NextSTEP-3 Appendix B: Moon Base Demonstrations M2M-MSFC-0001

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) intends to release a solicitation under the Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships-3 (NextSTEP-3) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) to seek industry-led architecture concept development, concept refinement studies, and risk-reduction activities that address Moon to Mars architecture gaps. NASA s Moon to Mars Architecture defines the capabilities needed for long-term, human-led scientific discovery in deep space (https://www.nasa.gov/moontomarsarchitecture/). NASA s architecture approach distills agency-developed objectives into capabilities and elements that support exploration and science goals. Success requires an architectural approach incorporating innovation, collaboration, and sustainable multi-decadal partnerships. NASA continuously evolves that blueprint for crewed exploration, setting humanity on a path to the Moon, Mars, and beyond by collaborating with experts across industry, academia, and the international community. This proposed solicitation, NextSTEP-3 Appendix B: Moon to Mars Architectural Studies, seeks partner participation on a recurring basis under a Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC), where only MATOC holders will be eligible to compete for the directed-topic calls. MATOC awards will be Firm-Fixed Price Task Orders with performance-based milestone payments. This solicitation establishes a flexible acquisition strategy that accommodates both directed-topic calls, issued using the competitive task order process, and open-topic calls for topics not addressed as part of directed-topic calls. Several calls per year for proposal submissions focused on topics addressing infrastructure, transportation, habitation, mission concept of operations, and Lunar and Mars mission science capabilities identified in the latest revision of the Architecture Definition Document (https://www.nasa.gov/moontomarsarchitecture-architecturedefinitiondocuments/). Directed-topic calls will identify specific areas of Government interest. Open-topic calls will invite offeror-inspired innovative commercial concepts. Open-topic calls are meant to capture innovative solutions from the broader industrial base and may result in an individual, standalone Firm-Fixed Price contract to any qualified organization, regardless of MATOC membership status. All awards, whether MATOC, task orders, or fixed-price contracts, will be subject to the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the NASA FAR Supplement (NFS). The first Appendix B directed-topic study calls are anticipated to focus on concepts for both lunar and future Mars missions. NASA intends to issue a directed-topic call for research into an integrated surface power infrastructure (or power grid), which is evolvable from early lunar missions to more capable sustained missions. This call will seek advantageous power infrastructure approaches and/or individual system concepts to generate, store, condition, transmit, and distribute power between lunar surface elements. This call excludes proposals seeking to address the Fission Surface Power System Announcement for Partnership Proposal (https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/e33becf3872a473dbeea39d446baf397/view). The call may include all technology solutions including alternate fission, solar hybrid, or other power grid approaches and evolution strategies. Concurrently, NASA also intends to issue a directed-topic call for Mars Crew Transportation seeking concept development, trade studies, and identification of risk reduction activities for integrated human exploration architecture focus areas including in-space transportation, Mars surface access, and Mars ascent options for crew and cargo. This Appendix B solicitation is planned for release January 30, 2026, and will be open to U.S. institutions (companies, universities, nonprofit organizations) only. NASA civil servants, Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) employees, national laboratories, and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) shall not propose as a Prime Contractor on any effort associated with this announcement but may participate as a team member. Any award would follow BAA procedures outlined in FAR 35.102 (previously FAR 35.016). Offerors are encouraged to monitor the NextSTEP-3 website and sam.gov for announcement of new calls and areas of interest. Any award would be subject to successful negotiation and availability of funds. NASA reserves the right to select for award one, all, some, or none of the proposals in response to this solicitation. The detailed call requirements and additional information on the selection process will be contained in the Appendix B solicitation. NASA plans to host an Appendix B Industry Day to provide potential Offerors with additional context and information. This engagement will be held virtually on Thursday, January 22, 2026, beginning at 1400 hours Eastern Time. Information for the MATOC strategy, as well as the first two directed-topic calls, will be discussed as part of the Industry Day. Organizations are identified by unique CAGE codes. Interested parties must register for this event in advance by sending the following details to NEXTSTEP3APPB@nasa.gov: Two points of contact by name and role in the organization Corporate email addresses where NASA can send the meeting invitation and link Send details for two back-up personnel including their email address and role in the organization All virtual attendee registrations must be received no later than 1700 hours Eastern Time on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Subsequent industry forums may be scheduled in conjunction with future study calls. All email subject lines should contain the Notice ID and Company Name.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) intends to release a solicitation under the Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships-3 (NextSTEP-3) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) to seek industry-led architecture concept development, concept refinement studies, and risk-reduction activities that address Moon to Mars architecture gaps. NASA s Moon to Mars Architecture defines the capabilities needed for long-term, human-led scientific discovery in deep space (https://www.nasa.gov/moontomarsarchitecture/). NASA s architecture approach distills agency-developed objectives into capabilities and elements that support exploration and science goals. Success requires an architectural approach incorporating innovation, collaboration, and sustainable multi-decadal partnerships. NASA continuously evolves that blueprint for crewed exploration, setting humanity on a path to the Moon, Mars, and beyond by collaborating with experts across industry, academia, and the international community. This proposed solicitation, NextSTEP-3 Appendix B: Moon to Mars Architectural Studies, seeks partner participation on a recurring basis under a Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC), where only MATOC holders will be eligible to compete for the directed-topic calls. MATOC awards will be Firm-Fixed Price Task Orders with performance-based milestone payments. This solicitation establishes a flexible acquisition strategy that accommodates both directed-topic calls, issued using the competitive task order process, and open-topic calls for topics not addressed as part of directed-topic calls. Several calls per year for proposal submissions focused on topics addressing infrastructure, transportation, habitation, mission concept of operations, and Lunar and Mars mission science capabilities identified in the latest revision of the Architecture Definition Document (https://www.nasa.gov/moontomarsarchitecture-architecturedefinitiondocuments/). Directed-topic calls will identify specific areas of Government interest. Open-topic calls will invite offeror-inspired innovative commercial concepts. Open-topic calls are meant to capture innovative solutions from the broader industrial base and may result in an individual, standalone Firm-Fixed Price contract to any qualified organization, regardless of MATOC membership status. All awards, whether MATOC, task orders, or fixed-price contracts, will be subject to the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the NASA FAR Supplement (NFS). The first Appendix B directed-topic study calls are anticipated to focus on concepts for both lunar and future Mars missions. NASA intends to issue a directed-topic call for research into an integrated surface power infrastructure (or power grid), which is evolvable from early lunar missions to more capable sustained missions. This call will seek advantageous power infrastructure approaches and/or individual system concepts to generate, store, condition, transmit, and distribute power between lunar surface elements. This call excludes proposals seeking to address the Fission Surface Power System Announcement for Partnership Proposal (https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/e33becf3872a473dbeea39d446baf397/view). The call may include all technology solutions including alternate fission, solar hybrid, or other power grid approaches and evolution strategies. Concurrently, NASA also intends to issue a directed-topic call for Mars Crew Transportation seeking concept development, trade studies, and