App B Industry Day Charts_FINAL.pdf

Strategy and Architecture Office Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate

Welcome and Agenda NextSTEP-3: Moon to Mars Architectural Studies Industry Day

Brooke Thornton

01/22/26 Strategy and Architecture Office 1

Industry Engagement Lead

Agenda

01/22/26 Strategy and Architecture Office 2

Topic

Welcome and Agenda – Brooke Thornton

Moon to Mars Architecture – Jake Bleacher

Appendix Overview and Contracting Logistics – Maranda McCord

Study Calls – Matt Simon

• Lunar Surface Power Call

• Mars Crew Transportation Call

Summary & FAQs – Brooke Thornton

Questions?

Summary and Synopsis https://www.nasa.gov/general/nextst ep-3-b-moon-to-mars-architecture-studies/

NextSTEP-3 Moon to Mars Architectural Studies Industry Partnership Opportunity WHAT: NASA seeks commercial, academic, and non-profit partners to help develop the Moon to Mars architecture through:

• Concept development & refinement

• Mission/vehicle/subsystem design studies

• Risk reduction activities

FOCUS AREAS:

• Infrastructure

• Transportation

• Habitation

• Mission Operations (CONOPS)

• Lunar & Mars Science

TWO PATHWAYS FOR PARTICIPATION:

1. Directed-Topic Calls: Respond to specific NASA-defined tasks

2. Open-Topic Opportunities: Propose your innovative solutions

REFERENCE: All proposals should align with NASA's Architecture Definition Document and associated materials https://www.nasa.gov/moontomarsarchitecture-architecturedefinitiondocuments/ 01/22/26 Strategy and Architecture Office 3

This procurement supports NASA's mission to send humans to the lunar surface and

Mars by leveraging commercial expertise to fill critical capability gaps https://www.nasa.gov/moontomarsarchitecture-architecturedefinitiondocuments/ https://www.nasa.gov/moontomarsarchitecture-architecturedefinitiondocuments/ https://www.nasa.gov/moontomarsarchitecture-architecturedefinitiondocuments/

Ground Rules

• This forum is being recorded

• Participants may submit questions by:

o Questions may be entered into the Q&A Panel once participants have joined on Webex o iPhone and Android users can access the Q&A Panel via the Webex mobile app: Open the Menu, select “More Options”, then select “Q&A” o The Q&A menu is not available to audio-only participants o NASA will not provide the identities of anyone asking questions

• Media should direct all questions in writing to:

o James Gannon, Public Affairs Officer | james.h.gannon@nasa.gov o Lauren Low, Public Affairs Officer | lauren.e.low@nasa.gov o Danny Baird, Communications Specialist | daniel.s.baird@nasa.gov o Greg Mercer, Communications Specialist | gregory.l.mercer@nasa.gov

• NASA will post slides and an industry attendance list for partnering purposes after this briefing o If you do not want to be included on the participant list, send an email to HQ-NEXTSTEP3APPB@mail.nasa.gov by

Wednesday, January 28.

o NASA plans to post the attendance list and this presentation on Friday, January 30.

Please send any additional inquiries to HQ-NEXTSTEP3APPB@mail.nasa.gov

01/22/26 Strategy and Architecture Office 4 mailto:%20james.h.gannon@nasa.gov mailto:%20lauren.e.low@nasa.gov mailto:daniel.s.baird@nasa.gov mailto:gregory.l.mercer@nasa.gov mailto:HQ-NEXTSTEP3APPB@mail.nasa.gov mailto:HQ-NEXTSTEP3APPB@mail.nasa.gov mailto:HQ-NEXTSTEP3APPB@mail.nasa.gov

NASA’s Moon to Mars Architecture NextSTEP-3: Moon to Mars Architectural Studies Industry Day

