Request for Information (RFI 80TECH26RFI0020): Strategic Partnerships for NASA Data Center Infrastructure
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) IT Procurement Office (ITPO) has issued a Request for Information (RFI 80TECH26RFI0020) to explore Strategic Partnerships for NASA Data Center Infrastructure. This RFI is for market research to identify innovative concepts for modern, affordable, resilient, efficient, secure, and scalable data center environments. NASA is also seeking input on small business participation. Responses are due July 17, 2026, by 5:00 PM EST.
Purpose & Scope
NASA ITPO is seeking capability statements and informed input from all interested parties, including Small Businesses (SB) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)/Minority Institutions (MI). The primary goal is to gather perspectives on next-generation data center environments to support evolving mission needs and hybrid architectures. This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment by the Government or guarantee a future solicitation or contract award.
Key areas of interest include:
- Partnership models and value creation, including risk and responsibility sharing.
- Concepts for next-generation data centers, including high-density computing, hybrid cloud integration, and edge/distributed architectures.
- Approaches for modernizing aging data center facilities and accelerating transformation.
- Strategies for enhancing reliability, resilience, and security, including balancing automation and human oversight, and addressing FISMA controls.
- Operational and service models for mission-critical environments.
- Innovations in sustainability and efficiency, including cost-effective modernization and hybrid storage architectures.
NASA is also requesting feedback on realistic and appropriate Small Business subcontracting goals, potential barriers to SB participation (e.g., certifications, technical requirements, security needs), and strategies to increase SB involvement (e.g., breaking requirements, identifying subcontracting areas, teaming/mentor protégé approaches).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought
- Set-Aside: None specified; market research to determine appropriate competition level and potential set-asides.
- Response Due: July 17, 2026, 5:00 PM EST
- Published: June 4, 2026
- Place of Performance (Anticipated): Hampton, VA
Submission Requirements
Respondents should focus on key ideas, differentiators, real-world examples, and lessons learned. Detailed technical specifications, pricing, or full engineering designs are not required. Responses are preferred to be limited to 20 pages (PDF or Word format, 11-point font). Proprietary information should be minimized and clearly marked.
Additional Notes
NASA is considering multiple potential pathways for follow-on activity, including FAR-based procurement or non-procurement partnership instruments (e.g., Space Act Agreements). No determination has been made regarding the appropriate authority for future actions.
Contact Information
All comments or questions, and RFI responses, should be submitted electronically via email to Michelle Downs (michelle.m.downs@nasa.gov). Reference RFI # 80TECH26RFI0020 in all correspondence.