Request for Information (RFI): Private Sector Partnerships in Astrobiology, Planetary Protection, and Space Biology
Contract Overview
Solicitation details, issuing organization, response deadlines, documents, and interested companies for this government contract opportunity.
AI Contract Overview
NASA has issued a Request for Information (RFI) under solicitation number NNH26ZDA010L to gather informal input from the private sector on potential partnerships in astrobiology, planetary protection, and space biology. This notice, posted on May 18, 2026, and open for responses until August 11, 2026, is not a solicitation for contracts, grants, or agreements, and NASA makes no commitment to act on any submissions. Respondents are encouraged to submit partnership ideas in key areas such as technology development, data analytics and AI, life detection and sample analysis, applied astrobiology, space biology, and communications outreach. All responses must be submitted electronically through the NSPIRES portal, and interested parties are responsible for monitoring the system for any amendments. The RFI does not require formal proposals, certifications, or cost estimates, and no evaluation factors, contracting clauses, or award mechanisms are in place. The primary point of contact for inquiries is Rebecca McCauley Rench at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., and while no specific submission format or length restrictions are defined, responses are expected to be concise and delivered via standard electronic means, typically PDF. The NAICS code 54171 applies, and no set-aside or socioeconomic preferences are in effect. This RFI is strictly an exploratory tool to inform future planning and does not constitute a procurement action.
General Info
Agency
NAICS
Place of Performance
Washington, DC, USASet-Aside
Timeline
Response Deadline
Organization & Contact Information
Full Description
On or after the release date of this special notice, a full copy of the Request for Information (RFI) may be downloaded from the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) at https://nspires.nasaprs.com by searching on number “NNH26ZDA010L” or by using the direct link provided. It is the responsibility interested parties to monitor NSPIRES for amendments, if any. Interested parties also are responsible for downloading their own copy of the document(s) from NSPIRES.
This Science Mission Directorate’s RFI does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will act on this matter. This notice is not a complete or verbatim summary of the RFI.
NASA has a long history of supporting astrobiology research through collaborations with universities, research institutions, and industry. Expanding partnerships with the private sector will enhance capabilities for future missions, technology development, and data analysis. Respondents may share potential partnership ideas in one or more of the following areas: technology development, data analytics and AI, life detection and sample analysis, applied astrobiology, planetary protection, space biology, communications and engagement, and other areas relevant to astrobiology, planetary protection, and space biology. Interested parties should download and carefully read the full copy of the RFI on NSPIRES. See also the attached PDF file of the text of an email to subscribers to NSIPIRES’s SMD list serv.
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