Jake Bleacher

01/22/26 Strategy and Architecture Office 5

Chief Exploration Scientist

Architecture Products

Architecture White Papers

1 Why Moon and Mars? Building an Evolutionary Architecture

2 Integrated Lunar Power Considerations

3 Architecture-Driven Planetary Protection Considerations

4 Communications and Navigation Needs for Foundational Exploration

5 Architecture-Driven Data Gaps

6 Architecture Definition (update to prev. papers)

Ar ch ite ct ur e

D ef in iti on D oc um en t

Re vi si on

C a nd A rc hi te ct ur e

U pd at e

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The Lunar South Pole Region

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Lunar Lighting and Shadows 01/22/26 Strategy and Architecture Office 9

Apollo 16 Terrain Type 1

Apollo 16 Terrain Type 2

Apollo 16 Terrain Type 3

Rolling hills with low slopes, subdued craters, and low block abundances. Was easily traversed by LRV and crew. Ideal for Artemis element deployment.

Blocks and craters more common, and larger, with some steeper slopes up to 20°. Moderately traversable requiring more caution/time than terrain 1.

Hilly with higher slopes more common (25°).

Located near younger, larger craters with significant block coverage. Challenging to traverse, often areas of scientific interest.

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Roving the Lunar Highlands Apollo 16 - April 1972

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Measuring Architecture Performance Over Time

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Identifying Opportunities

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Tech GapsUnallocated Functions Data Gaps

Appendix DAppendix B.5 Appendix E

Pre-Formulation Process

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APPENDIX B

Maranda McCord

01/22/26 Strategy and Architecture Office 16

Contracting Officer

Appendix B Overview and Contracting Logistics

NextSTEP-3: Moon to Mars Architectural Studies Industry Day

Contract Structure

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Directed Topic Task Order A

A Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC) is a strategic contracting vehicle used by NASA to award multiple qualified contractors a base contract. All eligible offerors are highly encouraged to compete for MATOC membership if interested in participating in any NASA-defined directed-topic call task orders for Moon to Mars architecture studies.

The MATOC includes an on-ramp process under which NASA intends to allow new offerors to indicate their interest in MATOC membership as part of their open-topic opportunity proposals.

Moon to Mars Architectural Studies Appendix B: Moon to Mars Architectural Studies solicitation will use a dual-path approach

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MATOC – Multiple Award Task Order Contract FFP – Firm Fixed Price Contract

Aspect Directed-Topic Call (MATOC) Open-Topic Opportunity (Contract)

Definition All MATOC awardees are invited to compete for FFP task orders.

Any qualified offerors, regardless of MATOC membership status, are invited to submit for standalone FFP contracts.

Process Government issues Request for Task Order Proposals to all MATOC holders, unless an exception to fair opportunity exists.

Allow contractors to propose concept studies that are not part of the identified directed calls.

Authority FAR 35.102 Broad agency announcement FAR 35.102 Broad agency announcement

When Used Anticipate 2-4 calls per year Submission will be accepted starting two months after the initial MATOC award through the life of the BAA. Submitted proposals must be valid for 365 days following the submission date.

Appendix B – Process Flow

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Note: Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC) membership does not preclude participation in open topic opportunities; membership maximizes opportunities for participation.

Propose for MATOC Membership

Awardees Attend a Mandatory Kickoff

Meeting

Propose to Directed Topic Task Orders (Available Only to

MATOC Membership)

Directed Topic Task Order A

Directed Topic Task Order B

Directed Topic Task Order C

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Submit a Proposal that aligns with the Scope of Appendix B

Firm Fixed Contract

Applicant Eligibility

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This solicitation is open to non-Government U.S. institutions (companies, universities, nonprofit organizations). NASA civil servants, Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) employees, national laboratories, and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) shall not be proposed as a Prime Contractor on any effort associated with this announcement but may participate as a team member. Other eligibility information is included in the omnibus portion of this BAA.

MATOC Proposal Submission

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Proposal Section Page Limitation Title Page 1

Executive Summary 1

Table of Contents 1

Eligibility Information 1

Technical Capabilities 10

Past Performance 5

Signed Model Contract No limit

Proposal Attachments See Below

Attachment A - Personnel Validation 2 pages per key person

Attachment B – Infrastructure Validation 10

Attachment C – Organizational Conflicts of Interest No limit

Required format and content requirements for MATOC entrance proposals:

Attachments

• Attachment A - Personnel Validation:

Full resumes for key personnel (2 pages per person)

• Attachment B - Infrastructure Validation:

Partnership agreements, facility access documentation, equipment specifications, technology capability documentation (10 pages max)

• Attachment C – Organizational Conflicts of Interest Plan:

(No page limitation)

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Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCIs)

• An OCI Plan is a strategy developed to identify, mitigate, or avoid Organizational Conflicts of Interest. These conflicts arise when a company’s role in one NASA contract could unfairly influence or bias its role in another current or future NASA contract.

o The OCI plan is necessary to ensure fair competitions and unbiased judgment from NASA contractors.

