INFLATABLE AERODYNAMIC DECELERATORS Final RFP

This final request for proposal solicits offers to develop inflatable aerodynamic decelerator technologies to enable future NASA missions to Mars and Venus. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Langley Research Center seeks proposals for the design, manufacturing and testing of inflatable structures, flexible thermal protection systems, and gas generator inflation systems. Proposals will be evaluated based on technical approach, management approach, past performance and price. The period of performance is five years from June 2023 to May 2028, with a total estimated contract value between $50-75 million.

The solicitation is a 100% small business set-aside under NAICS code 541715 and PSC code 1102. Current contractors for related work include Airborne Systems North America, CFD Research Corporation, Jackson Bond Enterprises, Miller Scientific Inc., and Ryzing Technologies. Awards will provide funding for ground and flight tests to validate decelerator designs can withstand hypersonic entry heating and safely land payloads of up to 5,000 pounds on Mars. Work will be performed at contractor and government facilities in Hampton, Virginia.