Announcement for Partnership Proposals (AFPP) -- Lunar Volatiles Science Partnership (LVSP)
ID: NNH25ZDA010LType: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNASA HEADQUARTERSWASHINGTON, DC, 20546, USA

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (54171)

PSC

SPACE R&D SERVICES; SPACE FLIGHT, RESEARCH AND SUPPORTING ACTIVITIES; BASIC RESEARCH (AR11)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/fd0e6d5d3c554de2a70cbd34fe80bbc3/view
Timeline
    Description

    NASA's National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is inviting proposals for the Lunar Volatiles Science Partnership (LVSP) to operate the Volatiles Investigating Polar Explorer Rover (VIPER) on the Moon. The partnership aims to achieve significant scientific returns related to lunar resource exploration while fostering commercial opportunities in the lunar economy. This initiative is particularly important as it aligns with NASA's broader goals under the Artemis program, focusing on sustainable lunar exploration and resource utilization. Interested parties must submit their initial proposals by March 3, 2025, with a subsequent detailed submission due by May 2, 2025. For further inquiries, contact Zachary Pirtle or Sumera Ali at hq-volatilespartnership@mail.nasa.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Zachary Pirtle - Science Mission Directorate
    hq-volatilespartnership@mail.nasa.gov
    Sumera Ali - Science Mission Directorate
    hq-volatilespartnership@mail.nasa.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    VIPER LVSP AFPP.pdf
    The Lunar Volatiles Science Partnership (LVSP) deconstructs a federal proposal by NASA inviting partnerships for the operation of the Volatiles Investigating Polar Explorer Rover (VIPER) on the Moon. The announcement outlines a dual-step proposal process, with proposals due first by March 3, 2025, and then a subsequent detailed submission by May 2, 2025. Partners are expected to utilize the VIPER rover, completing additional testing and ensuring lunar delivery while adhering to NASA’s science objectives concerning lunar resource exploration. Key elements include eligibility requirements, compliance with U.S. regulations, and anticipated funding, indicating that partners must secure financial resources independently. The proposal aims to foster commercial opportunities and enhance lunar exploration. Partners are encouraged to establish deliverable milestones and manage risks throughout mission development. NASA intends to execute a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with selected proposers to facilitate collaborations while retaining ownership of the rover. This initiative reflects NASA's strategy to engage private and public entities in lunar resource prospecting, ultimately contributing to the goals of the Artemis program and fostering a sustainable lunar economy.
    Similar Opportunities
    Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility Technologies - A New Partnering Opportunity
    Buyer not available
    NASA's Johnson Space Center is seeking partners to advance technologies related to Extravehicular Activity (EVA) and Human Surface Mobility (HSM) in support of the Artemis missions. The objective is to develop safe, reliable, and effective capabilities that enable astronauts to operate outside spacecraft on and around the Moon, with a focus on high-risk technologies that enhance mission success and productivity. This initiative is crucial for establishing a long-term human presence on the Moon and preparing for future Mars missions. Interested parties should submit their responses by January 16, 2027, and can contact the Technology Development and Partnerships Manager, Stephanie A. Sipila, at stephanie.a.sipila@nasa.gov for further information.
    Lunar Freezer System
    Buyer not available
    NASA's Johnson Space Center is issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Lunar Freezer System (LFS), aimed at developing a specialized refrigeration system for lunar operations to safely return temperature-sensitive scientific samples from the Moon and Gateway Space Station. The procurement encompasses the design, development, manufacturing, testing, and engineering support of the LFS, which must integrate with various launch vehicles and the Orion Crew Module for Earth return. This initiative is critical for advancing lunar exploration and ensuring the preservation of biological samples in the unique conditions of the lunar environment. Proposals are due by March 6, 2025, with a Pre-Proposal Conference scheduled for February 11, 2025. Interested parties should direct inquiries to Jonathan Anzures at jonathan.anzures@nasa.gov or Linda Benitez at linda.b.benitezrivera@nasa.gov.
    DRAFT Announcement of Opportunity (AO) -- 2025 Astrophysics Small Explorer (SMEX)
    Buyer not available
    NASA's National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has announced a draft Announcement of Opportunity (AO) for the 2025 Astrophysics Small Explorer (SMEX) program, inviting community review and comments on proposed space science investigations. The program aims to support Principal Investigator-led projects that align with NASA's objectives of exploring the universe's origins, evolution, and the search for Earth-like planets. This initiative is significant as it encourages participation from a diverse range of organizations, including educational institutions, non-profits, and government agencies, reflecting NASA's commitment to community engagement in astrophysics exploration. Interested parties can access the draft AO on the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) platform, with comments due by February 21, 2025, directed to the primary and secondary contacts, Doris Daou and E. Lucien Cox, via email.
    NASA Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I Fiscal Year 2025 Solicitation
    Buyer not available
    NASA's National Aeronautics and Space Administration is inviting proposals for the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I Fiscal Year 2025 Solicitation, aimed at fostering innovative technologies through partnerships with small businesses. The program seeks to stimulate technological innovation, enhance the role of small businesses in federal research, and promote participation from socially and economically disadvantaged groups, with a requirement that small business concerns perform at least 40% of the research and a research institution contribute at least 30%. Proposals can receive a maximum funding of $150,000 for a duration of 13 months, with submissions due by March 10, 2025, via the Proposal Submissions and Award Management System (ProSAMS). Interested parties can reach out to Kenneth E. Albright at Agency-SBIR-STTRSolicitation@mail.nasa.gov or call 228-813-6127 for further information.
