Fission Surface Power System - Second Draft Announcement for Partnership Proposals

Other / Unclassified

This document is a "Second Draft Announcement for Partnership Proposals (AFPP)" for the Fission Surface Power (FSP) System, issued by NASA's John H. Glenn Research Center. It is not a solicitation, and NASA is not requesting proposals at this stage. The primary objectives are to make power available on the lunar surface and to energize the space industrial base for a future lunar economy.

NASA is seeking industry feedback on all aspects of this Draft AFPP, including requirements, schedule, proposal instructions, evaluation approaches, and potential risks. This feedback will be used to finalize the announcement. Potential participants are encouraged to review the draft and provide comments by December 12, 2025. The final AFPP is anticipated in early 2026. Documents related to this acquisition will be available on SAM.gov. The document also lists several attachments providing further details on system capabilities, eligibility, cost summaries, agreement templates, and requirements.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a DRAFT Announcement for Partnership Proposals (AFPP) for the Fission Surface Power (FSP) System, led by NASA's John H. Glenn Research Center. The primary objective is to solicit proposals to establish one or more partnerships with U.S. industry to deploy an operational lunar fission surface power system. This initiative aims to advance U.S. fission surface power technologies to support a future lunar economy, enable power generation on Mars, and for in-space applications.

• FSP System Requirements:

  • Power Capacity: Minimum 100 kWe.
  • Fuel Type: High Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU).
  • Power Conversion: Closed Brayton cycle.
  • Design Life: Minimum 10 years on the lunar surface.
  • Operational Environment: Near the lunar south pole.
  • Compatibility: With Artemis user interface requirements and Human-Class Delivery Landers (HDL).

• Safety and Regulatory:

  • Orbital Debris Mitigation: Probability of breakup < 0.001.
  • Planetary Protection: Formal assessment of volatile organic materials.
  • End of Life Safing: Plan for depletion of energy sources or safe breakup.
  • Crew Radiation Exposure: Limits of 5 rem/year and 50 rem/year.
  • Single Failure Tolerance: To catastrophic events.

• Department of Energy (DoE) Requirements: Compliance with applicable DOE standards for nuclear materials and reactors.

• NASA intends to enter into one or more Funded Space Act Agreement(s) (FSAA(s)).

• NASA will provide launch and landing services through the Human Landing System (HLS) Program.

• NASA's financial contribution will be structured as milestone-based payments.

• Proposal Due Date: TBD

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

• Proposal Format: Three volumes (Executive Summary, Business Approach, Technical Approach) and six appendices.

• Evaluation Criteria: Proposals will be evaluated based on how effectively they meet requirements and suggested system capabilities. Technical Approach is of greater importance than Business Approach.

• Eligible entities are United States domestic entities capable of entering a Funded Space Act Agreement and owning/operating an FSP system.

• Specific definitions for U.S. domestic entities are provided.

• This AFPP solicits proposals for Phase A (Commercial Deployment).

• Proposals should include a Base Effort and an Optional Effort.

• NASA will not fund FSP systems to the extent such funding duplicates payments made by the U.S. Government.

• Participants must comply with all applicable U.S. laws, regulations, and policies, including export control and restrictions on collaboration with China or Chinese-owned companies.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 1 - Draft Suggested System Capabilities," provides NASA's desired capabilities for a Future Space Power (FSP) system. It is intended to guide potential partners in developing their FSP systems. Partners are free to develop their systems as desired but should consider these suggested capabilities or provide a rationale for not utilizing them.

• Automated Operation (SSC-001): System should operate independently without commanded intervention.
• Fault Detection, Isolation, and Recovery (SSC-002): System should automatically detect, isolate, and recover from faults.
• System Restarts (SSC-003): System should be able to perform without external power, with consideration for extended darkness.
• Wire and Cable Derating (SSC-004): Electrical power system must meet or exceed specific derating criteria.
• Connector Ports (SSC-005): User interface should provide a minimum of 10 user interface connector ports at 120VDC with a minimum power rating of 6kWe.
• User Load (SSC-006): System should accommodate varying user power demands.
• Hazard Protection (SSC-007): System should ensure safety of equipment and personnel against credible hazards (electrical, thermal, etc.).
• Crew Access Keep Out Zones (KOZ) and No Touch Areas (NTA) (SSC-008): System should have marked KOZ and NTA for hazardous areas.
• Payload Safety Process (SSC-009): Partner should adopt a safety process similar to NASA's Payload Safety Process.
• Flight reactor operation prior to deployment (SSC-010): Flight reactor should not be operated at power prior to deployment.
• Inadvertent reactor criticality (SSC-011): System should prevent inadvertent reactor criticality per NSPM-20.