identification of risk reduction activities for integrated human exploration architecture focus areas including in-space transportation, Mars surface access, and Mars ascent options for crew and cargo. This Appendix B solicitation is planned for release January 30, 2026, and will be open to U.S. institutions (companies, universities, nonprofit organizations) only. NASA civil servants, Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) employees, national laboratories, and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) shall not propose as a Prime Contractor on any effort associated with this announcement but may participate as a team member. Any award would follow BAA procedures outlined in FAR 35.102 (previously FAR 35.016). Offerors are encouraged to monitor the NextSTEP-3 website and sam.gov for announcement of new calls and areas of interest. Any award would be subject to successful negotiation and availability of funds. NASA reserves the right to select for award one, all, some, or none of the proposals in response to this solicitation. The detailed call requirements and additional information on the selection process will be contained in the Appendix B solicitation. NASA plans to host an Appendix B Industry Day to provide potential Offerors with additional context and information. This engagement will be held virtually on Thursday, January 22, 2026, beginning at 1400 hours Eastern Time. Information for the MATOC strategy, as well as the first two directed-topic calls, will be discussed as part of the Industry Day. Organizations are identified by unique CAGE codes. Interested parties must register for this event in advance by sending the following details to HQ-NEXTSTEP3APPB@mail.nasa.gov: Two points of contact by name and role in the organization Corporate email addresses where NASA can send the meeting invitation and link Send details for two back-up personnel including their email address and role in the organization All virtual attendee registrations must be received no later than 1700 hours Eastern Time on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Subsequent industry forums may be scheduled in conjunction with future study calls. All email subject lines should contain the Notice ID and Company Name.

AMENDMENT- January 12, 2026 (Changes in bold and underlined) NASA plans to host an Appendix B Industry Day to provide potential Offerors with additional context and information. This HYBRID event will take place on Thursday, January 22, 2026, beginning at 1400 hours Eastern Time, with in-person attendance at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. Information for the MATOC strategy, as well as the first two directed-topic calls, will be discussed as part of the Industry Day. Organizations are identified by unique CAGE codes. Interested parties must register for this event in advance by sending the following details to HQ-NEXTSTEP3APPB@mail.nasa.gov: Two points of contact by name and role in the organization Corporate email addresses where NASA can send the meeting invitation and link Send details for two back-up personnel including their email address and role in the organization Please indicate your preference for virtual or in-person attendance during registration. All attendee registrations must be received no later than 1700 hours Eastern Time on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Subsequent industry forums may be scheduled in conjunction with future study calls. All email subject lines should contain the Notice ID and Company Name. __________________________________________________________________________ The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) intends to release a solicitation under the Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships-3 (NextSTEP-3) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) to seek industry-led architecture concept development, concept refinement studies, and risk-reduction activities that address Moon to Mars architecture gaps. NASA s Moon to Mars Architecture defines the capabilities needed for long-term, human-led scientific discovery in deep space (https://www.nasa.gov/moontomarsarchitecture/). NASA s architecture approach distills agency-developed objectives into capabilities and elements that support exploration and science goals. Success requires an architectural approach incorporating innovation, collaboration, and sustainable multi-decadal partnerships. NASA continuously evolves that blueprint for crewed exploration, setting humanity on a path to the Moon, Mars, and beyond by collaborating with experts across industry, academia, and the international community. This proposed solicitation, NextSTEP-3 Appendix B: Moon to Mars Architectural Studies, seeks partner participation on a recurring basis under a Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC), where only MATOC holders will be eligible to compete for the directed-topic calls. MATOC awards will be Firm-Fixed Price Task Orders with performance-based milestone payments. This solicitation establishes a flexible acquisition strategy that accommodates both directed-topic calls, issued using the competitive task order process, and open-topic calls for topics not addressed as part of directed-topic calls. Several calls per year for proposal submissions focused on topics addressing infrastructure, transportation, habitation, mission concept of operations, and Lunar and Mars mission science capabilities identified in the latest revision of the Architecture Definition Document (https://www.nasa.gov/moontomarsarchitecture-architecturedefinitiondocuments/). Directed-topic calls will identify specific areas of Government interest. Open-topic calls will invite offeror-inspired innovative commercial concepts. Open-topic calls are meant to capture innovative solutions from the broader industrial base and may result in an individual, standalone Firm-Fixed Price contract to any qualified organization, regardless of MATOC membership status. All awards, whether MATOC, task orders, or fixed-price contracts, will be subject to the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the NASA FAR Supplement (NFS). The first Appendix B directed-topic study calls are anticipated to focus on concepts for both lunar and future Mars missions. NASA intends to issue a directed-topic call for research into an integrated surface power infrastructure (or power grid), which is evolvable from early lunar missions to more capable sustained missions. This call will seek advantageous power infrastructure approaches and/or individual system concepts to generate, store, condition, transmit, and distribute power between lunar surface elements. This call excludes proposals seeking to address the Fission Surface Power System Announcement for Partnership Proposal (https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/e33becf3872a473dbeea39d446baf397/view). The call may include all technology solutions including alternate fission, solar hybrid, or other power grid approaches and evolution strategies. Concurrently, NASA also intends to issue a directed-topic call for Mars Crew Transportation seeking concept development, trade studies, and identification of risk reduction activities for integrated human exploration architecture focus areas including in-space transportation, Mars surface access, and Mars ascent options for crew and cargo. This Appendix B solicitation is planned for release January 30, 2026, and will be open to U.S. institutions (companies, universities, nonprofit organizations) only. NASA civil servants, Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) employees, national laboratories, and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) shall not propose as a Prime Contractor on any effort associated with this announcement but may participate as a team member. Any award would follow BAA procedures outlined in FAR 35.102 (previously FAR 35.016). Offerors are encouraged to monitor the NextSTEP-3 website and sam.gov for announcement of new calls and areas of interest. Any award would be subject to successful negotiation and availability of funds. NASA reserves the right to select for award one, all, some, or none of the proposals in response to this solicitation. The detailed call requirements and additional information on the selection process will be contained in the Appendix B solicitation. NASA plans to host an Appendix B Industry Day to provide potential Offerors with additional context and information. This engagement will be held virtually on Thursday, January 22, 2026, beginning at 1400 hours Eastern Time. Information for the MATOC strategy, as well as the first two directed-topic calls, will be discussed as part of the Industry Day. Organizations are identified by unique CAGE codes. Interested parties must register for this event in advance by sending the following details to HQ-NEXTSTEP3APPB@mail.nasa.gov: Two points of contact by name and role in the organization Corporate email addresses where NASA can send the meeting invitation and link Send details for two back-up personnel including their email address and role in the organization All virtual attendee registrations must be received no later than 1700 hours Eastern Time on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Subsequent industry forums may be scheduled in conjunction with future study calls. All email subject lines should contain the Notice ID and Company Name.

THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. NO PROPOSALS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO THIS NOTICE. This notice is issued by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/George C. Marshall Space Center (MSFC) to post a draft solicitation to notify interested parties that the Government anticipates release of the final solicitation #80MSFC26R0003 on or about January 30, 2026, with the anticipated due date for proposals on or about February 20, 2026. This document is for information and planning purposes and to allow industry the opportunity to verify reasonableness and feasibility, as well as promote competition. This proposed solicitation, NextSTEP-3 Appendix B: Moon to Mars Architectural Studies, seeks partner participation on a recurring basis, targeting several calls per year for proposal submissions focused on topics addressing infrastructure, transportation, habitation, mission concept of operations, and Lunar and Mars mission science capabilities identified in the latest revision of the Architecture Definition Document. NASA intends to establish a Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC), where only MATOC holders will be eligible to compete for the directed-topic calls. MATOC awards will be Firm-Fixed Price Task Orders with performance-based milestone payments. This establishes a flexible acquisition strategy that accommodates directed-topic calls, issued using the competitive task order process. Directed-topic calls will identify specific areas of Government interest. Along with directed-topic calls this solicitation establishes open-topic opportunities which are meant to capture innovative solutions from the broader industrial base and may result in an individual, standalone Firm-Fixed Price contract to any qualified organization, regardless of MATOC membership status. All awards, whether MATOC, task orders, or stand-alone fixed-price contracts, will be subject to the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the NASA FAR Supplement (NFS). Interested parties are invited to comment on all aspects of the draft solicitation. The cognizant contracting office responsible for this procurement is Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). Interested parties are requested to review the DRFP and submit written comments and questions via email to the Contracting Officer, Maranda McCord, at HQ-NEXTSTEP3APPB@mail.nasa.gov no later than 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on January 27, 2026. When responding reference 80MSFC26R0003 in the subject line. A hybrid industry day briefing is planned for Thursday, January 22, 2026. It is the offeror's responsibility to monitor this website for the release of the final solicitation and amendments (if any). Potential offerors will be responsible for downloading their own copy of the solicitation and amendments, (if any). ______________________________________________________________________ AMENDMENT- January 12, 2026 (Changes in bold and underlined) NASA plans to host an Appendix B Industry Day to provide potential Offerors with additional context and information. This HYBRID event will take place on Thursday, January 22, 2026, beginning at 1400 hours Eastern Time, with in-person attendance at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. Information for the MATOC strategy, as well as the first two directed-topic calls, will be discussed as part of the Industry Day. Organizations are identified by unique CAGE codes. Interested parties must register for this event in advance by sending the following details to HQ-NEXTSTEP3APPB@mail.nasa.gov: Two points of contact by name and role in the organization Corporate email addresses where NASA can send the meeting invitation and link Send details for two back-up personnel including their email address and role in the organization Please indicate your preference for virtual or in-person attendance during registration. All attendee registrations must be received no later than 1700 hours Eastern Time on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Subsequent industry forums may be scheduled in conjunction with future study calls. All email subject lines should contain the Notice ID and Company Name. __________________________________________________________________________ The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) intends to release a solicitation under the Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships-3 (NextSTEP-3) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) to seek industry-led architecture concept development, concept refinement studies, and risk-reduction activities that address Moon to Mars architecture gaps. NASA s Moon to Mars Architecture defines the capabilities needed for long-term, human-led scientific discovery in deep space (https://www.nasa.gov/moontomarsarchitecture/). NASA s architecture approach distills agency-developed objectives into capabilities and elements that support exploration and science goals. Success requires an architectural approach incorporating innovation, collaboration, and sustainable multi-decadal partnerships. NASA continuously evolves that blueprint for crewed exploration, setting humanity on a path to the Moon, Mars, and beyond by collaborating with experts across industry, academia, and the international community. This proposed solicitation, NextSTEP-3 Appendix B: Moon to Mars Architectural Studies, seeks partner participation on a recurring basis under a Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC), where only MATOC holders will be eligible to compete for the directed-topic calls. MATOC awards will be Firm-Fixed Price Task Orders with performance-based milestone payments. This solicitation establishes a flexible acquisition strategy that accommodates both directed-topic calls, issued using the competitive task order process, and open-topic calls for topics not addressed as part of directed-topic calls. Several calls per year for proposal submissions focused on topics addressing infrastructure, transportation, habitation, mission concept of operations, and Lunar and Mars mission science capabilities identified in the latest revision of the Architecture Definition Document (https://www.nasa.gov/moontomarsarchitecture-architecturedefinitiondocuments/). Directed-topic calls will identify specific areas of Government interest. Open-topic calls will invite offeror-inspired innovative commercial concepts. Open-topic calls are meant to capture innovative solutions from the broader industrial base and may result in an individual, standalone Firm-Fixed Price contract to any qualified organization, regardless of MATOC membership status. All awards, whether MATOC, task orders, or fixed-price contracts, will be subject to the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the NASA FAR Supplement (NFS). The first Appendix B directed-topic study calls are anticipated to focus on concepts for both lunar and future Mars missions. NASA intends to issue a directed-topic call for research into an integrated surface power infrastructure (or power grid), which is evolvable from early lunar missions to more capable sustained missions. This call will seek advantageous power infrastructure approaches and/or individual system concepts to generate, store, condition, transmit, and distribute power between lunar surface elements. This call excludes proposals seeking to address the Fission Surface Power System Announcement for Partnership Proposal (https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/e33becf3872a473dbeea39d446baf397/view). The call may include all technology solutions including alternate fission, solar hybrid, or other power grid approaches and evolution strategies. Concurrently, NASA also intends to issue a directed-topic call for Mars