Intent to sole source for the use of retired Merritt Island Launch Annex (MILA) at NASA Kennedy Space Center.

NASA Kennedy Space Center has announced its intent to sole source an Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) for the retired Merritt Island Launch Annex (MILA) facility located at NASA Stennis Space Center. The facility, situated along a canal in the southern portion of the Stenlis Space Center fee area adjacent to Road H, is currently underutilized and represents an opportunity for commercial expansion. The special notice was posted on February 23, 2026, and falls under the Real Estate and Rental and Leasing category (NAICS 53). NASA has identified a long-standing commercial partner and current tenant with strong interest in expanding operations at this location. This announcement represents a civilian agency initiative to leverage government real estate assets for commercial purposes while supporting the agency's mission.

The primary objective of this sole source intent is to advance the commercial space economy by providing a commercial tenant with additional acreage for vehicle cryogenic testing operations. The response deadline is March 9, 2026, with responses due by March 8, 2026, which will be evaluated to assess additional market interest and determine final leasing terms. The special notice explicitly invites interested parties to submit responses during this window; if no competing responses are received and due diligence is successful, NASA may proceed with negotiations and execution of a real estate instrument and cooperation agreements with the proposed tenant. The leasing arrangement is designed to maximize public benefit while supporting agency missions and U.S. national space policy objectives. Participation is open to qualified commercial entities capable of supporting vehicle cryogenic testing operations and demonstrating compatibility with NASA's mission requirements.