Relationship to Other NextSTEP-3 Solicitations.pdf
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- Attached to
- NextSTEP-3 Appendix B: Moon Base Demonstrations
- Solicitation number
- M2M-MSFC-0001
About this file
This document is a guidance appendix clarifying the scope boundaries between two NextSTEP-3 solicitations: Appendix A (Lunar Enabling Infrastructure Accelerator [LEIA]) and Appendix B (Moon Base Demonstrations). Appendix A focuses on early-stage technology development targeting Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5–6 maturity through component-to-system-level development in laboratory or controlled analog environments. Appendix B is reserved for mature technologies at TRL 6 and beyond, requiring system-level integration and lunar or in-space demonstrations that build upon completed proof-of-concept and component development. Appendix A operates as a single-step proposal process with a maximum duration of three years under Notice ID 80GRC026R0008, while Appendix B employs a two-step process (White Paper followed by invited Proposal) with per-phase structure timelines under Notice ID 80MSFC26R0003.
The guidance instructs offerors that concepts requiring fundamental engineering maturation, component-level invention, or laboratory-based testing to advance toward TRL 6 belong in Appendix A, not Appendix B. Conversely, systems sufficiently mature (TRL 6+) for integration into an operational prototype suitable for lunar surface deployment qualify for Appendix B. Although both mechanisms include ground testing, Appendix B must demonstrate a clear pathway to flight and lunar surface demonstration, distinguishing it from Appendix A's ground and laboratory-only testing requirements. This delineation ensures appropriate matching of proposed technology maturity levels with corresponding solicitation mechanisms and evaluation criteria.
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Relationship to Other NextSTEP-3 Solicitations (Scope Boundary)
Offerors should carefully note the distinction between the recently released Appendix A (Lunar Enabling Infrastructure Accelerator [LEIA]) and Appendix B (Moon Base Demonstrations).
• Appendix A (Technology Development) focuses on early research and component-to-system-level development (typically achieving up to TRL 5 or 6). It is intended for technologies that still require fundamental engineering maturation in laboratory or controlled analog environments.
• Appendix B (Concept Demonstrations) is reserved for system-level integration and lunar demonstrations (TRL 6 and beyond). Technologies proposed under Appendix B must have already completed fundamental proof-of-concept and component development. Proposals here must focus on demonstrating integrated capabilities in relevant ground-based analogs and culminating in flight or lunar surface demonstrations.
Guidance to Offerors: If the proposed concept requires fundamental engineering maturation, component-level invention, or laboratory-based testing to advance toward TRL 6, it is considered out of scope for Appendix B and should be evaluated against the objectives of Appendix A. Conversely, if the system is mature enough (TRL 6+) to be integrated into an operational prototype for lunar surface deployment, it belongs in Appendix B. While both mechanisms include ground testing, Appendix B must show a path tied to flight and lunar surface demonstration.
If your effort… → Appendix A (LEIA) → Appendix B (Demonstrations)
Objective Technology Development of low-TRL concepts
Technology Demonstrations of mid/high-TRL concepts
Demonstration environment
Ground / lab / relevant test only
Ground-analog AND lunar / in-space
Target maturity Advance toward TRL 5–6 Mature TRL 6 → 7+
Process Single-step proposal Two-step: White Paper → invited Proposal
Duration ≤ 3 years Per phase structure
Notice ID 80GRC026R0008 80MSFC26R0003
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