RIDM LANDOLT Spacecraft Platform

George Mason University is soliciting proposals under solicitation number GMU-KS0903-26 to secure a contractor for the RIDM LANDOLT Spacecraft Platform. This project supports a NASA Pioneers Program astrophysics mission designed to utilize a smallsat in Geostationary Earth Orbit as an artificial star for precision astronomical calibration using the SI Traceable Absolute Radiometer. The selected firm will be responsible for providing a flight-qualified spacecraft bus, payload integration and verification services, early hardware-in-the-loop testbed infrastructure, and integrated routine and orbital operations. The contract period begins upon the effective date and runs through September 30, 2029, with a possible extension into 2030. Proposals were due by September 23, 2026, and eligibility required attendance at a mandatory pre-proposal conference on September 10, 2026. To be considered responsive, offerors must submit a mandatory Small Business Subcontracting Plan including certification from the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity. The contract is administered by Peter Plavchan and involves the management of proprietary hardware interface control documents and technical reports.