Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source Contract HelioSwarm Medium-Class Explorers Mission

NASA's Ames Research Center (ARC) has published a Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source Contract for the HelioSwarm (HS) Medium-Class Explorers (MIDEX) Mission. This special notice, posted on February 3, 2026, indicates NASA's intention to award a sole source contract to Southwest Research Institute for the Bridge Phase and subsequent phases of the HelioSwarm mission. The notice falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences category and involves Space R&D Services. NASA is implementing this procurement through the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) 6.103-1, which permits non-competitive contracting when only one responsible source can satisfy agency requirements. No set-aside provisions apply to this acquisition, and the government does not intend to procure a commercial product or service.

The HelioSwarm mission is a transformative scientific initiative designed to explore the three-dimensional, dynamic mechanisms controlling plasma turbulence physics throughout the heliosphere and the broader plasma universe. Interested organizations have until 4:00 PM Pacific Standard Time on February 18, 2026, to submit their capabilities and qualifications electronically to Sophia Mo at sophia.mo@nasa.gov. The government will evaluate submitted qualifications solely to determine whether to conduct this acquisition on a competitive basis, though any decision to compete remains entirely within the government's discretion. While the notice specifically anticipates awarding to Southwest Research Institute, organizations meeting responsible source standards may be considered if they can demonstrate comparable capabilities. The NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman provision applies to this acquisition, and interested parties can locate the Center Ombudsman contact information through NASA's official procurement website.