• Key elements of an OCI plan include:

o Identification of potential conflicts o Mitigation strategies o Documentation to show compliance with FAR Subpart 9.5

• The solicitation will contain all applicable requirements for OCIs. OCIs will be managed on a case-by-case basis post award in accordance with the terms and conditions of any final negotiated contract.

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MATOC Initial Proposal Evaluation

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Subfactor 1- Capability

(500 Points)

Subfactor 2- Past

Performance (500 Points)

Factor- Technical Capability

(1,000 Points)

Factor Technical Capability: Evaluates the adequacy of the offeror’s technical capability inclusive of past performance.

Subfactor 1- Capability: This subfactor evaluates the quality of the offeror’s capability, to include proposed personnel, processes, infrastructure, and resources.

Subfactor 2- Past Performance: This subfactor evaluates the quality of the offeror’s demonstrated record of past performance on studies of commensurate relevancy in terms of scope. NASA will conduct a comprehensive past performance evaluation that assesses the relevant quality of an offeror's demonstrated capabilities on previous contracts and agreements.

Note: In accordance with NFS 1815.304-70(b)(1), subfactors will be numerically weighted and scored in accordance with the 1,000-point scale.

Directed-Topic Calls: Task Orders

The scope of topics for the MATOC task orders (directed-topic calls) will be derived from NASA's Moon to Mars Architecture Definition Document.

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Evaluation: NASA anticipates assessing the Technical Capability (including statement of need, proposed solution, and partnership strategy) and proposed price in the evaluation of proposals submitted in response to a task order request for proposal. Additional detail on these criteria will be provided in the Request for Task Order Proposal (RTOP).

Proposal Section Page Limitation

Title Page 1

Executive Summary 1

Table of Contents 1

Technical Capabilities (Statement of Need, Proposed Solution, and Partnership Strategy)

6 (per work area)

Intellectual Property No Limit

Price Proposal (per work area)

No Limit

Proposal Attachments No Limit

Open-Topic Opportunity Proposal Submission

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Proposal Section Page Limitation Title Page 1

Executive Summary 1

Table of Contents 1

Eligibility Information 1

Technical Capabilities (Statement of Need, Proposed Solution, and Partnership Strategy)

Past Performance 5

Intellectual Property No limit

Price Proposal per work area No limit

Proposal Attachments See Below

Attachment A - Personnel Validation 2 pages per key person

Attachment B – Infrastructure Validation 10

Attachment C – Organizational Conflicts of Interest No limit

Evaluation: Adequacy of the offeror’s technical capability and price.

Technical capability has two subfactors (capabilities and past performance).

Capabilities assess proposed personnel, processes, infrastructure, and resources. Past performance determines the relevance of the offeror’s prior efforts to the scope of work described in this solicitation. Price analyzes overall reasonableness.

Note: To be considered for MATOC on-ramping, proposals submitted for standalone contracts must indicate they are also seeking MATOC membership through the on-ramp process.

Scope and Contract Line-Item Numbers (CLINS)

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Directed-Topic calls and Open-Topic Opportunities may include lunar and Mars mission concept development studies and risk reduction activities with focus areas including infrastructure, transportation, habitation, mission Concept of Operations (CONOPS), and lunar and Mars mission science

Appendix B is organized into contract line-item numbers (CLINs) as follows:

• 0001 Concept Exploration- This CLIN focuses on initial investigation and preliminary research into the proposed concept's alignment with NASA strategic goals and architecture needs.

• 0002 Concept Refinement – This CLIN builds upon the exploratory research of CLIN 0001 by conducting comprehensive mission concept investigations to assess feasibility and program alignment.

