Request for Information: Earth-Proximity Space-Relay Communication and Navigation Services
Closed Pre-Solicitation Posted
- Solicitation number
- 80GRC025R7020RFI
- Agency
-
Glenn Research Center
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 517410 Satellite Telecommunications
- PSC
- Not on record
- Place of performance
- United States
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
NASA's Glenn Research Center has issued a Request for Information seeking commercial space-relay communication and navigation service capabilities for missions in the Earth Proximity region through its Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Program. The agency is transitioning from its aging Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) system to commercially provided services, aiming to purchase "data as a service" rather than owning infrastructure. The RFI requests detailed information on space-relay architectures, communication services across multiple frequency bands, position/navigation/timing capabilities, spacecraft terminals, cybersecurity compliance, and business model details from both U.S. and international commercial providers. Respondents must provide comprehensive technical and operational information including orbital coverage, data rates, service types (Direct Access and File Delivery), performance characteristics, and implementation costs. Following a July 23, 2025 update, responses are now due by August 1, 2025 at 5:00 PM EDT and must be submitted to updated points of contact via email.
This procurement opportunity does not utilize any set-aside designation and is open to all qualified commercial providers. The RFI does not specify current incumbents, though it references NASA's existing TDRS system that will be replaced. No award values or budget ranges are provided in this pre-solicitation phase, as this is purely an information-gathering exercise for planning purposes. NASA has outlined a timeline where they plan to release a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) in 2027, begin validating services in 2028, and achieve operational commercial services by the end of 2031. The services must support diverse mission needs ranging from science missions to human spaceflight operations, with requirements for both nominal and critical provisioning options. The RFI emphasizes that participation is entirely voluntary and does not constitute a commitment to any future procurement action.
Notice text
2 versions
Update #2 · Latest ·
Please see attachment for further RFI details.
****************23JUL25 UPDATE**********
1. This update notice supersedes the information in the RFI attachment (titled: RFI Earth-Proximity Space-Relay Communication and Navigation Services (07102025).pdf). Effective immediately, all responses must be submitted to BOTH updated Points of contact (POC) in Contact Information via email. Any responses submitted prior to 18JUL25, at 12:00 PM EDT have been received; however, all responses submitted between July 18, 2025, at 12:00 PM EDT and July 23, 2025, at 5:00 PM EDT must be resubmitted to the updated POCs. If you are unsure whether your response was received, you are encouraged to confirm with the updated POCs.
2. The due date for responses is extended from July 25, 2025 to August 1, 2025 05:00PM EDT.
********END OF 23JUL25 UPDATE********
Update #1 ·
Please see attachment for further RFI details.
Files
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