Network Extension for User Continuity and Sustainability (NEXUS) Ka-Band Backward-Compatible Relay Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) NextSTEP-3 Appendix E
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 intends to release a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) under NextSTEP-3, Appendix E, for Project NEXUS: Ka-band Backward-Compatible Relay. This initiative seeks to acquire an end-to-end Ka-band relay service, including space, ground, launch, integration, and operations, that is backward compatible with legacy TDRS users for a minimum of fifteen years. The goal is to reduce continuity risk for select on-orbit missions in the 2029-2031 timeframe. This is a phased competitive Research and Development (R&D) acquisition, with multiple initial Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) awards anticipated.
Scope of Work
NASA requires industry to develop and demonstrate an end-to-end Ka-band relay capability. Proposed solutions must include all necessary elements: space segment, associated launch services, ground and network infrastructure, and service operations and maintenance. Solutions should be commercially viable beyond NASA, as the agency does not anticipate being the sole customer. The effort aims to accelerate maturation of commercially viable capabilities and support NASA's transition to commercially provided services.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Presolicitation for a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)
- Acquisition Type: Phased competitive Research and Development (R&D)
- Contract Type: Multiple initial Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) awards with progressive downselects.
- Set-Aside: None; full and open competition. No foreign offerors permitted.
- NAICS Codes: Phases 1-3: 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)). Phases 4 & 5: 517810 (All Other Telecommunications) and/or 517410 (Satellite Communication).
- Phased Approach:
- Phase 1 (~6 months): Concept maturation and development plans. Multiple FFP awards by September 2026.
- Phase 2 (~15 months): Capability development and integration of ground/space segments. Option exercise around February 2027.
- Phase 3 (~6 months): On-orbit flight demonstration and end-to-end verification. Option exercise around May 2028 for demo NLT June 2028, verification through September 2028.
- Phase 4 (R&D Phase-Out/Transition): Separate commercial services acquisition (FAR Parts 12 & 15), anticipated October 2028 plus a one-year option.
- Phase 5: Broader competition for long-term operational services.
Key Dates & Actions
- Vendor Site Visit Requests Due: March 30, 2026, 4:00 p.m. CT.
- Draft Solicitation Release Anticipated: April 10, 2026.
- Draft Solicitation Industry Day: April 14, 2026, at Catalyst Campus, Colorado Springs, CO.
- One-on-One Meeting Requests Due: March 30, 2026, 4:00 p.m. CT.
- One-on-One Meetings: April 14-15, 2026.
- Final BAA Solicitation Release Anticipated: May 11, 2026.
- Proposal Due Date Anticipated: June 2, 2026 (specific instructions in full BAA).
Additional Notes
This solicitation will include a Service Requirements Document (SRD) containing ITAR-controlled technical data. Access is restricted to contractors with valid ITAR export clearance. Interested parties should contact Jennifer.George@nasa.gov and brooke.thornton@nasa.gov for guidance and access. This notice is for information and planning purposes only and is not a request for proposals. Offerors are responsible for monitoring SAM.gov for updates.