Final RFP - Mars Telecommunications Network (MTN)

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This document outlines the Performance Work Statement (PWS) for the Mars Telecommunications Network (MTN) project, which encompasses the design, development, integration, testing, delivery, launch operations support, and operational commissioning of a comprehensive Mars telecommunications and navigation relay system.

The PWS details the work to be performed by the Contractor, including:

• Project Management: Delivery and implementation of project management deliverables such as the Program Management Plan, Integrated Master Schedule, Risk Management Plan, and IT Security Management Plan. It also includes requirements for records management and coordination for NASA insignia placement.
• Systems Engineering: Delivery and implementation of systems engineering deliverables, including System Requirements, Hardware Deliverable List (specifying minimum components like the Flight System and Ground support equipment), Acceptance Data Package, Environmental Requirements Document, and various analysis reports (e.g., Structural, Thermal, Power, EMI/EMC, Worst Case Analysis).
• Safety & Mission Assurance: Requirements for providing NASA access to relevant documents, notifying NASA of anomalies or deviations, maintaining risk and hazard management processes, demonstrating compliance with NASA and launch range safety requirements, and managing supply chain risks. This section also includes deliverables like Safety and Mission Assurance Plans, System Safety Analysis Reports, and Failure Modes and Effects Analysis.
• Science/Technology: Documentation of technology development activities and demonstrations.
• Payloads: Defining constraints for hosted payloads, designing the flight system to accommodate NASA science payloads, integrating and testing the flight system with payloads, and providing a low-fidelity spacecraft simulator for interface testing.
• Spacecraft: Delivery and implementation of Communications (COM) series deliverables, including various Communication System Analysis Reports and Spectrum Management Information. It also covers software assurance practices and identification of safety-critical flight software.
• Mission Operations: Describing approach to extensibility and long-term system viability, and delivering Mission Design and Flight Operations deliverables.
• Launch Vehicle Services: Specifying launch vehicle performance capabilities, identifying the selected launch vehicle and provider, defining launch vehicle performance margins, and detailing launch vehicle integration requirements.
• Transportation and Launch Site Operations: Planning and executing safe transportation of the spacecraft, developing transportation plans, coordinating launch site operations, and providing personnel for launch site operations.
• Launch Readiness and Mission Assurance: Supporting launch readiness reviews, demonstrating spacecraft readiness, identifying launch commit criteria, and supporting launch countdown operations.
• Launch Campaign Coordination: Developing an integrated launch campaign schedule and coordinating launch manifest requirements.
• Environmental and Testing Support: Verifying spacecraft compatibility with launch vehicle environments and supporting combined systems testing.
• Contingency and Anomaly Support: Developing contingency plans for launch delays and anomalies, and providing engineering support for investigation and resolution.
• Ground Systems: Implementing software assurance practices, identifying safety-critical ground system software, disclosing known defects, and delivering telemetry databases. It also addresses the use of the Deep Space Network (DSN) or alternative solutions.
• Systems Integration & Testing: Developing comprehensive verification plans, defining verification methods, establishing verification sequences and success criteria, and demonstrating how the verification approach achieves performance, reliability, safety, and mission assurance objectives.

Not explicitly detailed in this document, but the project scope extends beyond 2035 for mission operations.

• Offerors must use the mandatory work statements provided, either verbatim or using language that "meets the intent of," highlighting any changes.
• The draft PWS includes instructions in italicized and underlined font that should not be included in the final Contract PWS.
• The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) provided is a standard level 2 for space flight projects, but offerors may structure their proposed PWS at their discretion.
• Data Requirement Deliverables (DRDs) are specified throughout the document and detailed in various attachments (D, F).
• Offerors must coordinate with NASA for approval of NASA insignia placement on flight hardware.
• Software assurance practices must be consistent with internal standards or equivalent industry standards.
• Specific requirements for using Government Furnished Services like the Deep Space Network (DSN) and Electra UHF Transceiver (EUT) are outlined, with provisions for proposing alternative solutions.