Crew Transportation seeking concept development, trade studies, and identification of risk reduction activities for integrated human exploration architecture focus areas including in-space transportation, Mars surface access, and Mars ascent options for crew and cargo. This Appendix B solicitation is planned for release January 30, 2026, and will be open to U.S. institutions (companies, universities, nonprofit organizations) only. NASA civil servants, Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) employees, national laboratories, and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) shall not propose as a Prime Contractor on any effort associated with this announcement but may participate as a team member. Any award would follow BAA procedures outlined in FAR 35.102 (previously FAR 35.016). Offerors are encouraged to monitor the NextSTEP-3 website and sam.gov for announcement of new calls and areas of interest. Any award would be subject to successful negotiation and availability of funds. NASA reserves the right to select for award one, all, some, or none of the proposals in response to this solicitation. The detailed call requirements and additional information on the selection process will be contained in the Appendix B solicitation. NASA plans to host an Appendix B Industry Day to provide potential Offerors with additional context and information. This engagement will be held virtually on Thursday, January 22, 2026, beginning at 1400 hours Eastern Time. Information for the MATOC strategy, as well as the first two directed-topic calls, will be discussed as part of the Industry Day. Organizations are identified by unique CAGE codes. Interested parties must register for this event in advance by sending the following details to HQ-NEXTSTEP3APPB@mail.nasa.gov: Two points of contact by name and role in the organization Corporate email addresses where NASA can send the meeting invitation and link Send details for two back-up personnel including their email address and role in the organization All virtual attendee registrations must be received no later than 1700 hours Eastern Time on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Subsequent industry forums may be scheduled in conjunction with future study calls. All email subject lines should contain the Notice ID and Company Name.

The purpose of today's update is to provide the list of attendees and PowerPoint Presentation from the NextSTEP-3: Moon to Mars Architectural Studies Industry Day Hybrid Industry Day held on January 22, 2026. The recording can be found at the following: nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/app-b-industry-day-20260122-final.mp4 _________________________________________________________________________ THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. NO PROPOSALS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO THIS NOTICE. This notice is issued by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/George C. Marshall Space Center (MSFC) to post a draft solicitation to notify interested parties that the Government anticipates release of the final solicitation #80MSFC26R0003 on or about January 30, 2026, with the anticipated due date for proposals on or about February 20, 2026. This document is for information and planning purposes and to allow industry the opportunity to verify reasonableness and feasibility, as well as promote competition. This proposed solicitation, NextSTEP-3 Appendix B: Moon to Mars Architectural Studies, seeks partner participation on a recurring basis, targeting several calls per year for proposal submissions focused on topics addressing infrastructure, transportation, habitation, mission concept of operations, and Lunar and Mars mission science capabilities identified in the latest revision of the Architecture Definition Document. NASA intends to establish a Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC), where only MATOC holders will be eligible to compete for the directed-topic calls. MATOC awards will be Firm-Fixed Price Task Orders with performance-based milestone payments. This establishes a flexible acquisition strategy that accommodates directed-topic calls, issued using the competitive task order process. Directed-topic calls will identify specific areas of Government interest. Along with directed-topic calls this solicitation establishes open-topic opportunities which are meant to capture innovative solutions from the broader industrial base and may result in an individual, standalone Firm-Fixed Price contract to any qualified organization, regardless of MATOC membership status. All awards, whether MATOC, task orders, or stand-alone fixed-price contracts, will be subject to the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the NASA FAR Supplement (NFS). Interested parties are invited to comment on all aspects of the draft solicitation. The cognizant contracting office responsible for this procurement is Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). Interested parties are requested to review the DRFP and submit written comments and questions via email to the Contracting Officer, Maranda McCord, at HQ-NEXTSTEP3APPB@mail.nasa.gov no later than 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on January 27, 2026. When responding reference 80MSFC26R0003 in the subject line. A hybrid industry day briefing is planned for Thursday, January 22, 2026. It is the offeror's responsibility to monitor this website for the release of the final solicitation and amendments (if any). Potential offerors will be responsible for downloading their own copy of the solicitation and amendments, (if any). ______________________________________________________________________ AMENDMENT- January 12, 2026 (Changes in bold and underlined) NASA plans to host an Appendix B Industry Day to provide potential Offerors with additional context and information. This HYBRID event will take place on Thursday, January 22, 2026, beginning at 1400 hours Eastern Time, with in-person attendance at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. Information for the MATOC strategy, as well as the first two directed-topic calls, will be discussed as part of the Industry Day. Organizations are identified by unique CAGE codes. Interested parties must register for this event in advance by sending the following details to HQ-NEXTSTEP3APPB@mail.nasa.gov: Two points of contact by name and role in the organization Corporate email addresses where NASA can send the meeting invitation and link Send details for two back-up personnel including their email address and role in the organization Please indicate your preference for virtual or in-person attendance during registration. All attendee registrations must be received no later than 1700 hours Eastern Time on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Subsequent industry forums may be scheduled in conjunction with future study calls. All email subject lines should contain the Notice ID and Company Name. __________________________________________________________________________ The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) intends to release a solicitation under the Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships-3 (NextSTEP-3) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) to seek industry-led architecture concept development, concept refinement studies, and risk-reduction activities that address Moon to Mars architecture gaps. NASA s Moon to Mars Architecture defines the capabilities needed for long-term, human-led scientific discovery in deep space (https://www.nasa.gov/moontomarsarchitecture/). NASA s architecture approach distills agency-developed objectives into capabilities and elements that support exploration and science goals. Success requires an architectural approach incorporating