Contract Extension for Science Operations of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and Operation of the Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes (MAST) at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI)

NASA/GSFC has a requirement for the continuation of Contract NAS5- 26555 with the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) for continued operation of the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) which provides full science management of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and supports the HST science and flight operations facilities. The requirement is for the contractor to continue to provide the products and services required to execute the science program, maintain and calibrate the onboard instruments, maintain the ground systems, archive and distribute the science data, manage the HST research awards program, support NASA public outreach, and conduct astronomical research during the remaining years of HST science mission as well as operate and maintain the Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes (MAST). The period of performance for this effort is July 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

NASA/GSFC intends to extend Contract NAS5-26555 with AURA under the statutory authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304(a)(1), only one responsible source. AURA is the only known source that possesses the required experience and expertise in all areas, including, but not limited to astronomy, HST operations, optics, detectors, systems engineering, public affairs, grants administration, and foreign agreements to successfully meet the specific challenging mission requirements. HST is a highly complex and internationally acclaimed spacecraft that provides astronomical observing capabilities that are unique in the world. AURA is the only contractor that possesses a complete knowledge of HST unique requirements in the critical area of planning and scheduling. AURA’s expertise in science operations is required to ensure the safety of the instruments and to process and calibrate the data so that it can be easily and effectively distributed to the astronomical community. AURA has expertly and continuously refined the science operations techniques of the mission during the past 35 years to incorporate changes and has worked with the astronomical community to develop, peer-review, communicate, and coordinate these changes with the telescope’s users. These include complicated workarounds to mitigate the effects of aging in both the instruments and the spacecraft. AURA has made extensive, complex modifications to the planning, scheduling, and command-load generation systems to support mission-critical life-extension activities. AURA is the only known source that possesses the end-to-end life cycle knowledge and operational skill set for the HST instrument suite. AURA is the only known source with deep synergies increasingly present between the HST, James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and Roman Space Telescope (RST) missions established through AURA’s purposeful implementation of the contract requirements for each mission in a manner that reduces risk, increases productivity, and minimize costs for all three programs.

The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12.

Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 4:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on January 27, 2026. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed effort on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government.

Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.

NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/pub/pub_library/Omb.html

Point of Contact

Name: Michele Connerton

Title: Contracting Officer

E-mail: Michele.R.Connerton@nasa.gov