This is a DRAFT Performance Work Statement. The Offeror's proposed PWS will be incorporated as Attachment A upon contract award. The PWS spans all CLINs in the procurement and may be restructured by the Offeror. The Statement of Objectives (SOO) in Enclosure 2 and other RFP references should also be used as a basis for developing the Contract PWS.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Past Performance Questionnaire intended for use by evaluators to assess a contractor's past performance on a specific contract. It is designed to gather detailed information about a contractor's experience and performance relevant to the Statement of Work (SOW) of a potential new contract.

• Contract Information: Details about the contract being evaluated, including company name, address, Cage Code/DUNS, contract number, type, period of performance, total value, and award information (competitive/non-competitive, basis of selection).
• Description of Contract: A brief description of the services provided under the evaluated contract and the contractor's role (Prime, Subcontractor, Team Member).
• Evaluator Information: Details about the person completing the questionnaire, including name, title, agency, contact information, role, and length of involvement.
• Survey Relevance Ratings: A section to indicate which elements of the SOW were performed or not performed by the contractor.
• General Performance Survey: Ratings for Quality, Schedule, Cost, and Business/Management aspects of the contract, using a scale from Very High to Very Low.
• Contract Value and Expenditures: Information on the contract's initial and current value, total expenditures to date, and average annual cost/fee.
• Award Fee Information: Details on performance ratings if the contract was an award fee contract.
• Comments: Space for evaluators to provide detailed comments on strong/weak points and explanations for ratings.

This questionnaire is crucial for bidders as it outlines the specific elements of work and performance criteria that the government will use to evaluate past performance. Understanding these criteria helps bidders prepare their own past performance references and anticipate the type of information evaluators will be seeking. The detailed breakdown of SOW elements and performance metrics provides insight into the government's priorities and expectations for successful contract execution.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Mars Telecommunications Network (MTN). The primary purpose is to provide design, development, integration, launch, and on-orbit continuous communications for a Mars sample return mission and future Mars exploration missions. The MTN is intended to support autonomous operations, onboard processing, and extended mission duration.

• Core Requirement: Delivery of the MTN.

• Optional Requirements: Launch Services, Integration, On-Orbit Commissioning, and five (5) years of Mission Operations.

• Engineering Analyses: Time and Materials (T&M) task orders for analyses to increase confidence, support planning, and enable feasibility/trade studies.

• The contract will be performed offsite at the Contractor's facilities.

• Type: Hybrid Firm-Fixed-Price with an Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) Time and Materials (T&M) component.

• Anticipated Contract Effective Date: No Later Than October 01, 2026.

• Proposal Submission Deadline: June 15, 2026, 2:00 PM EDT.

• Submission Method: NASA's Enterprise File Sharing and Sync Box (EFSS Box).

• Evaluation: The Government intends to evaluate offers and award a contract without discussions.

• Questions Deadline: May 24, 2026, 2:00 PM EDT, submitted via email to the Contracting Officer.

• Full and open competition.

• NAICS Code: 336414 (Small Business Size Standard: 1,300 employees).

• Specific eligibility requirements mandated by 51 U.S.C § 20306 must be met and demonstrated at the time of proposal submission.

• Offerors must provide documentation demonstrating:

  • US commercial provider status.
  • NASA funding in FY2024 or FY2025 for commercial design studies for Mars Sample Return.
  • Proposal of a separately and independently launched Mars telecom orbiter for Mars Sample Return.

• Offerors must have a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code matching their corporate address.

• Government Furnished Property (GFP) will be made available for offsite use.

• Potential Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) considerations apply; refer to Provision L.14 and Attachment F.

• Significant changes have been made from the Draft RFP to this Final RFP. Offerors must review the entire RFP.

• Price Volume proposals must include completed Price Volume Exhibits in Microsoft Office Excel format with working cell formulas.

• All documents related to this acquisition will be available at www.sam.gov.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation (80GSFC26R0011) for commercial products and services related to the Mars Telecommunications Network (MTN). The government is procuring services for the management, design, integration, construction, testing, and implementation of the MTN spacecraft and associated data and ground systems. This includes bolstering the existing Mars Relay Network and providing advanced communication links between Earth and Mars users. It also includes engineering analysis and payload integration and verification.

