Network Extension for User Continuity and Sustainability (NEXUS) Ka-Band Backward-Compatible Relay Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) NextSTEP-3 Appendix E - Draft Solicitation

NASA’s NEXUS Ka‑Band TDRS‑BC solicitation seeks industry partners to develop and demonstrate an end‑to‑end capability that supports on‑orbit missions where flight hardware cannot be modified and commercial services are not compatible. The effort is structured as a phased, competitive Research‑and‑Development acquisition (NAICS 541715) with multiple Firm‑Fixed‑Price awards and progressive down‑selection based on technical performance, credibility, and commercial viability. Offerors must submit a comprehensive proposal that includes (1) a detailed Service Financial Pricing Structure (SFPSD) covering cost drivers, pricing philosophy (fixed vs. variable, subscription vs. usage), cost allocation, and revenue projections; (2) a Management Volume describing program organization, small‑business utilization goals, and execution management; (3) a Government Travel Authorization (GTA) summary with cost estimates; and (4) an Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) Plan with required disclosures, mitigation strategies, and affiliate/subcontractor information (Attachments A‑D). Proposals must also provide alternative milestone acceptance criteria and payment schedules (Attachment J), infrastructure validation documentation, and a corporate contribution worksheet. NASA will review OCI submissions separately from technical evaluation and may engage offerors outside negotiations; any unmitigated OCI can render a proposal ineligible. Feedback on the draft RFP is due 21 April 2026, and the final solicitation will require a schedule and a model for government insight/oversight during capability development.

Notice ID

671e7ea4e868493cb1de28a583e0d883

Solicitation Number

SCAN-MSFC-0001

NAICS Code

541715

Classification Code

AR12