Discovery Park Michoud Assembly Facility Request for Interest (RFI)

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to questions submitted by vendors regarding the Agency Request for Interest (RFI) MSFC-MAF-001-2026 RFI, concerning Site Development Partnerships at NASA Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) in Louisiana.

• Site Plan and Survey: Refer to the attached MAF Site Survey for details on Discovery Park.
• Utilities: All utilities (water, sewer, electricity, gas, internet) are city-provided and located along Old Gentilly Road.
• Security Perimeter: Discovery Park may or may not be within the NASA security perimeter. Proposers are responsible for any fencing to partition off from the security perimeter, and this cost should be included in proposals. Use of the barge dock is permitted on a NASA-scheduled, non-interference basis.
• Lease Term: The typical term length for an Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) is 30 years, with an escalating rent structure.
• Infrastructure Upgrades: Any infrastructure upgrades will be specific to the development/use of the object parcel and not for the facility at large. Direct access is from Old Gentilly Road.
• Tenant Eligibility: Must align with criteria in the Announcement for Proposal (AFP). NASA review for tenant approval typically takes 4-6 weeks after the AFP closes.
• Development Parameters: Building types, heights, setbacks, design guidelines, phasing, parking, and site coverage will be evaluated on a case-specific basis and require NASA approval.
• Prohibited Activities: Details on prohibited personnel/functions/businesses will be published in the Announcement for Proposals (AFP).

This Q&A document clarifies key aspects of the RFI, including site conditions, utilities, security, lease terms, and development parameters. Further details regarding the Enhanced Use Lease structure, terms, approval process, and schedule, as well as Master Developer responsibilities, will be published with the forthcoming Announcement for Proposals (AFP).

Request for Interest (RFI)

This RFI seeks information and statements of interest from public and private entities to partner with NASA for the development of approximately 45 acres of land at the Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) in New Orleans, LA. This area, named Discovery Park, is intended to become a self-contained, multi-use, multi-tenant technology park. The goal is to enable and grow private sector participation in space exploration, support commercial space transportation, promote commercial development of technologies, and support the missions of existing MAF tenants.

NASA is seeking partners to potentially develop Discovery Park, which may include:

• Financing of build-out and infrastructure
• Marketing and tenant recruitment
• Managing tenant leases
• Maintenance of buildings, infrastructure, roads, and grounds

NASA will retain final approval authority over subtenant leases to ensure compatibility with its mission.

NASA intends to structure this partnership through an Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) in accordance with 51 U.S.C. 20145 et seq. This RFI is not a solicitation and does not commit NASA to any contract or agreement. NASA will not pay for any information provided.

• RFI Response Deadline: Friday, February 13, 2026.
• Industry Day: Thursday, February 26, 2026, at MAF and Discovery Park.
• Questions Deadline: March 16, 2026.

Responses should include entity information, statement of interest in attending Industry Day, attendee names/companies/citizenship, and desired information for Industry Day. Questions should be submitted in writing via email.

Interest is sought from industry, commercial land development firms, and non-federal public entities.

• NASA plans to publish an Announcement for Proposal (AFP) after the RFI period closes to evaluate proposals and enter into EUL negotiations.
• Potential respondents should monitor www.sam.gov for any future announcements or additional information.
• Proprietary information should be clearly marked.
• Point of Contact: Cari Smith (hq-realestate@mail.nasa.gov), referencing "MSFC-MAF-001-2026 RFI" in the subject line.