• CLIN 0001 (CORE): Management, design, integration, construction, testing, and all other facets of the development and implementation of the MTN spacecraft(s) and associated data and ground systems, culminating with a pre-ship review. This is a Firm Fixed Price CLIN.

• CLIN 0002 (IDIQ): Engineering Analysis as required per each Task Order issued. This is a Time & Materials CLIN with a ceiling price of $10,000,000.

• CLIN 0003 (Option 1): Transportation, integration with launch vehicle, launch, transit, and relay commissioning at Mars. This is a Firm Fixed Price CLIN.

• CLIN 0004-0008 (Options 1A-5): Mission Operations. These are Firm Fixed Price CLINs.

• CLIN 0009 (CORE): NASA Selected Science Payload - Payload Integration and Verification. This is a Firm Fixed Price CLIN.

• Contract Type: Hybrid contract including Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) CLINs and a Time and Materials (T&M) CLIN for Indefinite-Quantity and Indefinite-Delivery (IDIQ) Task Orders.

• Period of Performance: Varies by CLIN, with options extending through 12/31/2030 for some CLINs.

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but CLIN 0002 has a ceiling of $10,000,000.

• Offer Due Date: 06/15/2026 at 2:00 PM EDT.

• Submission Method: Electronic submission via NASA's Enterprise File Sharing and Sync Box (EFSS Box).

• Evaluation Factors: Technical Proposal and Past Performance (combined, significantly more important than Price), Technical Proposal (more important than Past Performance), Past Performance (more important than Price). Eligibility requirements are also a factor.

• This acquisition is UNRESTRICTED.

• The solicitation includes numerous clauses and attachments detailing specific requirements, including Performance Work Statements, Objectives and Requirements, Data Procurement Documents, Government Furnished Property, and more.

• Schedule incentives and performance incentives are included for certain CLINs.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This document outlines the Performance Work Statement (PWS) for the Mars Telecommunications Network.

Details the requirements for the Mars Telecommunications Network. Specific tasks, activities, and deliverables are not detailed in this initial page but are expected to be elaborated within the full document.

Not specified on this page.

Not specified on this page.

This PWS is to be submitted with proposals for RFP Number: 80GSFC26R0011. It defines the technical requirements and scope of work for the Mars Telecommunications Network opportunity.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment B - MTN Requirements and Objectives Document," outlines the objectives and requirements for the Mars Telecommunications Network (MTN) Project. It serves as a foundational document for defining the "what" of the required system, with a focus on compatibility with existing assets and future evolution towards a higher-performing system.

• Introduction: Defines the purpose, scope, applicability, and stakeholders of the MTN project.
• Reference and Applicable Documents: Lists documents that form part of or clarify the MTN requirements.
• Goals and Objectives: Outlines the top-level objectives for the MTN project, including providing communication and data exchange, supporting positioning, navigation, and timing, and serving existing and future missions.
• Ground Rules and Assumptions: Details key assumptions and constraints for the MTN project, such as compatibility with the Deep Space Network (DSN) and specific link requirements (e.g., X-band and Ka-band DWE links, UHF Legacy Proximity links).
• System Overview: Introduces the "threshold" and "goal" requirement nomenclature.
• MTN Requirements: Details specific project, vehicle, DWE link, and proximity link requirements, including operational lifetime, data rates, link performance, cybersecurity, and spectrum allocations.
• Appendices: Includes abbreviations, a link budget template, and methodology for computing Signal-in-Space-Error (SISE).

This document is critical for potential bidders as it defines the technical and performance requirements for the Mars Telecommunications Network. It details the expected capabilities, operational parameters, and constraints that any proposed solution must meet. Understanding these requirements is essential for developing a compliant and competitive proposal.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment C - IDIQ Labor Matrix," is an Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) Time & Materials Labor Matrix. It is to be submitted with the proposal for RFP Number: 80GSFC26R0011.

