Satellite Laser Ranging Services III

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center intends to award a sole source contract to the University of Hawaii for Satellite Laser Ranging Services III under FAR 6.302-1, citing the University as the only responsible source capable of fulfilling the requirements due to its exclusive operational control of the NASA Transportable Laser Ranging System (TLRS-4) at Haleakala, Maui. The contractor is responsible for maintaining and calibrating TLRS-4, conducting satellite laser ranging operations to approved targets, and providing full logistical and technical support for the planning, installation, testing, and commissioning of new NASA geodetic stations as part of the NASA Space Geodesy Network, including a Vector Tie System at the Haleakala Observatories site. Performance must meet stringent accuracy standards, including 1mm decadal scale and 0.1mm/year annual stability in data for the International Terrestrial Reference Frame, with a minimum of 2,000 satellite passes per year and calibration RMS no greater than 5.5 mm for single shots. All range data must be submitted in ILRS standard formats to the NASA Operations Center within 24 hours of each pass, and equipment status, changes to systems, and problem reports must be communicated via weekly activity reports to the Contracting Officer’s Representative. The contractor must adhere to ANSI Z136.1 and Z136.6 safety standards during laser operations, maintain strict configuration control over all equipment and software in the measurement chain, and ensure the safety and security of personnel and property. NASA will cover expenses for commercial power, water, telephone, and internet at the site. The acquisition is not being conducted under FAR Part 12 as a commercial product or service. A pre-solicitation notice was posted on June 12, 2026, with capabilities submissions due by June 26, 2026, to evaluate whether competition is warranted, though the government retains full discretion to proceed without competition. The place of performance is at Haleakala, Hawaii, on University of Hawaii and FAA property, and the contract will span five years as part of the long-term NSGN implementation. NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, applies, and the contracting office is located in Greenbelt, Maryland.