CubeSat Dispenser Hardware and Mission Integration Services 3 (CUBESAT)

NASA Kennedy Space Center established a total small business set-aside Master IDIQ for CubeSat dispenser hardware and mission integration services on August 23, 2019, with a shared ceiling of $18 million, but the vehicle closed to new orders on August 22, 2024—ordering is no longer open.

The vehicle supported engineering development, dispenser carrier hardware, CubeSat-to-dispenser and dispenser-to-launch-vehicle integration, system testing, and non-standard services including de-integration and commercial flight support. Six task orders have been awarded since March 2021, all funded by NASA Kennedy Space Center. Activity peaked in 2023 with four orders; the final order was issued August 20, 2024, two days before the ordering deadline closed.

Nanoracks, LLC leads the award base with three orders totaling $982 thousand in combined potential value, representing roughly 58% of all obligated dollars. Xtenti, LLC holds one order worth $696 thousand (41%), and Maverick Space Systems, Inc. two orders worth $11 thousand collectively (1%). The split between set-aside and unrestricted ordering is even: three task orders used the total small business set-aside; three were awarded without set-aside designation. All $1.7 million in combined task-order potential value has been obligated; the vehicle retains $16.3 million in unexercised capacity against the ceiling.

Task orders have ranged from One dollar (a closed administrative action) to $833 thousand for VCLS Demonstration 2 integration support. Representative orders include $695 thousand for FANTM-RIDE dispenser equipment (September 2023) and two FCC consulting tasks for cubesat missions at $10.8 thousand and $17 thousand (both September 2023). Performance completion dates extend through September 2026, suggesting active fulfillment remains ongoing despite the closed ordering period.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) has awarded an IDIQ for CubeSat Dispenser Hardware & Mission Integration Services 3. A CubeSat is a type of miniaturized space research satellite that typically uses commercial, off-the-shelf electronic components. In support of this effort, Contractors must be capable of performing the standard services, which includes engineering development support, dispenser carrier hardware, CubeSat to dispenser and dispenser to launch vehicle (LV) integration, and sytem testing. Additionally, contractors may be required to perform non-standard services (such as de-integration and commercial flight services), mission unique services, and special task assignments related to the hardware and integration services.