimates, and translating high-value use cases into technical quantum algorithm requirements. These tasks will be executed using quantum computing simulators or early-stage quantum hardware, requiring specialized expertise in algorithm optimization and quantum complexity theory. The primary objective of the contract is the delivery of validated commercial application benchmarks. This opportunity is categorized under NAICS code 541715 and is associated with the Department of Defense. Interested parties should note the response deadline of December 30, 2026.

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agcy

POSTED

about 17 hours ago

DEADLINE

in 2 months

AI Contract Overview

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center issued a solicitation under the NextSTEP-3 Broad Agency Announcement to seek industry-led capability studies focused on lunar trunkline communication architectures and Mars end-to-end communication service architectures. The initial proposal submission deadline was set for August 6, 2025, but was extended to August 13, 2025, through Amendment 1, which also added a section on intellectual property. An Industry Day was scheduled for August 13, 2025, via Microsoft Teams, to facilitate open communication with industry, limited to three representatives per company. Amendment 2 further extended the proposal deadline to September 17, 2025, and the Notice of Intent to propose was extended to September 3, 2025. The initial source selection is now anticipated for December 1, 2025, and the funding allocation was increased to $1.7 million. The solicitation emphasizes NASA’s goal of developing a resilient, interoperable space communication infrastructure that integrates existing NASA assets with commercial networks, aiming to foster a competitive commercial space marketplace supporting lunar and Mars exploration needs. Proposals can address one or both of the specified study areas, with evaluation criteria detailed in the solicitation documents.

General Info

NASA seeks proposals for lunar and Mars communication architectures, funding $1.7 million, due September 2025.

Agency

National Aeronautics And Space Administration → NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

NAICS

541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

Place of Performance

USA

Set-Aside

NONE

Documents

Amendment 1 - NextStep 3 BAA Appendix C

1 page · amendment

High

Amendment 2 - NextStep 3 BAA Appendix C

amendment

High

Enclosure D - Corporate Contributions Worksheet

specifications

High

Enclosure E: Standard FAR Patent and Data Rights Clauses and Provisions

30 pages · specifications

High

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Solicitation SF33

rfp

High

NextSTEP-3 Appendix C: Lunar Trunkline and Mars End-to-End Communication Architectures

rfp

High

NextSTEP-3 BAA Appendix C: Lunar Trunkline and Mars End-to-End Communication Architectures

rfp

High

NextSTEP-3 BAA Appendix C: Lunar Trunkline and Mars End-to-End Communication Architectures

rfp

High

NextSTEP-3 Enclosure B - Model Contract

contract-document

High

NextSTEP-3 Omnibus-CIS Enclosure C Pricing Template

2 pages · specifications

High

CIS Capability Studies IV Industry Day

11 pages · industry-day

Low

NextSTEP-3 Appendix C Industry Day Notice

3 pages · industry-day

Low

NextSTEP-3 Omnibus-CIS-Appendix C Questions and Responses

q-and-a

Low

AI Contract Breakdown

Uniform Contract Format

Contract not broken down yet

CLEATUS splits the solicitation into Uniform Contract Format (UCF) sections: scope, pricing, deliverables, and evaluation criteria.

Timeline

PhaseClosed

PostedAug 18

Solicitation

Response DeadlineSep 17

Deadline has passed

Submission Closed

09/17/2025, 09:00:00 PM UTC

Find active opportunities like this

Get full access to discover similar active contracts, track opportunities, and build proposals with AI assistance.

Organization & Contact Information

AgencyNational Aeronautics And Space Administration → NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Contacts2 people available

OfficeGREENBELT, MD, 20771, USA

Organization / Agency

National Aeronautics And Space Administration → NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Office AddressGREENBELT, MD, 20771, USA

Contacts

Antwan G Reid

Dan Motto

Full Description

Industry Day Slides (8/18/2025): Industry Day Slides from August 13, 2025 added. No other updates to the solicitation.

Amendment 2 (8/05/2025): The purpose of this amendment is to update the following: Enclosure A: (1) Extend the proposal due date and time to September 17, 2025 5:00pm Eastern Time; (2) Extend the Notice of Intent (NOI) to propose to September 3, 2025; (3) Update the initial source selection anticipated to December 1, 2025; (4) Increase the Funding Allocation to $1.7M; and (5) Update the Proposal Validity Period to 4 months.

Note: An Industry Day Notice is also provided with this amendment. To facilitate open communication with industry, NASA plans to conduct a Virtual Industry Day on August 13, 2025 for the CIS Capability Studies IV: Lunar Trunkline Communication Architectures and Mars End-to-End Communication Service Architectures (NextSTEP-3: Appendix C) acquisition. The Industry Day will commence at 1:00 PM EDT via Microsoft Teams. The Industry Day is restricted to three (3) representatives per company. For additional Industry Day details and registration, refer to the attachment "Industry Day Notice - Appendix C".

Amendment 1 (7/22/2025): The purpose of this amendment is to (1) update Enclosure A to extend the proposal due date and time to August 13, 2025, 5:00pm Eastern Time, and (2) update Enclosure A: Update Table 1. Overview of Proposal Sections and Page Limitations to include "3.3 Intellectual Property".

Note: Questions and responses are also provided with this amendment.

Request for Proposal (07/07/2025): NASA GSFC releases this solicitation under the Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships-3 (NextSTEP-3) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) to seek industry led capability studies.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) long-term vision is a resilient space communication and navigation infrastructure that enables science, exploration, and economic development around Earth, Moon, and Mars. NASA is presently pursuing the creation of an interoperable architecture composed of a mixture of existing NASA assets and commercial networks and services. The long-term goal is to establish a commercial space marketplace that supports a multitude of reliable, robust, and cost-effective commercial service providers in which NASA is one of many customers. NASA intends to advance on this goal by collaborating with commercial industry on innovative solutions based on relevant NASA use cases involving cislunar and Mars communication needs.

The Commercialization, Innovation, and Synergies (CIS) Office’s fourth Capability Studies BAA is seeking industry insights in the following two (2) topic areas:

1. Lunar Trunkline Communication Architectures

2. Mars End-to-End Communication Service Architectures

Proposals must be submitted electronically in accordance with the instructions detailed in Enclosure A, Appendix C, Sections 11 through 13, no later than August 6, 2025, 5:00pm Eastern Time. Offerors may propose on one or both study areas identified in Appendix C. Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with Section 13 of Appendix C. NASA reserves the right to select one, multiple, or none of the proposals for award in response to this Appendix. Detailed study requirements and additional information on the overall acquisition strategy, including participant eligibility, is contained also in Appendix C.