• 0003 Concept Maturation - This CLIN advances the research foundation from CLIN 0002 through comprehensive requirements analysis and design space exploration.

• 0004 Risk Reduction- This CLIN focuses on experimental research methodologies to investigate and characterize critical technical, programmatic, and operational risks that cannot be adequately assessed through analytical methods alone during pre-formulation concept evaluation.

• 0005 Special Studies- This CLIN provides flexible capability to conduct specialized investigations and studies that require focused expertise outside the scope of the main CLINs.

Solicitation Reference Materials Summary

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NextSTEP Omnibus:

https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/ 613a1c06edce4e9299fce9465dc58e50/vie w

NextSTEP Appendix B:

https://www.nasa.gov/general/nextstep-3-b-moon-to-mars-architecture-studies/

Draft Solicitation:

https://www.nasa.gov/general/nextstep-3-b-moon-to-mars-architecture-studies/ https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/613a1c06edce4e9299fce9465dc58e50/view https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/613a1c06edce4e9299fce9465dc58e50/view https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/613a1c06edce4e9299fce9465dc58e50/view https://www.nasa.gov/general/nextstep-3-b-moon-to-mars-architecture-studies/ https://www.nasa.gov/general/nextstep-3-b-moon-to-mars-architecture-studies/ https://www.nasa.gov/general/nextstep-3-b-moon-to-mars-architecture-studies/ https://www.nasa.gov/general/nextstep-3-b-moon-to-mars-architecture-studies/ https://www.nasa.gov/general/nextstep-3-b-moon-to-mars-architecture-studies/ https://www.nasa.gov/general/nextstep-3-b-moon-to-mars-architecture-studies/ https://www.nasa.gov/general/nextstep-3-b-moon-to-mars-architecture-studies/ https://www.nasa.gov/general/nextstep-3-b-moon-to-mars-architecture-studies/ https://www.nasa.gov/general/nextstep-3-b-moon-to-mars-architecture-studies/ https://www.nasa.gov/general/nextstep-3-b-moon-to-mars-architecture-studies/ https://www.nasa.gov/general/nextstep-3-b-moon-to-mars-architecture-studies/ https://www.nasa.gov/general/nextstep-3-b-moon-to-mars-architecture-studies/ https://www.nasa.gov/general/nextstep-3-b-moon-to-mars-architecture-studies/ https://www.nasa.gov/general/nextstep-3-b-moon-to-mars-architecture-studies/ https://www.nasa.gov/general/nextstep-3-b-moon-to-mars-architecture-studies/ https://www.nasa.gov/general/nextstep-3-b-moon-to-mars-architecture-studies/ https://www.nasa.gov/general/nextstep-3-b-moon-to-mars-architecture-studies/ https://www.nasa.gov/general/nextstep-3-b-moon-to-mars-architecture-studies/ https://www.nasa.gov/general/nextstep-3-b-moon-to-mars-architecture-studies/ https://www.nasa.gov/general/nextstep-3-b-moon-to-mars-architecture-studies/ https://www.nasa.gov/general/nextstep-3-b-moon-to-mars-architecture-studies/ https://www.nasa.gov/general/nextstep-3-b-moon-to-mars-architecture-studies/ https://www.nasa.gov/general/nextstep-3-b-moon-to-mars-architecture-studies/ https://www.nasa.gov/general/nextstep-3-b-moon-to-mars-architecture-studies/ https://www.nasa.gov/general/nextstep-3-b-moon-to-mars-architecture-studies/ https://www.nasa.gov/general/nextstep-3-b-moon-to-mars-architecture-studies/ https://www.nasa.gov/general/nextstep-3-b-moon-to-mars-architecture-studies/ https://www.nasa.gov/general/nextstep-3-b-moon-to-mars-architecture-studies/ https://www.nasa.gov/general/nextstep-3-b-moon-to-mars-architecture-studies/ https://www.nasa.gov/general/nextstep-3-b-moon-to-mars-architecture-studies/

Study Calls NextSTEP-3: Moon to Mars Architectural Studies Industry Day

Matt Simon

01/22/26 Strategy and Architecture Office 29

Industry Engagement – Integration and Strategy Lead

Anticipated Calls

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Directed Topics Lunar Surface Power Mars Crew Transportation

Open Topics

Upcoming Calls / Milestones

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Note: MATOC membership does not preclude participation in open topic opportunities; membership maximizes opportunities for participation.

