IT storage services

NASA's National Aeronautics and Space Administration Shared Services Center has issued a Special Notice for IT storage services, specifically requiring Iridium Certus, Aerion and SBD Service Plans. The agency intends to award a sole source contract to Nal Research Corp, located in Manassas, Virginia, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), having determined that this company is the sole provider of the required IT storage services. Performance will take place at NASA's Ames Research Center, with NASA/NSSC serving as the procuring center. The procurement falls under NAICS code 541990 and will utilize commercial acquisition procedures under FAR Parts 12 and 13. This notice was posted on August 18, 2025, with a tight response deadline of August 20, 2025.

The purpose of this Special Notice is to provide an opportunity for interested organizations to demonstrate their capabilities and qualifications to perform the required services, which could potentially influence the government's decision to conduct the procurement on a competitive basis rather than sole source. Organizations must submit written responses by 1:00 p.m. Central Standard Time on August 20, 2025, as oral communications will not be accepted. The services support NASA's SMD Earth Science Division Airborne Science Program, requiring satellite communication services including a minimum of 1000MB of CERTUS data services monthly for eight NASA aircraft, Aireon ADS-B aircraft tracking services, and Short Burst Data services for tracking portable devices during field campaigns. The contract period is one year from award, though NASA anticipates similar service needs for at least the next five years. Any determination to maintain the sole source approach or move to competitive procurement remains solely at the government's discretion.