NASA Research Announcement: V-Band

NASA/Glenn Research Center (GRC) is hereby soliciting information from potential sources for demonstrating, in space, V-band spectra cross-links among multiple satellites operating in a configuration sufficient to demonstrate multi-path routing (i.e., at least three nodes, mesh network), at data rates representative of the needs of NASA science and Earth remote sensing missions.

Interested parties shall submit capabilities statements which address their ability to:

1. Demonstrate dynamic routing across the mesh network.
2. Demonstrate delivery of representative mission data volumes across the mesh network.
3. Characterize the achievable performance of the demonstrated architecture, including data throughput, end-to-end latency, link availability, and acquisition and tracking performance, and identify the factors that constrain that performance.
4. Validate technical performance, interoperability, reliability, and cybersecurity through analysis, ground demonstrations, and flight demonstration(s).
5. Assess the scalability and extensibility of the demonstrated architecture.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) GRC is seeking capability statements from all interested parties, including all socioeconomic categories of Small Businesses (SB) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)/Minority Institutions (MI) for the purposes of determining the appropriate level of competition and/or small business subcontracting goals for V-band Cross-Link Mesh Network. Vendors are encouraged to demonstrate capabilities as a prime, subcontractor and/or teaming partner. The Government reserves the right to consider a Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), HUBZone, Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB), Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, and Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) business set-aside based on responses received.

Respondents are requested to provide informed input on realistic and appropriate SB subcontracting and/or participation goals for the specific requirement. This type of feedback supports NASA’s market research and helps ensure the acquisition strategy is aligned with actual industry capability.

Industry feedback is requested for:

1. SB Subcontracting goals;
2. Barriers that may limit SB participation, such as certifications, unique technical requirements, security needs, specialized tools, or high-risk performance areas and/or
3. Strategies to increase SB participation, including:
   1. Breaking requirements into smaller components
   2. Identifying areas appropriate for subcontracting
   3. Considering teaming or mentor protégé approaches

No solicitation exists; therefore, do not request a copy of the solicitation. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on SAM.gov. Interested firms are responsible for monitoring this website for the release of any presolicitation or solicitation notice.

Vendors having the capabilities necessary to meet or exceed the stated requirements/objectives are invited to submit appropriate documentation, literature, brochures, and references.

Please advise if the requirement is considered a commercial or commercial-type product. A commercial product and commercial service is defined in FAR Part 2, Definitions.

All responses must be submitted electronically via email to:

Ian Park, Contracting Officer - ian.park@nasa.gov, and

Dustin Hatherill, Contracting Officer - dustin.j.hatherill@nasa.gov

No later than 12:00PM on October 6th, 2026. Please reference the Notice Title (NASA Research Announcement: V-Band) in any response.

This sources sought notice is for information and planning purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government nor will the Government pay for information solicited. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the evaluation. Respondents deemed fully qualified will be considered in any resultant solicitation for the requirement.