This procurement is to acquire services to deliver a conceptual design of the flight system for the ARRIVAL aerocapture technology demonstration mission.

NASA Shared Services Center is seeking contractors to deliver a conceptual design for the ARRIVAL (Aerocapture to Reliably Reduce Inertial Velocity with Aerodynamics and Lift) aerocapture technology demonstration mission flight system. The procurement aims to develop a design for a small blunt-body aerocapture capsule approximately 1-meter in diameter that will be launched into Geostationary Transfer Orbit and perform a single-pass aerocapture maneuver through Earth's atmosphere to demonstrate advanced spacecraft energy reduction techniques. Contractors must demonstrate capability to design SmallSats and planetary entry systems, develop comprehensive subsystem designs including electrical power, telecommunications, avionics, attitude control, and propulsion, and deliver key components such as Microsoft PowerPoint presentations, block diagrams, outline drawings, and mass estimates. The evaluation will be based on three primary criteria: Technical Approach (capability to design SmallSats and planetary entry systems), Management Approach (ability to assemble and manage design teams), and Past Performance (experience in mission design and developing relevant systems). Vendors must submit quotes by July 18, 2025, and must reference tracking number 80NSSC25904249Q in their email subject lines when submitting responses.

This procurement is designated as a Total Small Business set-aside, with up to two contracts anticipated to be awarded to represent the best value to the government considering both price and evaluation factors. The contract will be structured as a firm fixed price commercial item procurement with a 90-day performance period. Performance will take place in Hampton, Virginia, and contractors must be registered in SAM.gov to be eligible for award. The ultimate objective is to mature aerocapture technology for potential future applications in Mars exploration, lunar return missions, and solar system science missions. No incumbent contractors or specific budget ranges were identified in the solicitation materials, though the procurement follows standard federal acquisition regulations for commercial items.