innovation, collaboration, and sustainable multi-decadal partnerships. NASA continuously evolves that blueprint for crewed exploration, setting humanity on a path to the Moon, Mars, and beyond by collaborating with experts across industry, academia, and the international community. This proposed solicitation, NextSTEP-3 Appendix B: Moon to Mars Architectural Studies, seeks partner participation on a recurring basis under a Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC), where only MATOC holders will be eligible to compete for the directed-topic calls. MATOC awards will be Firm-Fixed Price Task Orders with performance-based milestone payments. This solicitation establishes a flexible acquisition strategy that accommodates both directed-topic calls, issued using the competitive task order process, and open-topic calls for topics not addressed as part of directed-topic calls. Several calls per year for proposal submissions focused on topics addressing infrastructure, transportation, habitation, mission concept of operations, and Lunar and Mars mission science capabilities identified in the latest revision of the Architecture Definition Document (https://www.nasa.gov/moontomarsarchitecture-architecturedefinitiondocuments/). Directed-topic calls will identify specific areas of Government interest. Open-topic calls will invite offeror-inspired innovative commercial concepts. Open-topic calls are meant to capture innovative solutions from the broader industrial base and may result in an individual, standalone Firm-Fixed Price contract to any qualified organization, regardless of MATOC membership status. All awards, whether MATOC, task orders, or fixed-price contracts, will be subject to the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the NASA FAR Supplement (NFS). The first Appendix B directed-topic study calls are anticipated to focus on concepts for both lunar and future Mars missions. NASA intends to issue a directed-topic call for research into an integrated surface power infrastructure (or power grid), which is evolvable from early lunar missions to more capable sustained missions. This call will seek advantageous power infrastructure approaches and/or individual system concepts to generate, store, condition, transmit, and distribute power between lunar surface elements. This call excludes proposals seeking to address the Fission Surface Power System Announcement for Partnership Proposal (https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/e33becf3872a473dbeea39d446baf397/view). The call may include all technology solutions including alternate fission, solar hybrid, or other power grid approaches and evolution strategies. Concurrently, NASA also intends to issue a directed-topic call for Mars Crew Transportation seeking concept development, trade studies, and identification of risk reduction activities for integrated human exploration architecture focus areas including in-space transportation, Mars surface access, and Mars ascent options for crew and cargo. This Appendix B solicitation is planned for release January 30, 2026, and will be open to U.S. institutions (companies, universities, nonprofit organizations) only. NASA civil servants, Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) employees, national laboratories, and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) shall not propose as a Prime Contractor on any effort associated with this announcement but may participate as a team member. Any award would follow BAA procedures outlined in FAR 35.102 (previously FAR 35.016). Offerors are encouraged to monitor the NextSTEP-3 website and sam.gov for announcement of new calls and areas of interest. Any award would be subject to successful negotiation and availability of funds. NASA reserves the right to select for award one, all, some, or none of the proposals in response to this solicitation. The detailed call requirements and additional information on the selection process will be contained in the Appendix B solicitation. NASA plans to host an Appendix B Industry Day to provide potential Offerors with additional context and information. This engagement will be held virtually on Thursday, January 22, 2026, beginning at 1400 hours Eastern Time. Information for the MATOC strategy, as well as the first two directed-topic calls, will be discussed as part of the Industry Day. Organizations are identified by unique CAGE codes. Interested parties must register for this event in advance by sending the following details to HQ-NEXTSTEP3APPB@mail.nasa.gov: Two points of contact by name and role in the organization Corporate email addresses where NASA can send the meeting invitation and link Send details for two back-up personnel including their email address and role in the organization All virtual attendee registrations must be received no later than 1700 hours Eastern Time on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Subsequent industry forums may be scheduled in conjunction with future study calls. All email subject lines should contain the Notice ID and Company Name.

The purpose of today's update is to provide the list of attendees and PowerPoint Presentation from the NextSTEP-3: Moon to Mars Architectural Studies Industry Day Hybrid Industry Day held on January 22, 2026. The recording can be found at the following: nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/app-b-industry-day-20260122-final.mp4 _________________________________________________________________________ THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. NO PROPOSALS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO THIS NOTICE. This notice is issued by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/George C. Marshall Space Center (MSFC) to post a draft solicitation to notify interested parties that the Government anticipates release of the final solicitation #80MSFC26R0003 on or about January 30, 2026, with the anticipated due date for proposals on or about February 20, 2026. This document is for information and planning purposes and to allow industry the opportunity to verify reasonableness and feasibility, as well as promote competition. This proposed solicitation, NextSTEP-3 Appendix B: Moon to Mars Architectural Studies, seeks partner participation on a recurring basis, targeting several calls per year for proposal submissions focused on topics addressing infrastructure, transportation, habitation, mission concept of operations, and Lunar and Mars mission science capabilities identified in the latest revision of the Architecture Definition Document. NASA intends to establish a Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC), where only MATOC holders will be eligible to compete for the directed-topic calls. MATOC awards will be Firm-Fixed Price Task Orders with performance-based milestone payments. This establishes a flexible acquisition strategy that accommodates directed-topic calls, issued using the competitive task order process. Directed-topic calls will identify specific areas of Government interest. Along with directed-topic calls this solicitation establishes open-topic opportunities which are meant to capture innovative solutions from the broader industrial base and may result in an individual, standalone Firm-Fixed Price contract to any qualified organization, regardless of MATOC membership status. All awards, whether MATOC, task orders, or stand-alone fixed-price contracts, will be subject to the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the NASA FAR Supplement (NFS). Interested parties are invited to comment on all aspects of the draft solicitation. The cognizant contracting office responsible for this procurement is Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). Interested parties are requested to review the DRFP and submit written comments