AI tech support services

NASA's Shared Services Center seeks AI tech support services comprising research, analysis, and prototype development for artificial intelligence verification and validation in safety-critical systems, with quotes due July 24, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. Central Time. This is a full and open competition procurement with no set-aside, awarded on lowest price technically acceptable basis under solicitation number 80NSSC26935917Q-R1.

Place of performance is the contractor's facility. The engagement runs August 1 through November 30, 2026. The NAICS code is 541519, Other Computer Related Services; PSC is DA01, IT and Telecom—Business Application/Application Development Support Services (Labor).

The contractor shall execute seven primary work tasks: conduct an in-depth examination of state-of-the-art AI verification and validation methodologies applicable to AI-enabled systems across varying autonomy levels; evaluate applicable government standards and frameworks from the Department of Defense and National Institute of Standards and Technology; research and analyze publicly available industry best practices for implementing AI in safety-critical applications; engage with NASA project teams to capture specific operational requirements and existing workflows; select two open-source AI testing tools, apply them to the ASTRA framework or comparable AI models, and document capabilities, limitations, and identified gaps; consolidate research findings into a comprehensive report with actionable recommendations customized for NASA's software assurance practices; and develop a basic software prototype demonstrating key findings and ensuring compatibility with the ASTRA framework. Deliverables include demonstrations of both testing tools by months 2 and 3, weekly progress and strategic meetings throughout performance, a final report with recommendations by month 4, and the software prototype by month 4.

Contractual and technical questions must be submitted in writing via email to Cody Guidry at cody.d.guidry@nasa.gov no later than July 23, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. CT. Vendors must provide SAM CAGE Code, UEI, and two points of contact with names, phone numbers, and email addresses. The contract structure is firm fixed price. Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose offer is lowest price technically acceptable.