ContractSpecial Notice

Starshield terminals with global access subscriptions

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION• 80NSSC26920058Q
Response Deadline
Dec 15, 2025
Deadline passed
Days Remaining
0
Closed
Set-Aside
Full & Open
Notice Type
Special Notice

Contract Opportunity Analysis

NASA's National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is seeking to procure Starshield terminals with global access subscriptions to enhance secure satellite-based data transport services for its Deep Space Network (DSN). The procurement requires the contractor to provide seven terminals with mount kits for redundancy and eight data subscriptions, ensuring continuous encrypted data service with a minimum uplink speed of 20 Mbps, while adhering to stringent data integrity and encryption standards. This initiative is critical for establishing encrypted communication links among DSN ground stations located in Goldstone, California; Madrid, Spain; and Canberra, Australia, thereby improving the resiliency and diversity of NASA's communication capabilities. Interested organizations can submit their capabilities and qualifications by December 15, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. CST, to determine if a competitive procurement is feasible, with inquiries directed to Lindsey McLellan at lindsey.m.mclellan@nasa.gov.

Classification Codes

NAICS Code
517410
Satellite Telecommunications
PSC Code
7B20
IT AND TELECOM - HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPUTE (HARDWARE AND PERPETUAL LICENSE SOFTWARE)

Solicitation Documents

2 Files
Tab 04 SOW.pdf
PDF•464 KB•Dec 11, 2025
AI Summary
NASA’s SCaN Program requires secure satellite-based data transport services using the Starshield system to enhance the resiliency and diversity of the Deep Space Network (DSN). This six-month pilot will establish encrypted, government-only communication links among DSN ground stations in Goldstone, California; Madrid, Spain; and Canberra, Australia. The contractor must provide seven terminals with mount kits for redundancy and eight 5TB/month data subscriptions for continuous, encrypted data service with a minimum of 20 Mbps uplink. Data integrity and encryption must utilize AES 128 or better, safeguarding all NASA data in accordance with government CUI and export-control requirements. The contract also mandates disclosure of AI technology use and adherence to additional requirements if acquiring covered AI systems or services, as defined by OMB memo M-25-22.
Tab 07 Capability Statement SAM.pdf
PDF•126 KB•Dec 11, 2025
AI Summary
NASA/NSSC intends to award a sole source contract to SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP. for Starshield terminals with global access subscriptions. This decision is based on SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP. being the sole provider of these services, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i). The procurement will acquire commercial items and services following FAR Part 12 and FAR Part 13, with performance at NASA Headquarters. The NAICS Code is 517410. Interested organizations can submit capabilities and qualifications by December 15, 2025, 4:00 p.m. CST, for evaluation to determine if a competitive procurement is feasible. The government retains discretion in this decision. Oral communications are not accepted, and NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable.

Related Contract Opportunities

Project Timeline

postedOriginal Solicitation PostedDec 11, 2025
deadlineResponse DeadlineDec 15, 2025
expiryArchive DateDec 30, 2025

Agency Information

Department
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
Sub-Tier
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
Office
NASA SHARED SERVICES CENTER

Point of Contact

Name
Lindsey McLellan

Place of Performance

Washington, District of Columbia, UNITED STATES

Official Sources

View on SAM.gov