Professor of Physics & Astronomy, to participate in the Lightning Advisory Panel (LAP) and further development and evaluation of the Lightning Launch Commit Criteria (LLCC).

This contract is a sole source requirement for a Professor of Physics & Astronomy to support NASA’s Lightning Advisory Panel (LAP) and contribute to the ongoing development, refinement, and evaluation of the Lightning Launch Commit Criteria (LLCC), critical standards used to determine safe launch conditions for space vehicles. The individual will be expected to provide expert scientific insight to enhance the accuracy, reliability, and operational effectiveness of lightning risk protocols, ensuring mission safety and mission success across NASA’s launch operations. The position is tied to specific technical activities centered on lightning meteorology and its impact on launch systems, requiring deep domain expertise and active participation in advisory and analytical functions. The solicitation, numbered 80NSSC26936496Q, was posted on June 26, 2026, with a response deadline of June 30, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time. It falls under NAICS code 611310, identifying it as an educational services contract, and is managed by the NASA Shared Services Center under the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The performing office is located in Stennis Space Center, Mississippi, while the primary work location is Orlando, Florida, reflecting collaboration with launch support facilities in that region. Primary point of contact for inquiries is Shanna Patterson, reachable via email, and all submissions must be made through the SAM.gov portal as specified in the official UI link.