This is a draft Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Mars Telecommunications Network (MTN) acquisition by NASA. NASA is hosting an industry day on April 9, 2026, at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center for potential offerors to discuss requirements. One-on-one meetings are available and require abstract submission by April 7, 2026. Offerors are encouraged to submit nonbinding information regarding their statutory eligibility with the Working Families Tax Cut Act. Additional documents, including a revised Statement of Objectives and draft Performance Work Statement, are provided. Comments on the draft RFP are due within 10 calendar days of its release. Questions for industry day should be submitted within 5 calendar days of release.
The bid notice does not specify a delivery deadline for proposals.
The bid notice does not specify payment terms.
The bid notice does not specify warranty information.
The bid notice does not specify the award criterion.
The bid notice states that offerors should provide documentation to demonstrate that the offeror is a US commercial provider, received NASA funding in FY 2024 or FY 2025 for commercial design studies for Mars sample return, and proposed a separately and independently launched Mars telecom orbiter to support an end-to-end Mars sample return mission. The bid notice also mentions that potential offerors are highly encouraged to submit nonbinding information addressing their statutory eligibility with the Working Families Tax Cut Act.
The bid notice does not specify penalties.
The bid notice mentions an industry day on April 9, 2026, at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, which includes in-person attendance and one-on-one meetings. This is described as a voluntary event for planning and information gathering purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. The bid notice states, The event will include briefings from the NASA requirements team, as well as one on one meetings between NASA and potential offerors on the MTN drfp requirements.
The bid notice does not mention the submission of samples.
The bid notice states that any comments regarding the drfp should be submitted electronically in writing within 10 calendar days after the release of this drfp.