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JANUARY 30

Solicitation Release

FEBRUARY 20

MATOC Proposals

Due

MARCH TBD

MATOC Awards

APRIL TBD

First Directed-Topic

Call

APRIL TBD

First Directed-Topic

Call Proposals Due

JUNE TBD

First Directed-Topic

Call Awarded

TBD

Open Topic Opportunity

TBD

Proposal Evaluation

Begins

TBD

Contract

Execution

Study Call Reference Materials

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Moon to Mars Architecture:

https://www.nasa.gov/MoonToMarsArc hitecture/

Moon to Mars Objectives:

m2m-objectives-exec-summary.pdf

Moon to Mars Strategy:

m2m_strategy_and_objectives_developmen t.pdf

Architecture Design Document :

https://www.nasa.gov/MoonToMarsArc hitecture/

Moon to Mars White Papers:

Moon to Mars Architecture - White Papers - NASA https://www.nasa.gov/MoonToMarsArchitecture/ https://www.nasa.gov/MoonToMarsArchitecture/ https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/m2m-objectives-exec-summary.pdf?emrc=68d2f0c47e980 https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/m2m-objectives-exec-summary.pdf?emrc=68d2f0c47e980 https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/m2m-objectives-exec-summary.pdf?emrc=68d2f0c47e980 https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/m2m-objectives-exec-summary.pdf?emrc=68d2f0c47e980 https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/m2m-objectives-exec-summary.pdf?emrc=68d2f0c47e980 https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/m2m-objectives-exec-summary.pdf?emrc=68d2f0c47e980 https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/m2m-objectives-exec-summary.pdf?emrc=68d2f0c47e980 https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/m2m_strategy_and_objectives_development.pdf?emrc=68d2f0c47eb72 https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/m2m_strategy_and_objectives_development.pdf?emrc=68d2f0c47eb72 https://www.nasa.gov/MoonToMarsArchitecture/ https://www.nasa.gov/MoonToMarsArchitecture/ https://www.nasa.gov/moontomarsarchitecture-whitepapers/ https://www.nasa.gov/moontomarsarchitecture-whitepapers/ https://www.nasa.gov/moontomarsarchitecture-whitepapers/ https://www.nasa.gov/moontomarsarchitecture-whitepapers/ https://www.nasa.gov/moontomarsarchitecture-whitepapers/ https://www.nasa.gov/moontomarsarchitecture-whitepapers/

Lunar Surface Power Call

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Overall Goal

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• Lunar surface architecture will include diverse elements with growing capabilities over time

• Studies show considerable robustness when power sources are varied, elements can share power, and strategies address survival of long periods of darkness

• Sustained infrastructure should evolve to enable commercial use with solid business cases

• Lessons from Earth-based experience can guide lunar power strategies

Seek commercial inputs on lunar surface power infrastructure evolvable from early missions to more sustained missions, including trade analyses, estimated commercial power demands, and business economics.

GOAL

MOTIVATION

Background: Architecture Power

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Notional time-phased power needs with expanding surface power users. As the architecture evolves to include more users, power needs exceed power available without external power augmentation. Note: earlier users would be entirely power self-sufficient. (NASA)

• Lunar architecture robustness enabled by external power augmentation [ADD Rev B] o Power system mass for self-sufficient elements consume

>1/3 element mass o Opportunities to share power increases robustness

• Power demand characterization to achieve near and far-term lunar o Studies ongoing to understand concepts for both nuclear and non-nuclear approaches to meet demands

• Nuclear power decision for future Mars surface architecture [ACR24] o Most mass efficient/extensible for higher energy demand architectures at increased tech development costs

White Paper:

Integrated Lunar Power Strategy Considerations https://go.nasa.gov/45J59Eb

White Paper:

Mars Surface Power Technology Decision https://go.nasa.gov/49xpspc

White Paper:

Mars Surface Power Generation Challenges and Consideration https://go.nasa.gov/3LeSAK5

Lunar Surface Power Call:

Study and Risk Reduction

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• Architectural approaches and/or individual systems to establish an integrated surface power infrastructure (aka power grid). Includes generation, storage, distribution, interfaces, operations, etc.