and questions via email to the Contracting Officer, Maranda McCord, at HQ-NEXTSTEP3APPB@mail.nasa.gov no later than 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on January 27, 2026. When responding reference 80MSFC26R0003 in the subject line. A hybrid industry day briefing is planned for Thursday, January 22, 2026. It is the offeror's responsibility to monitor this website for the release of the final solicitation and amendments (if any). Potential offerors will be responsible for downloading their own copy of the solicitation and amendments, (if any). ______________________________________________________________________ AMENDMENT- January 12, 2026 (Changes in bold and underlined) NASA plans to host an Appendix B Industry Day to provide potential Offerors with additional context and information. This HYBRID event will take place on Thursday, January 22, 2026, beginning at 1400 hours Eastern Time, with in-person attendance at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. Information for the MATOC strategy, as well as the first two directed-topic calls, will be discussed as part of the Industry Day. Organizations are identified by unique CAGE codes. Interested parties must register for this event in advance by sending the following details to HQ-NEXTSTEP3APPB@mail.nasa.gov: Two points of contact by name and role in the organization Corporate email addresses where NASA can send the meeting invitation and link Send details for two back-up personnel including their email address and role in the organization Please indicate your preference for virtual or in-person attendance during registration. All attendee registrations must be received no later than 1700 hours Eastern Time on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Subsequent industry forums may be scheduled in conjunction with future study calls. All email subject lines should contain the Notice ID and Company Name. __________________________________________________________________________ The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) intends to release a solicitation under the Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships-3 (NextSTEP-3) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) to seek industry-led architecture concept development, concept refinement studies, and risk-reduction activities that address Moon to Mars architecture gaps. NASA s Moon to Mars Architecture defines the capabilities needed for long-term, human-led scientific discovery in deep space (https://www.nasa.gov/moontomarsarchitecture/). NASA s architecture approach distills agency-developed objectives into capabilities and elements that support exploration and science goals. Success requires an architectural approach incorporating innovation, collaboration, and sustainable multi-decadal partnerships. NASA continuously evolves that blueprint for crewed exploration, setting humanity on a path to the Moon, Mars, and beyond by collaborating with experts across industry, academia, and the international community. This proposed solicitation, NextSTEP-3 Appendix B: Moon to Mars Architectural Studies, seeks partner participation on a recurring basis under a Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC), where only MATOC holders will be eligible to compete for the directed-topic calls. MATOC awards will be Firm-Fixed Price Task Orders with performance-based milestone payments. This solicitation establishes a flexible acquisition strategy that accommodates both directed-topic calls, issued using the competitive task order process, and open-topic calls for topics not addressed as part of directed-topic calls. Several calls per year for proposal submissions focused on topics addressing infrastructure, transportation, habitation, mission concept of operations, and Lunar and Mars mission science capabilities identified in the latest revision of the Architecture Definition Document (https://www.nasa.gov/moontomarsarchitecture-architecturedefinitiondocuments/). Directed-topic calls will identify specific areas of Government interest. Open-topic calls will invite offeror-inspired innovative commercial concepts. Open-topic calls are meant to capture innovative solutions from the broader industrial base and may result in an individual, standalone Firm-Fixed Price contract to any qualified organization, regardless of MATOC membership status. All awards, whether MATOC, task orders, or fixed-price contracts, will be subject to the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the NASA FAR Supplement (NFS). The first Appendix B directed-topic study calls are anticipated to focus on concepts for both lunar and future Mars missions. NASA intends to issue a directed-topic call for research into an integrated surface power infrastructure (or power grid), which is evolvable from early lunar missions to more capable sustained missions. This call will seek advantageous power infrastructure approaches and/or individual system concepts to generate, store, condition, transmit, and distribute power between lunar surface elements. This call excludes proposals seeking to address the Fission Surface Power System Announcement for Partnership Proposal (https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/e33becf3872a473dbeea39d446baf397/view). The call may include all technology solutions including alternate fission, solar hybrid, or other power grid approaches and evolution strategies. Concurrently, NASA also intends to issue a directed-topic call for Mars Crew Transportation seeking concept development, trade studies, and identification of risk reduction activities for integrated human exploration architecture focus areas including in-space transportation, Mars surface access, and Mars ascent options for crew and cargo. This Appendix B solicitation is planned for release January 30, 2026, and will be open to U.S. institutions (companies, universities, nonprofit organizations) only. NASA civil servants, Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) employees, national laboratories, and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) shall not propose as a Prime Contractor on any effort associated with this announcement but may participate as a team member. Any award would follow BAA procedures outlined in FAR 35.102 (previously FAR 35.016). Offerors are encouraged to monitor the NextSTEP-3 website and sam.gov for announcement of new calls and areas of interest. Any award would be subject to successful negotiation and availability of funds. NASA reserves the right to select for award one, all, some, or none of the proposals in response to this solicitation. The detailed call requirements and additional information on the selection process will be contained in the Appendix B solicitation. NASA plans to host an Appendix B Industry Day to provide potential Offerors with additional context and information. This engagement will be held virtually on Thursday, January 22, 2026, beginning at 1400 hours Eastern Time. Information for the MATOC strategy, as well as the first two directed-topic calls, will be discussed as part of the Industry Day. Organizations are identified by unique CAGE codes. Interested parties must register for this event in advance by sending the following details to HQ-NEXTSTEP3APPB@mail.nasa.gov: Two points of contact by name and role in the organization Corporate email addresses where NASA can send the meeting invitation and link Send details for two back-up personnel including their email address and role in the organization All virtual attendee registrations must be received no later than 1700 hours Eastern Time on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Subsequent industry forums may be scheduled in conjunction with future study calls. All email subject lines should contain the Notice ID and Company Name.