• The matrix is intended for Time & Materials (T&M) contracts under an IDIQ structure.
• It requires bidders to provide labor rates.

This attachment is crucial for bidders to complete and submit as part of their proposal. It will likely be used by the government to evaluate the pricing aspect of the proposals for the specified RFP.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment D - Data Procurement Document," outlines the data requirements for the Mars Telecommunications Network (MTN) Project. It specifies the data deliverables required from the contractor to the Government throughout the project lifecycle.

• Defines the scope and applicability of data requirements for contractual efforts.
• Details various data types and their associated contractual requirements for approval and delivery.
• Lists and describes numerous Data Requirements Descriptions (DRDs) covering project management, mission design, system requirements, software, safety, materials, communications, and operations.
• Specifies submission timelines, formats, and content for each DRD.

This document is crucial for bidders as it details all the data and documentation that will be required as part of the contract. Understanding these requirements is essential for accurately estimating the effort and resources needed to fulfill the contract and for preparing a compliant proposal.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment E - Government Furnished Property," details the property that NASA will provide to the selected contractor for the Mars Telecommunications Network (MTN) Orbiter project. It outlines the specific items, their specifications, and the schedule for their provision.

• Electra UHF Transceiver (EUT): NASA is providing two Flight Model (FM) units and one Engineering Model (EM) unit of the Electra UHF Transceiver. These are described as software-defined radios for Mars relay infrastructure.
• Ground Support Equipment (GSE): A UHF relay partner EGSE will also be provided.
• Specifications: The document includes descriptions of the EUT's capabilities, including duplex modes, frequency ranges, operational modes, modulation, coding, and physical dimensions.
• Interfaces: Details on the Electra's spacecraft bus interfaces (Command/Control, Proximity link data, DC power) are provided.
• Deliverables and Schedule: Table 5 lists specific part numbers, manufacturers, costs, and availability dates for the Government Furnished Property (GFP), with delivery dates ranging from October 2026 to March 2027.
• Testing and Integration: The contractor is responsible for integrating the EUT into the flight system. NASA will provide an Interface Control Document (ICD) and Command & Telemetry Dictionary. Joint coordination for transportation of GFP and post-delivery testing by JPL are outlined.

This attachment is crucial for bidders as it specifies the government-furnished equipment (EUTs and GSE) that will be made available. Bidders need to understand the capabilities and interfaces of this equipment to accurately plan for integration, testing, and overall system design. The provided schedule for GFP availability is also critical for project planning and proposal development.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment F - Contract Data Requirements Lists - Non-Technical Data Requirements Documents," outlines specific requirements for data deliverables that are not technical in nature. It supplements the Statement of Work (SOW) or Performance Work Statement (PWS) and specifies agency-required procedures or protocols related to contracts.

• Records Management: Details requirements for maintaining, segregating, and reporting Government-use records. It mandates immediate notification of any loss or destruction of Federal records and requires all contractor employees handling Federal Records to complete mandatory NASA-provided records management training. These requirements must be flowed down to subcontractors.
• Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI) Plan: This is a key deliverable. The plan must describe the contractor's approach to identifying, avoiding, mitigating, neutralizing, and reporting potential OCI issues. It needs to address specific FAR and NFS requirements, including defining roles, responsibilities, employee notification and training, reporting procedures, and sanctions for violations. Offerors must also list current and past NASA and non-NASA contracts and subcontracts to identify potential conflicts. The plan requires an appendix detailing strategies for resolving identified OCIs.

This attachment is crucial for bidders as it defines specific non-technical deliverables, most notably the Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI) Plan. Bidders must understand these requirements to accurately prepare their proposals, including the content and submission of the OCI Plan. Failure to comply with records management or OCI requirements could impact proposal evaluation and contract performance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment G - Organization Conflicts of Interest Avoidance Plan," is to be submitted with proposals for RFP Number: 80GSFC26R0011. It serves as a required component for bidders to outline their plan for avoiding organizational conflicts of interest.

• The plan must address how potential conflicts of interest will be identified and mitigated.
• Specific strategies and procedures for avoidance are expected.