• Power demand estimates and business economics necessary to achieve a viable, commercially-provided power service on the lunar surface

• Risk reduction activities to buy down developmental and/or operational risks with a power grid (may have different timeline)

• Note: This call excludes proposals seeking to address the Fission Surface Power System Announcement for Partnership Proposal. The call may include all technology solutions including alternate fission, solar hybrid, or other power grid approaches and evolution strategies.

https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/e33becf3872a473dbeea39d446baf397/view https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/e33becf3872a473dbeea39d446baf397/view

Candidate Lunar Surface Power Study Deliverables

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• Recommended approach, including high-level descriptions and quantities of power generation, energy storage, power distribution, and/or interface equipment needed

• Key driving ground rules, assumptions and constraints

• Descriptions of trade options considered

• Technology development and maturity (Technology Readiness Level) assumptions

• Conops

• Simulation/analysis results to validate concepts and assumptions. This may include, but is not limited to:

electrical conversion efficiencies, power transmission efficiencies, cable sizing, system energy balances, day/night power variations, etc.

• Cost, schedule, and risk assessments

• Characterization of major differences to power infrastructure design, buildup, and operations across solicitation-requested use cases

• A Mars extensibility assessment

• Lunar surface power commercialization assessment

Mars Crew Transportation Study

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Overall Goal

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• NASA has investigated multiple crew transportation alternatives and architectures

• For each part of the transportation architecture, there are challenges requiring innovative solutions that are robust, capable, and affordable

• Desire for targeted concept assessment to understand break points, viable approaches, and development strategies

Seek commercial inputs on Mars Crew Transportation concepts, including trade analyses, development plans, and risk reduction approaches.

GOALMOTIVATION

Transit Propulsion Systems

Solar Electric Propulsion

Nuclear Electric Propulsion

Nuclear Thermal Propulsion

Chemical Propulsion

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The ability to transport crew and cargo from Earth to Mars vicinity and surface is the key component of any human Mars architecture.

Transportation Systems Include:

• In Space Propulsion

• Mars surface access (entry, descent, landing)

• Mars ascent

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White Paper:

Mars Transportation https://go.nasa.gov/4iB3ZzH

White Paper:

Mars Entry, Descent, and Landing Considerations https://go.nasa.gov/3ZHnpdl

White Paper:

Round-Trip Mars Mission Mass Challenges https://go.nasa.gov/4fsoI5Z

Potential Topics:

• Innovative Transportation: Approaches for robust and routine roundtrip crew transportation to the Martian vicinity

• Crew Transportation Concept development: Concept development, trade studies, and sensitivity assessment of various transportation technology and design options, with consideration of extensibility from lunar approaches, with enhanced understanding of how systems could mature and grow to accommodate more crew

• Transportation Concept Synergy: Assessment of synergy between transportation concepts to support both crew and cargo delivery from Earth to the Martian surface and identify common investment

• Risk reduction activities: Identification of potential risk reduction activities that would enable maturation of transportation concepts and technology components

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The First Step to Exploring Mars is Getting There

Summary & FAQs NextSTEP-3: Moon to Mars Architectural Studies Industry Day

Brooke Thornton

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Industry Engagement Lead

NextSTEP-3 Moon to Mars Architectural Studies Your On-ramp to NASA's Human Exploration Future

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JANUARY 30*

Solicitation Release

MARCH TBD*

Respondents to Appendix B of NextSTEP-3 possess a desire to help NASA define the Moon to Mars architecture.