The purpose of today's update is to provide the list of attendees and PowerPoint Presentation from the NextSTEP-3: Moon to Mars Architectural Studies Industry Day Hybrid Industry Day held on January 22, 2026. The recording can be found at the following: nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/app-b-industry-day-20260122-final.mp4 _________________________________________________________________________ THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. NO PROPOSALS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO THIS NOTICE. This notice is issued by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/George C. Marshall Space Center (MSFC) to post a draft solicitation to notify interested parties that the Government anticipates release of the final solicitation #80MSFC26R0003 on or about January 30, 2026, with the anticipated due date for proposals on or about February 20, 2026. This document is for information and planning purposes and to allow industry the opportunity to verify reasonableness and feasibility, as well as promote competition. This proposed solicitation, NextSTEP-3 Appendix B: Moon to Mars Architectural Studies, seeks partner participation on a recurring basis, targeting several calls per year for proposal submissions focused on topics addressing infrastructure, transportation, habitation, mission concept of operations, and Lunar and Mars mission science capabilities identified in the latest revision of the Architecture Definition Document. NASA intends to establish a Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC), where only MATOC holders will be eligible to compete for the directed-topic calls. MATOC awards will be Firm-Fixed Price Task Orders with performance-based milestone payments. This establishes a flexible acquisition strategy that accommodates directed-topic calls, issued using the competitive task order process. Directed-topic calls will identify specific areas of Government interest. Along with directed-topic calls this solicitation establishes open-topic opportunities which are meant to capture innovative solutions from the broader industrial base and may result in an individual, standalone Firm-Fixed Price contract to any qualified organization, regardless of MATOC membership status. All awards, whether MATOC, task orders, or stand-alone fixed-price contracts, will be subject to the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the NASA FAR Supplement (NFS). Interested parties are invited to comment on all aspects of the draft solicitation. The cognizant contracting office responsible for this procurement is Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). Interested parties are requested to review the DRFP and submit written comments and questions via email to the Contracting Officer, Maranda McCord, at HQ-NEXTSTEP3APPB@mail.nasa.gov no later than 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on January 27, 2026. When responding reference 80MSFC26R0003 in the subject line. A hybrid industry day briefing is planned for Thursday, January 22, 2026. It is the offeror's responsibility to monitor this website for the release of the final solicitation and amendments (if any). Potential offerors will be responsible for downloading their own copy of the solicitation and amendments, (if any). ______________________________________________________________________ AMENDMENT- January 12, 2026 (Changes in bold and underlined) NASA plans to host an Appendix B Industry Day to provide potential Offerors with additional context and information. This HYBRID event will take place on Thursday, January 22, 2026, beginning at 1400 hours Eastern Time, with in-person attendance at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. Information for the MATOC strategy, as well as the first two directed-topic calls, will be discussed as part of the Industry Day. Organizations are identified by unique CAGE codes. Interested parties must register for this event in advance by sending the following details to HQ-NEXTSTEP3APPB@mail.nasa.gov: Two points of contact by name and role in the organization Corporate email addresses where NASA can send the meeting invitation and link Send details for two back-up personnel including their email address and role in the organization Please indicate your preference for virtual or in-person attendance during registration. All attendee registrations must be received no later than 1700 hours Eastern Time on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Subsequent industry forums may be scheduled in conjunction with future study calls. All email subject lines should contain the Notice ID and Company Name. __________________________________________________________________________ The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) intends to release a solicitation under the Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships-3 (NextSTEP-3) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) to seek industry-led architecture concept development, concept refinement studies, and risk-reduction activities that address Moon to Mars architecture gaps. NASA s Moon to Mars Architecture defines the capabilities needed for long-term, human-led scientific discovery in deep space (https://www.nasa.gov/moontomarsarchitecture/). NASA s architecture approach distills agency-developed objectives into capabilities and elements that support exploration and science goals. Success requires an architectural approach incorporating innovation, collaboration, and sustainable multi-decadal partnerships. NASA continuously evolves that blueprint for crewed exploration, setting humanity on a path to the Moon, Mars, and beyond by collaborating with experts across industry, academia, and the international community. This proposed solicitation, NextSTEP-3 Appendix B: Moon to Mars Architectural Studies, seeks partner participation on a recurring basis under a Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC), where only MATOC holders will be eligible to compete for the directed-topic calls. MATOC awards will be Firm-Fixed Price Task Orders with performance-based milestone payments. This solicitation establishes a flexible acquisition strategy that accommodates both directed-topic calls, issued using the competitive task order process, and open-topic calls for topics not addressed as part of directed-topic calls. Several calls per year for proposal submissions focused on topics addressing infrastructure, transportation, habitation, mission concept of operations, and Lunar and Mars mission science capabilities identified in the latest revision of the Architecture Definition Document (https://www.nasa.gov/moontomarsarchitecture-architecturedefinitiondocuments/). Directed-topic calls will identify specific areas of Government interest. Open-topic calls will invite offeror-inspired innovative commercial concepts. Open-topic calls are meant to capture innovative solutions from the broader industrial base and may result in an individual, standalone Firm-Fixed Price contract to any qualified organization, regardless of MATOC membership status. All awards, whether MATOC, task orders, or fixed-price contracts, will be subject to the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the NASA FAR Supplement (NFS). The first Appendix B directed-topic study calls are anticipated to focus on concepts for both lunar and future Mars missions. NASA intends to issue a directed-topic call for research into an integrated surface power infrastructure (or power grid), which is evolvable from early lunar missions to more capable sustained missions. This call will seek advantageous power infrastructure approaches and/or individual system concepts to generate, store, condition, transmit, and distribute power between lunar surface elements. This call excludes proposals seeking to address the Fission Surface Power System Announcement for Partnership Proposal (https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/e33becf3872a473dbeea39d446baf397/view). The call may include all technology solutions including alternate fission, solar hybrid, or other power grid approaches and evolution strategies. Concurrently, NASA also intends to issue a directed-topic call for Mars Crew Transportation seeking concept development, trade studies, and identification of risk reduction activities for integrated human exploration architecture focus areas including in-space transportation, Mars surface access, and Mars ascent options for crew and cargo. This Appendix B solicitation is planned for release January 30, 2026, and will be open to U.S. institutions (companies, universities, nonprofit organizations) only. NASA civil servants, Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) employees, national laboratories, and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) shall not propose as a Prime Contractor on any effort associated with this announcement but may participate as a team member. Any award would follow BAA procedures outlined in FAR 35.102 (previously FAR 35.016). Offerors are encouraged to monitor the NextSTEP-3 website and sam.gov for announcement of new calls and areas of interest. Any award would be subject to successful negotiation and availability of funds. NASA reserves the right to select for award one, all, some, or none of the proposals in response to this solicitation. The detailed call requirements and additional information on the selection process will be contained in the Appendix B solicitation. NASA plans to host an Appendix B Industry Day to provide potential Offerors with additional context and information. This engagement will be held virtually on Thursday, January 22, 2026, beginning at 1400 hours Eastern Time. Information for the MATOC strategy, as well as the first two directed-topic calls, will be discussed as part of the Industry Day. Organizations are identified by unique CAGE codes. Interested parties must register for this event in advance by sending the following details to HQ-NEXTSTEP3APPB@mail.nasa.gov: Two points of contact by name and role in the organization Corporate email addresses where NASA can send the meeting invitation and link Send details for two back-up personnel including their email address and role in the organization All virtual attendee registrations must be received no later than 1700 hours Eastern Time on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Subsequent industry forums may be scheduled in conjunction with future study calls. All email subject lines should contain the Notice ID and Company Name.

