Justification for Exception to Fair Opportunity – xEVAS Task Order 80JSC026FA082

NASA Johnson Space Center has awarded a sole-source task order to Axiom Space under the Exploration Extravehicular Activity Services (xEVAS) multiple-award IDIQ contract, with a ceiling price of $65.8 million, on July 28, 2026.

The task order (80JSC026FA082) covers SubCLIN 2B, Artemis EVA Services, and will provide end-to-end extravehicular activity capability for a second lunar mission scheduled for 2028. Deliverables include certified spacesuits, crew aids, vehicle interfaces, flight and ground support hardware, accessories, and contractor support for NASA training and real-time operations.

NASA justified the sole-source award under FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(B) based on the unique and highly specialized nature of spacesuit development and Axiom's status as the only xEVAS contractor currently in active development of an operational xEVA system capable of meeting the 2028 mission timeline. Collins Aerospace, the second xEVAS contractor, descoped its task orders in June 2024 due to inability to meet NASA's mission objectives. The acceleration of Artemis mission tempo was announced February 27, 2026, requiring execution of two lunar surface missions in 2028.

The estimated period of performance is authorization to proceed plus 34 months. Pricing will be negotiated based on established rates in Table B.5.2 and Attachment J-08, previously determined fair and reasonable at the May 31, 2022 xEVAS contract award. A Notice of Intent was issued March 5, 2026, with Collins Aerospace confirming no objections on March 6, 2026.