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 is issuing a Presolicitation for the Network Extension for User Continuity and Sustainability (NEXUS) Ka-Band Backward-Compatible Relay Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) under NextSTEP-3 Appendix E. The objective is 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. This capability is crucial for supporting select on-orbit missions and reducing continuity risk in the 2029-2031 timeframe. This will be a phased competitive Research and Development (R&D) acquisition, with multiple initial Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) awards. The anticipated proposal due date is June 2, 2026.
Scope of Work
Industry is asked to develop and demonstrate this end-to-end capability, which must include all necessary elements: space segment, associated launch services, ground and network infrastructure, and service operations and maintenance. NASA seeks to accelerate commercially viable capabilities, expecting proposed solutions to be supported by a broader commercial business case beyond NASA. The BAA outlines a multi-phase approach:
- Phase 1 (~6 months): Mature proposed concepts and development plans, with multiple FFP awards anticipated by September 2026.
- Phase 2 (~15 months): Develop capability and integrate ground and space segments, with option exercise around February 2027.
- Phase 3 (~6 months): On-orbit flight demonstration and end-to-end verification, with option exercise around May 2028 for a flight demonstration no later than June 2028. Future phases (4 & 5) will address R&D phase-out, service transition, and long-term operational services.
Contract Details
- Type: Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for Research and Development (R&D).
- Awards: Multiple initial Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) awards with progressive downselects.
- Set-Aside: None; full and open competition. No foreign offerors permitted.
- NAICS: 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).
- Place of Performance: NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL (contracting office). Industry Day in Colorado Springs, CO.
Key Dates & Actions
- Published: March 26, 2026
- Vendor Site Visit & One-on-One Meeting Requests Due: March 30, 2026, 4:00 p.m. CT (email Jennifer.George@nasa.gov)
- Draft Solicitation Release (Anticipated): April 10, 2026
- Draft Solicitation Industry Day (Anticipated): April 14, 2026, at Catalyst Campus, Colorado Springs, CO
- Final BAA Solicitation Release (Anticipated): May 11, 2026
- Proposal Due Date (Anticipated): June 2, 2026
- ITAR Data Access: The Service Requirements Document (SRD) contains ITAR-controlled technical data. Access requires valid ITAR export clearance. Contact Jennifer.George@nasa.gov and brooke.thornton@nasa.gov for guidance.
Additional Notes
This notice is for information and planning purposes only and is not a request for proposals. Potential offerors must monitor SAM.gov for the official solicitation and updates. Participation in this BAA does not guarantee eligibility for future procurements.