Synopsis: Lunar Enabling Infrastructure Accelerator (LEIA) -Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) NextSTEP-3 Appendix A
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 NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) plans to issue Appendix A - Lunar Enabling Infrastructure Accelerator (LEIA) under the Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnership (NextSTEP-3) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA). This presolicitation seeks to advance critical technologies for lunar surface and cislunar architecture. NASA GRC is currently seeking capability statements from interested parties to determine the appropriate level of competition and potential small business subcontracting goals. Responses are due June 3, 2026.
Scope of Work
NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) aims to accelerate the technological readiness of key systems. This Appendix will solicit proposals from U.S. institutions to mature and demonstrate capabilities in the following areas:
- Vertical solar arrays
- In situ resource utilization (ISRU) oxygen production systems
- Stirling radioisotope generators
- In-space manufacturing
- Advanced nanomaterials production
The goal is to reduce risk and advance these solutions to Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 5-6, supporting NASA's Moon Base objectives.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Presolicitation for a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Appendix
- NAICS Code: 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology))
- Size Standard: 1,000 employees
- Set-Aside: Market research to determine potential set-asides (Small, 8(a), WOSB, SD-VOSB, EDWOSB, HUBZone)
- Capability Statement Due: June 3, 2026, by 5:00 PM EDT
- Anticipated Draft BAA Release: On or about June 2026
- Anticipated Final BAA Release: On or about August 2026
- Anticipated Offer Due: On or about September 2026
- Published: May 19, 2026
Additional Notes
NASA GRC plans to hold an Industry Day; details will be provided in the Draft BAA. No solicitation currently exists; interested parties must monitor SAM.gov for its release. All contractual and technical questions must be submitted electronically to Linda Nabors (linda.m.nabors@nasa.gov) and Ian Park (ian.park@nasa.gov) by the capability statement due date. Telephone questions will not be accepted.