Relationship to Other NASA NextSTEP-3 Solicitations (Scope Boundary).pdf

Revision: 2

Relationship to Other NASA NextSTEP-3 Solicitations (Scope Boundary)

Offerors should carefully note the distinction between NASAs 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 to advance capabilities to a TRL 5-6. It is intended for technologies that still require fundamental engineering maturation in laboratories or controlled analog environments. Appendix A focuses on five specific technical areas ( or topics): Vertical Solar Array, In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) Oxygen from Regolith Production System, Radioisotope Stirling Generator System, In Space Advanced Manufacturing and Innovative Nanomaterials production.

• 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. 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 Appendix A and Appendix B seek ground testing, Appendix B must show a path tied to flight and lunar surface demonstration. Each solicitation constitutes a separate and distinct competitive opportunity. Therefore, proposals submitted under each solicitation will be evaluated independently and in accordance with the evaluation criteria set forth in the respective Appendix to which the proposal was submitted.

If your effort… → Appendix A (LEIA) → Appendix B (Demonstrations)

Objective Technology Development of low/mid-TRL concepts

Technology Demonstrations of mid/high-TRL concepts

Scope Five (5) Topic areas:

• Vertical Solar Array

• ISRU Oxygen Production

Systems

Topic Areas:

• Infrastructure (including Power and C&PNT)

• Transportation

• Mobility

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• Radioisotope Stirling Generator System

• In-Space Advanced Manufacturing

• Innovative Nanomaterials Production

• Habitation

• Autonomy & Robotics

• Lunar and Mission Science

• Mission Concept of Operations

(CONOPS)

Directed Calls:

#1 Initial Surface Power

#2 TBC

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