Aerospace Testing and Facilities Operations and Maintenance (ATOM-6)
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ames Research Center has CANCELED the Aerospace Testing and Facilities Operations and Maintenance (ATOM-6) procurement (80ARC025RFIATOM6). This decision, announced on May 7, 2026, is due to NASA determining that the ATOM contract requirements constitute core agency competencies, which will now be performed by civil service personnel. No solicitation will be issued for ATOM-6.
Background
Prior to cancellation, NASA Ames Research Center had been conducting market research for ATOM-6, a follow-on requirement to the ATOM 5 contract (80ARC022DA011) with Amentum/Jacobs Technology Inc. The previous contract, valued at $298,650,219, covered testing, operations, and maintenance of facilities such as the Unitary Plan Wind Tunnels, Arc Jet Complex, and Fluid Mechanics Laboratory at NASA ARC, Moffett Field, California.
An amendment on January 29, 2026, had invited industry for virtual one-on-one meetings between February 23 and March 19, 2026, to discuss capabilities and provide feedback on the ATOM-6 scope. The RFI sought capability statements (due January 20, 2026) from interested parties, including all socioeconomic categories of Small Businesses and HBCU/MI, to assess technical capabilities, staffing, past performance, and inform acquisition strategy and potential set-aside considerations. The Draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlined comprehensive services for test facilities, including planning, execution, operations, maintenance, and repair.
Cancellation Details
- Reason: Requirements deemed core agency competencies to be performed by civil service personnel in accordance with the Workforce Directive.
- Outcome: The ATOM-6 procurement is discontinued, and no solicitation will be issued.
- NASA Appreciation: NASA Ames Research Center expressed appreciation for the industry's engagement and interest in this requirement.
Contract & Timeline (Cancelled)
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research (Cancelled)
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage, potential for various set-asides was being explored)
- Original RFI Response Due: January 20, 2026
- Cancellation Date: May 7, 2026
- Published: May 7, 2026 (Cancellation Notice)
Additional Notes
This notice serves as a final update regarding the ATOM-6 procurement. No further action is required from interested parties as the opportunity has been withdrawn.