Space Power and Reactor Capabilities (SPARC) - Sources Sought Notice

Key Dates

Due Date

Posted Date

Agency & Value

Agency

NASA GLENN RESEARCH CENTER

Contract Value

Not provided

Codes & Classification

Solicitation Number

80GRC026SPARC

NAICS

541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

Classification Code

AR15

Additional Details

Set Aside

None

Place of Performance

UNITED STATES

SourceSAM

Documents4

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), through its Glenn Research Center, has issued a Sources Sought Notice (Procurement Identifier: 80GRC026SPARC) to gather information from qualified organizations regarding the forthcoming Space Power and Reactor Capabilities (SPARC) Contract. This market research effort is intended to inform NASA’s acquisition strategy for the development of advanced nuclear systems for space and lunar applications, with a particular focus on the concurrent award of the Lunar Reactor 1 (LR-1) Phase 1 Task Order(s). Purpose and Scope: The SPARC initiative aims to identify capable entities that can serve as developers and prime integrators of space-nuclear systems. The anticipated contract will be structured as a Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (MAIDIQ) vehicle, encompassing a broad range of activities including the definition, design, development, analysis, fabrication, assembly, testing, verification, delivery, and operation of space systems and associated support equipment. The scope also includes ground development activities, research, and technology development in support of NASA’s missions. The contract may require delivery of technology development hardware and software, space flight hardware and software, ground support equipment, spares, operational support, and research data. Key Requirements and Objectives: NASA is seeking capability statements from all interested parties, including small businesses and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)/Minority Institutions (MIs), to determine the appropriate level of competition and potential small business subcontracting goals. Respondents are asked to provide feedback on realistic small business subcontracting goals, barriers to small business participation, and strategies to enhance such participation, including potential teaming or mentor-protégé arrangements. For the overarching MAIDIQ contract, NASA requests information on: - Experience managing large-scale, complex R&D contracts - Spaceflight certification experience or plans for compliance - Experience with nuclear regulatory compliance and launch authorization - Anticipated barriers to proposal submission - Company size and socioeconomic status - Relevant commercial products in development or available For the LR-1 Phase 1 Task Order, which is expected to be awarded concurrently with the MAIDIQ contract, NASA seeks input on: - Capabilities to meet expected flight hardware requirements - Ability to deliver expected outcomes within one year of award - Existing nuclear system technologies at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 or higher, with the goal of reaching TRL 5/6 by Preliminary Design Review (PDR) - Design or technical challenges related to payload mass restrictions (e.g., 8 metric tons for a 20 kWe reactor power system) - Critical aspects of the PDR work scope and any overlooked elements - Required radiation testing and concerns regarding post-irradiation hardware disposition - Need for government resources to augment company capabilities Expected Deliverables: The contract may require delivery of both developmental and operational hardware and software, research data, and ground support equipment. For LR-1 Phase 1, deliverables are expected to include research and development activities progressing to PDR-level maturity, as well as non-nuclear developmental hardware demonstrations of LR-1 subsystems. Contracting Entity and Classification: - Contracting Entity: NASA Glenn Research Center - Department/Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration - NAICS Code: 541715 – Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) - Product Service Code: AR15 - Place of Performance: United States Procurement Type and Special Considerations: This notice is a Sources Sought and is issued solely for information and planning purposes; it does not constitute a solicitation or a commitment by the Government. NASA reserves the right to consider various set-aside options (Small Business, 8(a), WOSB, SD-VOSB, EDWOSB, HUBZone) based on the responses received. The agency is particularly interested in fostering small business participation and facilitating teaming arrangements, and will publicize a list of respondents to support this unless a respondent requests otherwise. Submission Instructions and Contact Information: Interested firms with the requisite capabilities are invited to submit a capability statement (maximum 10 pages) addressing the outlined requirements. Responses must be submitted electronically to Noah Garrison ([email protected]) by 5:00 PM EDT on Monday, August 17, 2026. Secondary contact is Loretta James Hemphill ([email protected]). Respondents should reference “SPARC Sources Sought” or “Sources Sought 80GRC026SPARC” in their submissions. Additional Information: - No solicitation currently exists; interested parties should monitor SAM.gov for future updates. - The notice and associated attachments, including the Draft Statement of Work for both SPARC and LR-1 Phase 1, are available via the SAM.gov opportunity listing (Opportunity ID: 4af70746c15f4352bece9ad95b2b9d30). - This notice remains active as of the latest amendment dated August 25, 2026. This opportunity is well-suited for organizations with demonstrated expertise in space nuclear systems development, complex R&D contract management, and compliance with spaceflight and nuclear regulatory requirements. Firms with advanced technology at TRL 4 or higher and the ability to deliver within aggressive timelines are particularly encouraged to respond.