Small Bodies Discipline Node

THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. NO PROPOSALS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO THIS NOTICE.

This notice is issued by the NASA/GSFC to post a draft Statement of Work to solicit responses from interested parties. This document is for information and planning purposes and to allow industry the opportunity to verify reasonableness and feasibility of the requirement, as well as promote competition. 

Planetary Data System (PDS) as a system of Discipline Nodes ensures the long-term secure preservation of NASA planetary science data and maintains its usability. Discipline Node work includes performing the function of a Federal information system including compliance with Federal cybersecurity laws (e.g., FISMA,  FITARA) and related NASA cybersecurity directives and requirements.

The PDS system of Discipline Nodes engages in standards development and supports the NASA planetary community in the application and implementation of standards that ensure better access, interoperability, and usability of mission and instrument observations, models, software, and ancillary NASA planetary science data.

NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) hereby soliciting information from potential sources for the Small Bodies Discipline Node.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) GSFC 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 the Small Bodies Discipline Node. 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) 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:

• Breaking requirements into smaller components

• Identifying areas appropriate for subcontracting

• Considering teaming or mentor protégé approaches

This RFI is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government, nor will the Government pay for the information submitted in response. The Government may not respond to questions/concerns submitted. The Government will use the information to finalize the RFP as necessary.

All comments or questions must be submitted electronically via email to Candis.Edwards@nasa.gov, no later than June 12, 2026, at 2:00PM Eastern Standard Time. When responding please reference 80GSFC27PDSSBD.

NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at: https://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/regs/Procurement-Ombuds-Comp-Advocate-Listing.pdf

If a solicitation is released, then it and any additional documents will be available on Sam.gov. It is the offeror's responsibility to monitor this website for the release of the solicitation and amendments (if any). Potential offerors will be responsible for downloading their own copy of the solicitation and amendments, if any.

NASA intends to publicize a listing of respondents to facilitate teaming arrangements. Should your firm desire not to be included in this listing, clearly indicate this desire in your response.