Bidders must prepare and submit this plan as part of their proposal. Failure to submit an adequate plan may impact the evaluation and award of the contract. This document is critical for ensuring compliance with regulations regarding organizational conflicts of interest.

Statement of Objectives (SOO)

This document outlines the top-level objectives for the Mars Telecommunications Network (MTN) procurement. The MTN aims to robustify the current Mars Relay Network (MRN) and establish a new relay network architecture at Mars to support future Mars missions, including exploration and human exploration.

The MTN procurement encompasses three phases: development through implementation, launch and post-launch check-out, and transit to Mars through relay commissioning. Offerors are expected to propose a Contract Performance Work Statement (PWS) that details how their solutions will meet these objectives. The network must support legacy users and accommodate new users through 2035, providing communications, data exchange, positioning, and navigation services.

• Schedule: Hardware delivery no later than December 31, 2028, and full operational readiness by the end of calendar year 2030.

• Contract Type: Firm fixed-price contract.

• Performance Standards: Threshold and objective performance levels will be defined, with emphasis on exceeding threshold requirements.

• Requirements Management: Offerors must develop a comprehensive requirements management process with traceability and validation.

• Verification Plans: Comprehensive plans for verifying all requirements throughout the development lifecycle.

• Standards: Adherence to relevant technical standards, with potential tailoring or use of equivalent industry standards.

• Risk Management: A comprehensive risk management process to identify, assess, track, and mitigate technical and programmatic risks.

• NASA Engagement: A plan for Government insight and oversight throughout all project phases.

• IT Systems Security: A comprehensive IT security approach protecting all MTN systems and data.

• Technical Approach: Detailed approaches for communications, navigation, transit to Mars, and system extensibility.

• Launch window begins November 2028.

• Operational readiness by end of calendar year 2030.

• Support for missions through 2035 and beyond.

Mandated by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (PL 119-21), this procurement aims to establish a high-performing Mars telecommunications capability. The project is designated as a medium-priority Category 2 project, requiring heightened management agility and risk tolerance due to urgent funding and schedule constraints.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Enclosure 3 - Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)," outlines the framework NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) will use to monitor and survey contractor performance for the Mars Telecommunications Network (MTN) contract. It is provided for informational purposes only and is not part of the contract itself.

• Objective: To define the Government's approach to monitoring contractor performance for a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract that includes development, integration, testing, launch, and five years of operational relay services for Mars.
• Scope: Covers all three contract phases: Development through Implementation, Launch and post-Launch check-out, and Transit to Mars through Relay Commissioning.
• Surveillance Strategies: Employs "Insight" (gathering product/process data) and "Oversight" (direct government involvement/inspection).
• Surveillance Team: Composed of various NASA and support personnel, including Project Managers, Engineering, Procurement, COR, Safety, IT Security, Property Administration, and Planning/Control leads.
• Evaluation Criteria: Performance will be assessed based on Schedule Performance, Technical Performance, Management Effectiveness, Quality Assurance, and NASA Engagement.
• Record Keeping: The COR is responsible for maintaining surveillance records and reporting deficiencies.

This QASP details how the government intends to evaluate the contractor's performance. Bidders should review this document to understand the government's surveillance methods, performance metrics, evaluation criteria, and reporting requirements. This understanding is crucial for developing a compliant proposal and for managing expectations regarding contract oversight and performance assessment.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Exhibit 1 - Proposal Mission Trajectory Instructions," outlines the required data for a mission trajectory proposal. It serves as a template for bidders to provide specific technical details about their proposed mission.

