Ring Moon System Discipline Node
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 (GSFC) has issued a Sources Sought notice for the Ring Moon System Discipline Node (RMS) of the Planetary Data System (PDS). This is market research to identify qualified sources for the long-term preservation and accessibility of NASA planetary science data, and to determine appropriate competition levels, including potential small business set-asides. Responses are due June 12, 2026, at 2:00 PM EST.
Purpose & Scope
NASA/GSFC is soliciting capability statements and industry feedback for the PDS RMS. The PDS ensures the secure preservation and usability of NASA planetary science data, requiring compliance with Federal cybersecurity laws (e.g., FISMA, FITARA) and NASA directives. The RMS work includes:
- Planetary Science Mission Support: Ingesting, validating, and peer-reviewing data from missions, research, and ground observations.
- Data Archival & Preservation: Implementing PDS Level 3 and 4 requirements, ensuring long-term preservation via the NASA Space Science Data Coordinated Archive (NSSDCA), and maintaining public accessibility and security (Section 508 compliant).
- Tools & Services: Developing and maintaining tools for data validation, submission, documentation, and user guides, alongside search and discovery services.
- Standards & Documentation: Establishing and maintaining archiving standards, including PDS4 Local Language Dictionaries.
- Enterprise Modernization: Supporting PDS modernization efforts, including data migration to a NASA-managed cloud environment and transitioning web presence.
Key Requirements
- Compliance with Federal cybersecurity laws (e.g., FISMA, FITARA) and NIST SP 800-53 rev. 5.
- Adherence to specific Federally Mandated Critical Controls (FMCC) and NASA Critical Controls (NCC) as detailed in appendices.
- Data security against unauthorized access, modification, and natural disasters.
- Minimizing public data access interruptions to no more than 14 calendar days.
- Transitioning web presence and dataset access to NASA-managed infrastructure.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Period of Performance: December 1, 2026, to November 30, 2029 (as per draft SOW).
- Place of Performance: SETI Institute (SETI), with potential travel.
- Set-Aside: None specified; however, NASA is actively seeking capability statements from all socioeconomic categories of Small Businesses (SB), including SDB, HUBZone, VOSB, SDVOSB, and WOSB, to determine appropriate set-asides and/or subcontracting goals.
- Response Due: June 12, 2026, 2:00 PM Eastern Standard Time.
- Published: June 2, 2026.
Submission & Feedback
NASA is seeking capability statements from interested parties. Respondents are also requested to provide informed input on:
- Realistic and appropriate SB subcontracting goals.
- Barriers limiting SB participation (e.g., certifications, technical requirements, security needs).
- Strategies to increase SB participation (e.g., breaking requirements, identifying subcontracting areas, teaming/mentor-protégé approaches).
Additional Notes
This is not a Request for Proposal. The Government will use the information to finalize a future RFP. NASA intends to publicize a listing of respondents to facilitate teaming arrangements, unless a firm explicitly requests not to be included. Monitor SAM.gov for any future solicitations.