AFP for Exploration Park at JSC

SOL #: AFP-JSC-EXP-2026Solicitation

Overview

Buyer

National Aeronautics And Space Administration
National Aeronautics And Space Administration
NASA JOHNSON SPACE CENTER
HOUSTON, TX, 77058, United States

Place of Performance

Houston, TX

NAICS

Real Estate and Rental and Leasing (53)

PSC

Lease/Rental Of Unimproved Real Property (Land) (X1PC)

Set Aside

No set aside specified

Timeline

1
Posted
Jan 23, 2026
2
Last Updated
Mar 31, 2026
3
Submission Deadline
May 15, 2026, 9:00 PM

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

NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) is soliciting proposals for the lease of approximately 183.7 acres of undeveloped land at Exploration Park, Houston, TX. This Announcement for Proposals (AFP) aims to foster commercial space applications, enhance U.S. competitiveness, and promote aerospace capabilities. Proposals must advance aerospace research and commercial use of space. Proposals are due May 15, 2026.

Opportunity Overview

This opportunity involves leasing all or a portion of 183.7 acres of undeveloped land adjacent to JSC's main campus, accessible by Saturn Lane. The land is available for a 20-year base period with two 20-year option periods. NASA is open to considering justifications for longer lease terms to align with development and financing needs. The lease is structured as a true ground lease, where the developer owns the improvements.

Key Requirements

Proposals must detail the planned use of the leased property, concept plans for development, financial capability and viability, and experience with developing underutilized federal property and aerospace-related activities. Proposers must also outline their approach to propelling the space economy. Key guidelines include:

  • Security: Addressing perimeter fencing and access point reconfiguration.
  • Infrastructure: Proposers are responsible for developing, installing, and maintaining all utility infrastructure, as the land lacks existing capacity (e.g., wastewater). NASA will not co-fund infrastructure investments.
  • Environmental: Compliance with NEPA and other regulations, including potential environmental assessments. Restrictions may apply near Attwater's Prairie Chicken breeding areas (February-August).
  • Historic Preservation: Demolition of "the arrow" structure is prohibited; adaptive reuse requires Texas SHPO concurrence.
  • Coordination: A Collaboration Plan for shared infrastructure, utilities, and conflict resolution.
  • Construction: Must comply with NPR 8820 and City of Houston codes. FAA height restrictions apply.

Contract Details

The lease term is a 20-year base period with two subsequent 20-year option periods. Fair Market Value Rent ranges from $8,112.67 to $11,781.86 per acre/per year, with a 3.0% annual escalation. Technical services may be available via a separate Reimbursable Space Act Agreement (RSAA). Subleasing is permitted with NASA review and approval, provided it aligns with the permitted use.

Submission & Evaluation

Proposals must be submitted electronically as a searchable, unlocked PDF to hq-realestate@mail.nasa.gov by May 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Proposals are limited to 75 pages (excluding financial documentation). Evaluation factors, in order of importance, are: Fair Market Value Rent, Financial Capability/Viability, Technical Approach, and Experience.

Eligibility & Set-Aside

Eligible entities include U.S. Commercial Providers, U.S. Federal or State government entities, Non-profit entities, and Institutions of Higher Education. There is no set-aside designation for this opportunity.

Important Notes

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment found no Recognized Environmental Conditions. Site visits were available on February 18, 2026. Questions were due by February 23, 2026, with responses now uploaded.

People

Points of Contact

William DriebergenPRIMARY
Jenna FoertschSECONDARY

Files

Files

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Versions

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Solicitation
Posted: Mar 31, 2026
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Solicitation
Posted: Jan 23, 2026
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