V-Band Cross-Link Space Relay Mesh Network Demonstration (V-Band)

NASA/Glenn Research Center (GRC) plans to issue a NASA Research Announcement (NRA) for: V-Band Cross-Link Space Relay Mesh Network Demonstration (V-Band). NASA is transitioning from the traditional model of owning and operating government space communications infrastructure toward acquiring communications services from a robust and competitive commercial marketplace. The Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program’s Communications Services Project (CSP) advances this transition by partnering with industry to develop and demonstrate commercial communications capabilities that can meet the needs of NASA missions while remaining commercially viable beyond NASA use. This solicitation extends that approach to V-band relay services. The objective of this solicitation is for the contractor(s) to demonstrate a network mesh V-band cross-link and potential application capabilities in space and evaluate the potential for those V-band cross-links to be used to transmit large volumes of science and Earth remote sensing data to users with high-speed and low latency. The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial product or commercial service using FAR Part 12. This acquisition is a total small business set-aside. The NAICS Code and Size Standard are 541715 and 1,000 employees, respectively. The anticipated release date of the NRA is on or about November 27, 2027, with an anticipated offer due date of on or about January 11, 2027. All responsible sources may submit an offer which will be considered by the Agency. 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). Prospective offerors are encouraged to notify this office of their intent to submit an offer. All contractual and technical questions must be submitted electronically via email to: Ian Park, Contracting Officer - [email protected], and Dustin Hatherill, Contracting Officer - [email protected]. No later than 3:00PM on November 20, 2026. Please reference the Notice Title (NASA Research Announcement: V-Band) in any response. Telephone questions will not be accepted.