Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships -3 (NextSTEP-3) Omnibus
ID: NextSTEP-3_OmnibusType: Presolicitation
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 (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) (541715)

PSC

SPACE R&D SERVICES; SPACE FLIGHT, RESEARCH AND SUPPORTING ACTIVITIES; APPLIED RESEARCH (AR12)
Timeline
    Description

    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.

    Point(s) of Contact
    NASA ESDMD Moon to Mars Program Office
    HQ-NextSTEP-BAA@mail.nasa.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships-3 (NextSTEP-3) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) from NASA aims to foster partnerships for advancing technologies supporting human space exploration, specifically targeting lunar and Mars missions. Effective from September 27, 2024, to September 26, 2029, this Omnibus invites proposals for studies, research, and technology development. The document emphasizes NASA's commitment to involving external entities, including industry and academia, encouraging corporate contributions to stimulate commercial applications of developed technologies. Research opportunities will be detailed in Appendices linked to this Omnibus, which will outline specific goals, funding ranges, eligibility criteria, and proposal guidelines. Notably, international participation is allowed under strict conditions, with funding for foreign entities excluded unless in collaboration with U.S. partners. The proposal review process will assess compliance, scientific merit, cost-effectiveness, and corporate contributions, with awards anticipated to start below $100K and potentially exceed several million dollars, depending on project scope. This initiative reflects NASA's strategic aim to establish a sustained human presence beyond low Earth orbit while leveraging commercial innovation and international collaboration.
    Lifecycle
    Similar Opportunities
    NASA Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I Fiscal Year 2025 Solicitation
    Buyer not available
    NASA's National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is inviting small businesses to participate in the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I Fiscal Year 2025 Solicitation, aimed at developing innovative technologies that benefit both NASA missions and broader societal needs. Proposals must demonstrate technical feasibility, relevance to NASA's objectives, and a clear commercialization strategy, with funding capped at $150,000 for a 13-month period. This solicitation emphasizes the importance of collaboration with research institutions and encourages participation from socially and economically disadvantaged groups, while also requiring compliance with federal regulations and security protocols. Interested parties should submit their proposals by March 10, 2025, and can reach out to Kenneth E. Albright at Agency-SBIR-STTRSolicitation@mail.nasa.gov or by phone at 228-813-6127 for further inquiries.
    NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Fiscal Year 2025
    Buyer not available
    NASA's National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is inviting small businesses to participate in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I program for Fiscal Year 2025, aimed at fostering innovative technologies that support NASA's missions. Eligible small businesses, defined as those with 500 or fewer employees, are encouraged to submit proposals that demonstrate scientific merit, technical feasibility, and potential for commercialization, with a maximum funding amount of $150,000 available for projects lasting six months. This initiative is crucial for advancing aerospace technology and promoting economic growth, as it emphasizes American-made products and restricts foreign affiliations to ensure security compliance. Proposals must be submitted via the Proposal Submissions and Award Management System (ProSAMS) by March 10, 2025, and interested parties can reach out to Kenneth E. Albright at Kenneth.E.Albright@nasa.gov or Steven Brockway at steven.m.brockway@nasa.gov for further information.
    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.
    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.
    NRESS III Draft RFP 80HQTR25R7002
    Buyer not available
    NASA's National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is seeking proposals for the NRESS III Draft Request for Proposal (RFP) 80HQTR25R7002, aimed at providing research and education support services, including professional and IT services for NASA's peer review program. The contract, which is set aside for 8(a) businesses, will facilitate the management of research proposals, outreach programs, and compliance with federal grant policies, ensuring efficient contract management and adherence to NASA's operational standards. The anticipated contract value ranges from a minimum of $5 million to a maximum of $365,208,886, with proposals due approximately 30 days after the final RFP release on April 29, 2025. Interested parties can direct inquiries to Chanda Cannon at chanda.m.cannon@nasa.gov or Jasmine N. Jett at jasmine.n.jett@nasa.gov.
    RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES IN SPACE AND EARTH SCIENCES (ROSES) 2024
    Buyer not available
    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Science Mission Directorate (SMD) is announcing the release of its annual NASA Research Announcement (NRA), Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) - 2024. ROSES is an omnibus solicitation with multiple program elements, each with its own due dates and topics. This solicitation covers a wide range of basic and applied supporting research and technology in space and Earth sciences supported by SMD. The ROSES NRA allows for grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and inter- or intra-agency transfers, depending on the nature of the work proposed. Non-governmental organizations are eligible to submit proposals without restriction on teaming arrangements. The awards range from under $100K per year to more than $1M per year, with periods of performance typically lasting three years. Electronic submission of proposals is required, and organizations must be registered with NSPIRES or Grants.gov. Notices of intent to propose and Step-1 Proposals will be due starting March 27, 2024, and Full (Step-2) Proposals will be due no earlier than May 14, 2024. Potential proposers are encouraged to read the ROSES Summary of Solicitation and FAQ1 for significant changes from recent ROSES. For more information and updates, interested parties can subscribe to the SMD mailing lists, access the ROSES-2024 due date Google calendar, and check the ROSES-2024 Blog and FAQ page. Questions regarding specific program elements should be directed to the designated points of contact.
    Astrobee Free-flying Robotics System Operations and Sustaining Engineering Unfunded Space Act Agreement to Transfer System Responsibility to Commercial Provider Announcement for Partnership Proposals
    Buyer not available
    NASA's Johnson Space Center is soliciting proposals for an Unfunded Space Act Agreement (SAA) to transfer operational responsibility of the Astrobee free-flying robotics system to a commercial provider. The objective is to enable ongoing utilization and engineering support of the Astrobee robots aboard the International Space Station (ISS), which play a crucial role in assisting researchers with scientific explorations and STEM initiatives. This initiative is significant for advancing commercial space capabilities and fostering private sector involvement in space exploration, while ensuring the continuity of research and operational capabilities in microgravity environments. Interested parties must be U.S.-based entities, submit proposals that demonstrate commercial and technical feasibility, and secure their operational funding independently, as NASA will not provide additional financial support. For further inquiries, contact Ashley Chaves at ashley.h.chaves@nasa.gov or call 281-792-7921.
    Frozen Return of Samples To Earth (FROSTE)
    Buyer not available
    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is seeking information from qualified entities regarding the Frozen Return of Samples To Earth (FROSTE) initiative, which is focused on research and development in biotechnology, excluding nanobiotechnology. This opportunity aims to explore innovative solutions for the safe and effective return of extraterrestrial samples to Earth, which is critical for advancing scientific knowledge and understanding of space materials. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to Cornelius Edison at cornelius.d.edison@nasa.gov or Cynthia Hubbard at cynthia.a.hubbard@nasa.gov for further details. This is a Sources Sought notice, and no funding amount or specific deadlines have been provided at this stage.
    Simulation and Advanced Software Services II (SASS II)
    Buyer not available
    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is seeking qualified contractors for the Simulation and Advanced Software Services II (SASS II) project, aimed at providing specialized simulation services related to space robotics, avionics, vehicle, and graphics simulation. This procurement is critical for supporting various NASA programs, including the International Space Station (ISS), Orion, and Artemis initiatives, and is designated as a total small business set-aside. The contract will be structured as a single Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, effective from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2030, with a proposal submission deadline set for 30 days after the final RFP release. Interested parties can reach out to Carlos Roman at carlos.roman@nasa.gov or Yushu Mao at yushu.mao@nasa.gov for further information.