1. Trajectory Information:

• Launch vehicle, launch date, C3, and departure launch azimuth
• Final orbit characteristics at Mars
• Binary spice SPK files or equivalent for launch window phases
• Solar conjunctions and eclipse durations
• Assumptions for finite vs. impulsive maneuvers
• Aerobraking assumptions
• Delta-V budget

2. Spacecraft Data:

• Wet mass and propellant mass
• Details on chemical and/or electric engine types, usage, duty cycles, propellants, Isp, thrust, and power characteristics (including equations)
• Thrust vectors for each maneuver
• Tank capacities and propellant margin
• Power capability at 1 AU and power margin
• Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) for engines, solar arrays, and power processing electronics (PPU)
• Momentum control method during cruise and maneuvers

Bidders must use this exhibit to structure and provide comprehensive mission trajectory and spacecraft data as part of their proposal. Accurate and complete data submission according to these instructions is crucial for proposal evaluation.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document contains several exhibits providing pricing details and cost breakdowns for the Mars Telecommunication Network (MTN) opportunity under RFP No. 80GSFC26R0011.

• Exhibit 2 - Price Summary: Outlines CLINs and their total amounts, including Core Requirement (CLIN 0001), T&M Pricing Model (CLIN 0002), Launch/Integration/Orbit Insertion (CLIN 0003), and Mission Operations (CLIN 0004-0008). Some values are marked as 'TBP' (To Be Priced) or '#VALUE!' indicating missing or yet-to-be-determined pricing.
• Exhibit 3 - MTN Core Requirements: Details the Firm Fixed Price for CLIN 0001. It includes Base Fixed Price and Schedule Incentive, both marked as 'TBP'. It also addresses the use of Government Furnished Property (GFP), listing components and their acquisition costs, with an estimated evaluation adjustment value.
• Exhibit 4 - MTN Milestone Events: Lists milestone payment events for CLIN 0001, with all interim payment amounts marked as 'TBP'.
• Exhibit 5 - T&M Pricing Model: Provides a Time and Materials pricing model for CLIN 0002, detailing direct labor categories, hours, loaded rates (TBP), and amounts (marked as '#VALUE!') across five contract years. It also includes direct material costs and T&M totals, largely marked as '#VALUE!'.
• Exhibit 6 - MTN Launch, Integration & Orbit Insertion: Outlines the Firm Fixed Price for CLIN 0003, with Base Fixed Price, Schedule Incentive, and Total Proposed Fixed Price all marked as 'TBP'.
• Exhibit 7 - LI&OI Milestone Events: Lists milestone payment events for CLIN 0003, with all interim payment amounts marked as 'TBP'.
• Exhibit 8 - Mission Operations: Details pricing for CLINs 0004-0008. It includes options for 12 months, performance incentives, and a NTE rate for tracking hours beyond contract requirements. All values are marked as 'TBP'. It also addresses the use of the Deep Space Network (DSN) as a Government Furnished Service, with an associated annual evaluation value.
• Exhibit 9 - Science Payload: Details the Firm Fixed Price for CLIN 0009, with milestone payment events listed, all marked as 'TBP'.

These exhibits are critical for bidders to understand the cost structure, pricing models, and payment schedules associated with different CLINs of the opportunity. Bidders must complete these exhibits with their proposed pricing, considering the details on Government Furnished Property and Services. The 'TBP' and '#VALUE!' entries indicate areas where specific pricing needs to be provided by the offeror.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Exhibit 10, the Commercial Architecture Security Questionnaire (CASQ), referenced in RFP 80GSFC26R0011. It requires vendors to provide detailed responses regarding their proposed solution's adherence to various security controls and standards, primarily based on NIST Special Publication 800-53, Rev 5.

The questionnaire is structured into several security control categories, including:

• Space System Security
• Access Control
• Awareness and Training
• Audit and Accountability
• Security Assessment
• Configuration Management
• Contingency Planning
• Identification and Authentication
• Incident Response
• Maintenance
• Physical and Environmental Protection
• Personnel Security
• Risk Assessment
• System Service and Acquisition
• System and Communications Protection
• System and Information Integrity

For each control, vendors must describe how their solution addresses specific requirements related to information assurance and cybersecurity.

This questionnaire is critical for bidders to demonstrate their understanding and capability to meet the cybersecurity and information assurance requirements of the opportunity. Responses provided in this questionnaire will likely be a significant factor in the evaluation of a vendor's proposal, indicating their ability to secure the proposed system and data. Failure to adequately address these security controls may result in disqualification or a lower evaluation score.