Asteroids and Dust Subnode
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) Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) is conducting market research through a Sources Sought notice for the Asteroids and Dust Subnode of the Planetary Data System (PDS). This is not a Request for Proposal; NASA is soliciting capability statements to determine the appropriate level of competition and potential small business subcontracting goals. Responses are due by June 12, 2026, at 2:00 PM EST.
Purpose & Scope
NASA/GSFC seeks to identify interested parties capable of providing science data services for the Asteroids and Dust subnode (SBN_PSI). The primary objective is to ensure the long-term preservation, accessibility, and usability of NASA planetary science data, supporting scientific discovery and future exploration.
Key responsibilities outlined in the Draft Statement of Work (SOW) include:
- Planetary Science Mission Support: Ingesting, validating, and archiving asteroid and dust data from missions and research scientists, including data documentation and DOI designation.
- Data Archival, Preservation, Discovery, and Distribution: Implementing PDS Level 3 and 4 requirements, ensuring public accessibility (Section 508 compliant), and secure long-term preservation with the NASA Space Science Data Coordinated Archive (NSSDCA).
- Standards and Documentation: Maintaining PDS archiving standards, ensuring interoperability, and managing PDS4 Local Language Dictionaries and APIs.
- Working Groups: Active participation in PDS working groups, communities of practice, and the PDS Management Council.
- Cloud Migration: Migrating all subnode data holdings, software, tools, and services to a NASA-managed cloud environment.
- Mission Data Pipeline Evolution: Supporting the development of cloud-based mission data delivery and validation pipelines.
- Enterprise Efficiency and Training: Identifying software/tools for efficiency and developing user training materials.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: None specified; potential for various Small Business set-asides based on responses.
- Response Due: June 12, 2026, 2:00 PM EST
- Published Date: June 2, 2026
- Anticipated Period of Performance (from Draft SOW): December 1, 2026, to November 30, 2029.
- Place of Performance (from Draft SOW): Planetary Science Institute (PSI).
Special Requirements & Compliance
Respondents must demonstrate capabilities while adhering to stringent cybersecurity requirements, including compliance with Federal laws (e.g., FISMA, FITARA) and NASA directives. Appendices detail specific security and privacy controls (NIST SP800-53rev5 Federally Mandated and NASA Critical Controls) and NASA Technical Specifications for IT/OT security control baselines. The SOW also mentions adherence to the PDS Code of Conduct and specific conditions regarding Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE) and Information (GFI).
Response Guidance
NASA is seeking capability statements from all interested parties, including Small Businesses, HBCU/MI, and other socioeconomic categories. Vendors are encouraged to demonstrate capabilities as a prime, subcontractor, or teaming partner. Input is specifically requested on realistic Small Business subcontracting goals, barriers to SB participation, and strategies to increase SB involvement (e.g., breaking requirements into smaller components, identifying subcontracting areas, considering teaming/mentor-protégé approaches). Responses will inform NASA's market research and acquisition strategy.
Additional Notes
This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment by the Government. The Government will not pay for information submitted. A listing of respondents may be publicized to facilitate teaming arrangements, unless explicitly requested otherwise in the response. All comments or questions must be submitted electronically to Candis.Edwards@nasa.gov.