Spaceflight Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) RFI
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 Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), part of NASA, is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) to identify qualified vendors capable of advancing and developing Spaceflight Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) systems. This RFI is for planning purposes and may inform a future Small Business Set-Aside procurement. Responses are due June 5, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
JPL seeks information on vendor capabilities related to GNC architectures, designs, algorithms, simulations, flight software, performance validation, and on-orbit commissioning/operations for spacecraft and payload/instrument systems. This includes GNC for planetary, lunar, deep-space, Earth-orbiting, and astrophysics missions, as well as research in autonomous GNC systems (e.g., precision landing, space rendezvous, formation flying).
Specific capabilities of interest include:
- Conceiving, designing, analyzing, simulating, and evaluating complex GNC subsystem performance.
- Delivering advanced algorithms and associated flight software.
- Developing and executing detailed subsystem test and verification plans.
- Leading teams in GNC system development and operations.
- Expertise in control analysis, GNC architecture, modeling, simulation, and V&V.
- Ability to support full lifecycle activities (design, integration, testing, commissioning, operations).
- Providing specialized personnel, facilities, tools, and lab/test capabilities.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought
- NAICS: 541715 – Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Size Standard: 1,000 Employees
- Potential Set-Aside: Small Business Set-Aside (to be determined based on RFI responses)
- Written RFI Questions Due: May 27, 2026
- JPL Response to Questions: June 3, 2026
- Vendor Responses Due: June 5, 2026, by 3:00 PM Pacific Time
- Published: May 21, 2026
Submission & Notes
Responses should be submitted electronically to Raymond.Dilanchyan@jpl.nasa.gov with "Spaceflight GNC RFI Response" in the subject line. This RFI is for planning only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to procure services. Vendors incur all costs for furnishing information. Any information provided will be deemed furnished with unlimited rights to JPL. Vendors are requested to provide company information, socioeconomic classifications, and examples of past performance.