There are two ways respondents can apply:

• Exposure to a wide range of agency-initiated lunar and Mars-related studies

• Future Opportunities: Position for upcoming studies across the Moon to Mars architecture

• A Streamlined Process: Pre-approved templates enable faster task order execution

• Strategic Positioning: Stay connected to NASA's evolving architecture needs

• Competitive Advantage: Be ready when the right opportunity emerges

• Submission of respondent’s own unique concept/idea for NASA consideration

* Dates subject to change

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Directed-Topic Call?

A Directed-Topic Call is an agency-initiated call that targets specific architecture gaps or technical topics and only accepts proposals from MATOC pool members. These will be issued as Requests for Task Order Proposals (RTOPs).

2. Will there be any restrictions on submissions to directed-call opportunities within the MATOC pool, or will each opportunity be available to the entire pool?

Each directed-topic call will be available to all contractors in the MATOC pool.

3. How will NASA manage directed-topic call opportunities vs open-topic opportunities to avoid duplication or unintended overlap?

Directed-topic calls solicit targeted technical solutions to specific architecture needs, often focused on a specific discipline or function. Open-Topic Opportunities will provide industry a mechanism to submit their unique ideas, proposals must have a validity date of 365 days after submission.

Open-topic opportunities must not be duplicative with responses to the directed-topic call opportunities.

4. How are topics selected for Directed-Topic Calls?

Topics derive from needs identified in the ADD and associated products/whitepapers and are intended to inform strategy and operations (e.g., lunar surface habitation augmentation).

5. What is an RTOP and how will Task Orders be structured?

An RTOP (Request for Task Order Proposal) defines the particular study’s scope, work areas, assumptions, schedule, and deliverables for a Task Order under the MATOC. The sample document focuses on lunar surface habitation studies and is representative of how future Task Orders may be framed from a technical perspective.

6. Are proposals expected to cover all technical areas?

No. The sample RTOP is structured into multiple Work Areas; offerors may propose to one, some, or all Work Areas based on capability and strategic interest.

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7. Can an offeror propose to only a subset of the directed topics?

Yes.

8. Are testing and demonstrations within scope for Task Orders?

Yes. Risk-reduction may include testing and demonstration activities where appropriate to the study topics.

9. Is there guidance on the latest architecture baseline to consider in proposals?

Yes. Offerors should reference the latest Architecture Definition Document and associated whitepapers available via the Moon to Mars Architecture page linked in the solicitation documents and RTOP documents. (NASA does not commit to any specific future architecture via the RTOP text.)

10. What deliverables and schedules should we expect?

Deliverables/schedules are specified per RTOP. The sample shows structured Work Areas and associated timelines/deliverables; actual Task Orders will detail these items in their RTOPs.

11. How will Task Order proposals be evaluated?

Evaluation will be conducted based upon the evaluation factors and subfactors described in the solicitation.

12. Will NASA host an Industry forum before the Task Order releases?

Yes. There may be a brief presentation outlining the Task Order content with an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback prior to each RTOP release.

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13. Can vendors in the MATOC pool bring on additional subcontractors for Task Order responses?

Yes. This may be done to fill a capability gap or enhance the prime contractor’s chances of competing for future Task Orders under the MATOC. Note that the Contracting Officer (CO) will need to ensure compliance with FAR 44.201 “Consent and Advance Notification Requirements” for subcontracts.

14. Can multiple MATOC vendors team up to respond to directed-topic calls?

Two separate MATOC awardees cannot submit a joint bid for a directed-topic RTOP as the joint bid would count as a separate entity. Two methods for companies to structure their bids to allow for teaming are as follows.

(1) One MATOC awardee can add another MATOC awardee as a subcontractor to its team to compete for a Task order.

(2) Companies interested in teaming can form a joint venture (JV) and compete for a new MATOC award in the name of the JV. Once that JV has a MATOC award, it can compete for future task orders.

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Questions?

Architectural Studies Industry Day

January 22, 2026

Questions related to industry day are requested by January 27th. All questions should be directed to Maranda McCord, Contracting Officer @ HQ-NEXTSTEP3APPB@mail.nasa.gov mailto:HQ-NEXTSTEP3APPB@mail.nasa.gov mailto:HQ-NEXTSTEP3APPB@mail.nasa.gov mailto:HQ-NEXTSTEP3APPB@mail.nasa.gov