    Partnering Opportunity for Scalable High Energy oPtics for Astronomy Returns and Discovery (SHEPARD)
    Buyer not available
    NASA's Langley Research Center is seeking partners for the Scalable High Energy oPtics for Astronomy Discovery and Returns (SHEPARD) initiative, which is part of the Early Career Initiative focused on developing innovative space technology. The project aims to advance X-ray mirror technology for astrophysical observation by exploring flow-form manufacturing as a scalable solution for creating high-precision, affordable X-ray mirrors, while also incorporating a digital twin architecture to enhance manufacturing reliability. This initiative is crucial for improving the resolution and cost-effectiveness of X-ray telescopes, which are essential for astronomical discoveries. Interested organizations with expertise in flow-form manufacturing, metrology, and precision machining should submit their responses by February 5, 2025, to Octavia Hicks at octavia.l.hicks@nasa.gov, as this solicitation serves as a preliminary call for proposals and promotes strategic partnerships aligned with NASA’s mission in space technology.
    NASA INNOVATIVE ADVANCED CONCEPTS (NIAC) PHASE II
    Buyer not available
    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Headquarters is preparing to release a solicitation for the "NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase II" program, anticipated on or about January 22, 2025. This opportunity is aimed at U.S. organizations that have successfully completed or are actively completing a NIAC Phase I study, allowing them to further develop promising concepts and explore potential infusion options within and beyond NASA. The NIAC program is crucial for advancing innovative research in space technology, with Phase II awards designed to refine and build upon the foundational work established in Phase I studies. Interested proposers must submit their Phase II proposals electronically through NSPIRES by an authorized organizational representative, with a critical deadline for Phase I final reports set for February 24, 2025, at 5 PM ET. For further inquiries, contact John Nelson at hq-niac@mail.nasa.gov or call 202-358-0913.
    NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Fiscal Year 2025
    Buyer not available
    NASA's National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is soliciting proposals for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I program for Fiscal Year 2025, aimed at fostering innovative technologies that support NASA's missions. The program invites small businesses to submit proposals that demonstrate potential for commercial viability or applicability in NASA programs, with a maximum funding of $150,000 available over a six-month period. This initiative is crucial for advancing aerospace technology and promoting economic growth through the development of disruptive technologies. Interested firms must register with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the System for Award Management (SAM) and submit their proposals via the Proposal Submissions and Award Management System (ProSAMS) by the deadline of March 10, 2024. For further inquiries, contact Kenneth E. Albright at Kenneth.E.Albright@nasa.gov or Steven Brockway at steven.m.brockway@nasa.gov.
    Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships -3 (NextSTEP-3) Omnibus
    Buyer not available
    NASA's National Aeronautics and Space Administration is initiating the Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships-3 (NextSTEP-3) Omnibus, aimed at fostering partnerships to advance technologies for human space exploration, particularly for lunar and Mars missions. This initiative invites proposals for studies, research, and technology development that align with NASA's Moon to Mars exploration strategy, with a focus on enabling long-term human presence throughout the solar system. The Omnibus is effective from September 27, 2024, to September 26, 2029, and will issue specific solicitations through BAA Appendices detailing research opportunities, eligibility criteria, and funding ranges, with awards potentially starting below $100K and exceeding several million dollars based on project scope. Interested parties can reach out to the NASA ESDMD Moon to Mars Program Office at HQ-NextSTEP-BAA@mail.nasa.gov for further information.
    Research Opportunities for International Space Station (ISS) Utilization
    Buyer not available
    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is seeking proposals for research opportunities related to the utilization of the International Space Station (ISS). This initiative aims to enhance exploration technology demonstrations and National Lab utilization, as outlined in NASA Research Announcement (NRA) NNJ13ZBG001N, which remains open for submissions. The awarded contracts may vary in type, including commercial contracts, cooperative agreements, and grants, depending on the proposal's scope. Interested parties should contact Colleen Corbett or Audrey Montgomery for further information and are encouraged to monitor the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) for updates on submission deadlines and additional documents.
    SOURCES SOUGHT SPECIAL NOTICE 2025
    Buyer not available
    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ames Research Center is issuing a Sources Sought Special Notice for potential partners interested in developing competitive proposals for various NASA Announcements of Opportunity (AOs) and Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs). The primary objective is to identify partners capable of conducting scientific investigations, research activities, and technology demonstrations that align with NASA's goals, as well as providing necessary flight hardware for these missions. This initiative is crucial for advancing NASA's exploration and research capabilities, particularly in areas such as planetary exploration and space science. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their responses, including relevant capabilities and partnership interests, to the designated contact at ARC-Sources-Sought@mail.nasa.gov, with responses accepted at any time and maintained for three years after receipt.