NASA Search and Rescue System Support Contract
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 intends to award a sole-source, follow-on contract for Search and Rescue (SAR) System Support to Techno-Sciences, LLC (TSi). This action is justified under 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1) (FAR 6.302-1), citing TSi as the only responsible source capable of meeting the agency's requirements for SARLab Ground Systems Maintenance, Sustainment, and Modernization.
Scope of Work
This contract will cover essential services and products for NASA's search and rescue systems, hardware, software, and technologies. Key requirements include:
- Research and Development (R&D) related to SAR systems.
- Procurement, integration, delivery, and testing of SAR systems and associated hardware/software.
- Operations, maintenance, sustainment, upgrade, and replacement of existing SAR systems.
- Specific systems include MEOLUTs, GEOLUTs, Reference Beacons, and SAR Mission Control Centers (MCCs).
- Associated hardware encompasses antennas, control systems, RF components, servers, databases, networking equipment, GPS systems, and power supplies.
- Associated software includes ground station monitoring, satellite scheduling, and MCC software.
- Improvements to SAR technologies, such as beacon location processing, two-way communications, and system reliability.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP)/Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract.
- Duration: Five (5) year ordering period.
- Set-Aside: Not applicable (sole-source justification).
- Published: April 8, 2026.
Evaluation
This is a Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition. The rationale for a sole-source award to TSi is based on their unique knowledge, proprietary software, and existing infrastructure. Market research confirmed that no other commercial company possesses the necessary data and technical rights for the hardware and software currently maintained by TSi. While a notice of intent was posted and other entities responded, they did not demonstrate the required capability.
Additional Notes
NASA will continue to examine the market for future alternative solutions. The contract specifically supports the operational SARSAT system and NASA SARLab.