This document outlines specific technical and safety requirements that bidders should address in their proposals. It highlights key areas for system design, fault tolerance, power management, user interface, and safety protocols, including specific references to NASA standards and appendices. Bidders should either incorporate these capabilities or provide justification for deviations.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides instructions for offerors on how to upload their proposal files in response to Announcement 80GRC025FSPS.

• URL Access: Offerors must use the URL provided in section 5.3 of the AFPP for electronic submission.
• Upload Method: Files can be uploaded via "drag and drop" or by using the "select files" option.
• Interface: A visual representation of the proposal submission interface is provided, showing an "Upload files" area.
• Data Fields: Required additional proposal-related data fields must be completed.
• Submission Confirmation: Offerors will receive a "Success! Your file has been submitted" notice upon successful upload.
• Notification: After submitting all files, offerors must notify the Agreements Officer as per section 5.3 of the AFPP.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the correct procedure for submitting their proposals. It outlines the technical steps, the submission portal, and the confirmation process. Offerors are advised to consult their IT staff regarding potential firewall restrictions that might impede the upload process.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Entity Eligibility Questionnaire and Supplemental Information Form required to be completed by the Proposer and each of their partners listed in the proposal's Teaming Approach. It is in accordance with Section 5.2 of Announcement 80GRC025FSPS and is used to support the Fission Surface Power System effort.

• For-Profit Status: Asks if the firm is a for-profit organization and its type (e.g., S corporation, LLC, Partnership).
• Organization Law: Inquires if the firm is organized under the laws of the United States or a U.S. State/Territory. Ineligibility to propose is stated if the answer is 'No'.
• U.S. Ownership and Control: Requires certification on whether the organization is more than 50% owned and controlled by United States nationals, with definitions provided for 'controlling interest' and 'controlling intermediary'.
• Foreign Subsidiary Commitment: If not >50% U.S. owned/controlled, it asks if the organization is a subsidiary of a foreign company with a substantial commitment to the U.S. market, evidenced by investments in R&D/manufacturing or significant contributions to U.S. employment. Specific details and descriptions are required.
• Additional Information: A section for any other relevant information for NASA's assessment of domestic eligibility.
• Certification: A statement by an authorized representative certifying the truth and accuracy of the provided information.

This form is critical for bidders to determine their eligibility and the eligibility of their partners to propose on the opportunity. Failure to meet the criteria outlined in this questionnaire can result in ineligibility. Bidders must carefully complete all sections and provide accurate information regarding their organization's structure, ownership, control, and commitment to the U.S. market.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a template for providing milestone cost information. It is intended for participants (bidders) to complete and submit as part of their proposal or response.

• General Price Information: Requires participant name, address, CAGE Code, place(s) and period(s) of performance, and contact information for pricing inquiries.
• Milestone Cost Summary: A table to detail the total cost for each milestone, broken down into Government Share and Partner Share (both dollar amounts and percentage).
• Milestone Phased Cost Summary: A table to break down costs per milestone by fiscal year (FY2026-FY2031), showing Government and Partner shares.

This template provides the structure and required fields for bidders to detail their proposed costs associated with the opportunity's milestones. Completing this accurately and thoroughly is crucial for proposal evaluation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a draft Funded Space Act Agreement (FSAA) between NASA and a selectee for the development of the Fission Surface Power (FSP) System. It outlines the basic parameters of the agreement and serves as a template for potential partners. Questions or comments on this draft FSAA should be submitted to the FSP Agreements Officer.

