ContractSpecial Notice

Request for Information (RFI): Private Sector Partnerships in Astrobiology, Planetary Protection, and Space Biology

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION• NNH26ZDA010L
Response Deadline
Aug 11, 2026
83 days left
Days Remaining
83
Until deadline
Set-Aside
No Set aside used
Notice Type
Special Notice

Contract Opportunity Analysis

NASA’s Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters is seeking information on private sector partnerships in astrobiology, planetary protection, and space biology to help identify collaborators and partnership approaches that can support future missions, technology development, and data analysis. The RFI invites expressions of interest in areas such as technology development, data analytics and AI, life detection and sample analysis, applied astrobiology, planetary protection, space biology, and communications and engagement. It is for planning purposes only and is not a solicitation for contracts, grants, or agreements, with respondents asked to review the full RFI and submit through NSPIRES. Responses are due by August 10, 2026, and inquiries may be directed to Rebecca McCauley Rench at NASA Headquarters.

Classification Codes

NAICS Code
54171
Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
PSC Code
AR12
SPACE R&D SERVICES; SPACE FLIGHT, RESEARCH AND SUPPORTING ACTIVITIES; APPLIED RESEARCH

Solicitation Documents

1 Files
NNH26ZDA010L NSPIRES Summary for Astrobio RFI.pdf
PDF•114 KB•May 18, 2026
AI Summary
NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) titled “Private Sector Activities in Astrobiology, Planetary Protection, and Space Biology.” This RFI seeks expressions of interest from U.S. private sector, academic, nonprofit, and government organizations for potential partnerships in astrobiology, planetary protection, and space biology. The RFI aims to identify collaborators who can advance research, technology development, and applications supporting NASA’s efforts to understand the origins, evolution, and distribution of life in the universe. This is not a solicitation for contracts, grants, or agreements but is strictly for planning purposes. Responses must be submitted through the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) by August 10, 2026. Inquiries can be directed to Rebecca McCauley Rench at NASA Headquarters via email.

Related Contract Opportunities

Project Timeline

postedOriginal Solicitation PostedMay 18, 2026
deadlineResponse DeadlineAug 11, 2026
expiryArchive DateAug 25, 2026

Agency Information

Department
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
Sub-Tier
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
Office
NASA HEADQUARTERS

Point of Contact

Name
Rebecca McCauley Rench

Place of Performance

Washington, District of Columbia, UNITED STATES

Official Sources

View on SAM.gov