DRAFT Announcement of Opportunity (AO) -- 2025 Astrophysics Small Explorer (SMEX)
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
NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) has issued a Special Notice and Community Announcement for the forthcoming 2026 Astrophysics Small Explorer (SMEX) Announcement of Opportunity (AO). This notice provides updates on the solicitation timeline, key changes from the draft AO, and an increased cost cap. The final AO is expected in Q2 CY 2026, with selection targeted for Q1 CY 2027.
Purpose & Scope
This opportunity seeks proposals for Principal Investigator (PI)-led space science investigations relevant to SMD's astrophysics goals, focusing on understanding the Universe and searching for Earth-like planets. A significant update is the increase of the AO Cost Cap to $190M in FY 2026 dollars (up from $170M in FY 2025). Unlike the previous draft, the final AO will not include competitive Phase A studies. The nominal duration for combined Phase A&B concept development and preliminary design is 18 months. Specific requirements, such as naming Project Manager/System Engineer, orbital debris considerations, maximum channel bandwidth, and cost estimate error discussions, will not be deferred.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Special Notice / Community Announcement (pre-solicitation for an AO)
- Final AO Release: Expected no earlier than Q2 CY 2026
- Selection Target: 1st Quarter CY 2027
- SMEX Launch Readiness: Targeted no later than 3rd Quarter CY 2031
- Cost Cap: $190M (FY 2026 dollars)
Eligibility & Set-Aside
Participation is open to all categories of U.S. organizations, including educational institutions, industry, not-for-profit organizations, FFRDCs, NASA Centers, and other Government agencies. Non-U.S. organizations may also participate with some restrictions. No specific set-aside is designated for this opportunity.
Response & Contact
This notice is for community feedback. New questions and comments regarding this announcement are accepted via email until April 3, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Eastern time.
- Primary Contact: John Wisniewski (john.p.wisniewski@nasa.gov)
- Secondary Contact: E. Lucien Cox (elbert.l.cox@nasa.gov)
- Subject Line: "APD 2026 SMEX CA" A pre-proposal conference is planned approximately three weeks after the final AO release. Notice of Intent will be due NET 45 days and proposals NET 90 days after AO release.
Additional Notes
This is a preliminary notice; costs incurred by prospective investigators are at their own risk. The forthcoming final AO may contain differing provisions, which will take precedence. No further draft versions of the AO are planned. Additional information is available on the 2026 Astrophysics SMEX Acquisition website: https://explorers.larc.nasa.gov/APSMEX26/SMEX/index.html.