• Authority and Parties: Establishes the agreement under the National Aeronautics and Space Act, identifying NASA Glenn Research Center and the Partner.
• Purpose: Details NASA's Fission Surface Power (FSP) Effort, aiming to establish partnerships for deploying operational fission surface power systems on the lunar surface, energizing the space industrial base, and encouraging dual-use architectures. It outlines a two-phase approach: Commercial Deployment and Commercial Lunar Power Accessibility.
• Responsibilities: Defines the efforts expected from both NASA GRC (e.g., milestone payments, access to data, launch/landing services) and the Partner (e.g., deploying a fission surface power system with specific performance characteristics, compliance with various regulations).
• Schedule and Milestones: Refers to Appendix A for scheduled milestones, acceptance criteria, and payments.
• Financial Obligations: Outlines NASA's payment obligations, milestone acceptance procedures, and invoicing requirements.
• Liability and Risk of Loss: Includes cross-waivers of liability for space exploration and lunar surface activities, as well as product liability clauses.
• Intellectual Property Rights: Addresses data rights, invention and patent rights, including ownership, waivers, and licensing.
• Compliance: Mandates compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including export controls, debris mitigation, and planetary protection.
• Term and Termination: Specifies the agreement's term and conditions for termination by mutual consent or for failure to perform.
• Appendices: References Appendix A for performance milestones and success criteria, and Appendix B for the Government Partnership Plan.

This document is crucial for potential bidders as it defines the framework, requirements, responsibilities, and legal terms for a partnership related to the Fission Surface Power (FSP) System. It provides insight into NASA's expectations for technology development, deployment, and compliance, as well as the financial and intellectual property aspects of the agreement. Understanding this draft FSAA is essential for preparing a compliant and competitive proposal.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a draft "Government Partnership Plan" model intended for use by participants responding to the "Announcement for Partnership Proposals (AFPP)" for the Fission Surface Power (FSP) System. It establishes the basic parameters for a Government Partnership Plan between the FSP System and a partner.

• Purpose: To document the partner's collaboration with NASA in the design, development, demonstration, and deployment of their Fission Surface Power system.
• Approach: Outlines how insight and collaboration will occur through specific "Insight Areas" including Quarterly Program Management Meetings, Collaboration, Regulatory and Safety Progress, Milestone Progress Monitoring, and enabling Future NASA Commercial Power Use.
• Team Structure: Details the composition and roles of the Government Team and the partner's team, including key points of contact and responsibilities.
• Roles and Responsibilities: Defines specific duties for the Partner Partnership Manager, Government Partnership Manager, Technical Lead, Systems Integration Lead, Safety and Regulatory Lead(s), Program Executive, and Agreement Officer.
• Facility Access: Describes how the Government Team will access partner facilities and the expected limitations.
• Quarterly Program Management Reviews (QPMRs): Outlines the purpose, content, and frequency of these reviews.
• Collaboration and Data Access: Details how the Government Team will access partner data products and the limitations.
• Regulatory and Safety Processes: Explains how the Government Team will evaluate regulatory and safety processes.
• Milestone Progress: Describes the processes for milestone evaluation, entrance, exit, and change management.
• Formal Government Feedback Process: Outlines how feedback will be provided by the Government Team to the partner.

This model plan provides a framework for potential bidders to understand the expected structure and content of a Government Partnership Plan. It highlights the key areas of collaboration, communication, data sharing, and oversight that NASA anticipates. Bidders should use this model to prepare their own partnership plans as required by the AFPP, noting that any proposed changes to the model must be highlighted with accompanying rationales. The final plan will be negotiated prior to FSAA selection.

Other / Unclassified

This document announces an additional round of virtual one-on-one sessions hosted by the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) for industry participants interested in the Fission Surface Power (FSP) System, specifically related to the FSP Second Draft AFPP. These sessions are exclusively for the FSP Program Executive and Deputy Program Executive.

• Purpose: To provide opportunities for additional conversations, clarifications, and questions with industry regarding the FSP Second Draft AFPP.
• Format: Virtual one-on-one sessions via Microsoft Teams.
• Dates: Week of December 15-19, 2025.
• Time: 30-minute sessions available daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Eligibility: Participants must be current U.S. citizens.
• Registration: To register, email Holly Walburn (Holly.N.Walburn@nasa.gov) by 5:00 PM EST on December 11, 2025. Include "FSP Second Draft AFPP One on One Session" in the subject line.
• Required Information for Registration: Company name, company address, full legal name, email, and U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident status.
• Important Note: Attendance at these sessions is not required and is not a prerequisite for proposal submission. It will also not be considered in the evaluation process.
• Monitoring: Interested parties are responsible for monitoring SAM.gov for any updates or changes.