NASA Issues Solicitation for $425 Million Science Contract
The space agency is seeking small business bids to support Earth science data and instrument development programs.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Space
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NASA has released the final solicitation for its Hydrosphere, Biosphere & Geophysics Support Services II contract, valued at $425 million over five years. The new agreement is reserved for small businesses to provide technical support for numerical modeling and instrument development.
Why it matters
NASA requires specialized industry expertise to maintain its ongoing research efforts regarding data product development and Earth science instrumentation. This contract ensures that the agency continues to receive private sector support after the incumbent agreement concludes.
The new five-year contract, managed by the Goddard Space Flight Center, includes both cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price task orders. Science Systems and Applications Inc. holds the incumbent contract, which is slated to sunset on March 31, 2027.
The players
NASA
The independent agency of the U.S. federal government is responsible for the civil space program, aeronautics research, and space research.
Goddard Space Flight Center
Located in Greenbelt, Maryland, this facility serves as a major laboratory for developing and operating uncrewed scientific spacecraft.
Science Systems and Applications Inc.
This company provides scientific, engineering, and IT solutions to various federal agencies and currently holds the incumbent contract.
The details
NASA issued the notice to begin the bidding process, seeking support for data product development, instrument development, and numerical modeling. The contract is restricted to small business entities, following the expiration of the current provider's term.
Timeline
October 21, 2026: NASA released the final solicitation for the contract.
December 4, 2026: Proposal bids are due by 2 p.m. ET.
March 31, 2027: The incumbent contract is slated to sunset.
The Big Picture
This solicitation follows the established pattern of federal set-asides mandated by the Small Business Act to foster competition among smaller firms. By reserving this work for small businesses, NASA continues a documented trend of diversifying its contractor base.
The successful execution of this contract supports the development of critical Earth science models and instrumentation used for climate and weather data. These systems eventually improve the accuracy of environmental monitoring and scientific research available to the public.
The takeaway
Small businesses interested in federal procurement should note the upcoming December deadline to ensure compliance with the solicitation requirements. This contract represents a significant opportunity for private firms to contribute to long-term national scientific modeling projects.
What happens next
Interested small businesses must submit their formal proposals by 2 p.m. ET on December 4, 2026.
Further reading
Find more updates on Space exploration and federal agency partnerships on our dedicated hub.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Washington Technology.
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