The final solicitation for Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships-3 (NextSTEP-3), Appendix B, Moon to Mars Architectural Studies, issued under solicitation number 80MSFC26R0003, is on hold until further notice. Offerors are responsible for monitoring this website for the reissuance of the solicitation and any subsequent amendments, if applicable. __________________________________________________________________________ The purpose of today's update is to provide the list of attendees and PowerPoint Presentation from the NextSTEP-3: Moon to Mars Architectural Studies Industry Day Hybrid Industry Day held on January 22, 2026. The recording can be found at the following: nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/app-b-industry-day-20260122-final.mp4 _________________________________________________________________________ THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. NO PROPOSALS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO THIS NOTICE. This notice is issued by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/George C. Marshall Space Center (MSFC) to post a draft solicitation to notify interested parties that the Government anticipates release of the final solicitation #80MSFC26R0003 on or about January 30, 2026, with the anticipated due date for proposals on or about February 20, 2026. This document is for information and planning purposes and to allow industry the opportunity to verify reasonableness and feasibility, as well as promote competition. This proposed solicitation, NextSTEP-3 Appendix B: Moon to Mars Architectural Studies, seeks partner participation on a recurring basis, targeting several calls per year for proposal submissions focused on topics addressing infrastructure, transportation, habitation, mission concept of operations, and Lunar and Mars mission science capabilities identified in the latest revision of the Architecture Definition Document. NASA intends to establish a Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC), where only MATOC holders will be eligible to compete for the directed-topic calls. MATOC awards will be Firm-Fixed Price Task Orders with performance-based milestone payments. This establishes a flexible acquisition strategy that accommodates directed-topic calls, issued using the competitive task order process. Directed-topic calls will identify specific areas of Government interest. Along with directed-topic calls this solicitation establishes open-topic opportunities which are meant to capture innovative solutions from the broader industrial base and may result in an individual, standalone Firm-Fixed Price contract to any qualified organization, regardless of MATOC membership status. All awards, whether MATOC, task orders, or stand-alone fixed-price contracts, will be subject to the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the NASA FAR Supplement (NFS). Interested parties are invited to comment on all aspects of the draft solicitation. The cognizant contracting office responsible for this procurement is Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). Interested parties are requested to review the DRFP and submit written comments and questions via email to the Contracting Officer, Maranda McCord, at HQ-NEXTSTEP3APPB@mail.nasa.gov no later than 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on January 27, 2026. When responding reference 80MSFC26R0003 in the subject line. A hybrid industry day briefing is planned for Thursday, January 22, 2026. It is the offeror's responsibility to monitor this website for the release of the final solicitation and amendments (if any). Potential offerors will be responsible for downloading their own copy of the solicitation and amendments, (if any). ______________________________________________________________________ AMENDMENT- January 12, 2026 (Changes in bold and underlined) NASA plans to host an Appendix B Industry Day to provide potential Offerors with additional context and information. This HYBRID event will take place on Thursday, January 22, 2026, beginning at 1400 hours Eastern Time, with in-person attendance at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. Information for the MATOC strategy, as well as the first two directed-topic calls, will be discussed as part of the Industry Day. Organizations are identified by unique CAGE codes. Interested parties must register for this event in advance by sending the following details to HQ-NEXTSTEP3APPB@mail.nasa.gov: Two points of contact by name and role in the organization Corporate email addresses where NASA can send the meeting invitation and link Send details for two back-up personnel including their email address and role in the organization Please indicate your preference for virtual or in-person attendance during registration. All attendee registrations must be received no later than 1700 hours Eastern Time on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Subsequent industry forums may be scheduled in conjunction with future study calls. All email subject lines should contain the Notice ID and Company Name. __________________________________________________________________________ The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) intends to release a solicitation under the Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships-3 (NextSTEP-3) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) to seek industry-led architecture concept development, concept refinement studies, and risk-reduction activities that address Moon to Mars architecture gaps. NASA s Moon to Mars Architecture defines the capabilities needed for long-term, human-led scientific discovery in deep space (https://www.nasa.gov/moontomarsarchitecture/). NASA s architecture approach distills agency-developed objectives into capabilities and elements that support exploration and science goals. Success requires an architectural approach incorporating innovation, collaboration, and sustainable multi-decadal partnerships. NASA continuously evolves that blueprint for crewed exploration, setting humanity on a path to the Moon, Mars, and beyond by collaborating with experts across industry, academia, and the international community. This proposed solicitation, NextSTEP-3 Appendix B: Moon to Mars Architectural Studies, seeks partner participation on a recurring basis under a Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC), where only MATOC holders will be eligible to compete for the directed-topic calls. MATOC awards will be Firm-Fixed Price Task Orders with performance-based milestone payments. This solicitation establishes a flexible acquisition strategy that accommodates both directed-topic calls, issued using the competitive task order process, and open-topic calls for topics not addressed as part of directed-topic calls. Several calls per year for proposal submissions focused on topics addressing infrastructure, transportation, habitation, mission concept of operations, and Lunar and Mars mission science capabilities identified in the latest revision of the Architecture Definition Document (https://www.nasa.gov/moontomarsarchitecture-architecturedefinitiondocuments/). Directed-topic calls will identify specific areas of Government interest. Open-topic calls will invite offeror-inspired innovative commercial concepts. Open-topic calls are meant to capture innovative solutions from the broader industrial base and may result in an individual, standalone Firm-Fixed Price contract to any qualified organization, regardless of MATOC membership status. All awards, whether MATOC, task orders, or fixed-price contracts, will be subject to the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the NASA FAR Supplement (NFS). The first Appendix B directed-topic study calls are anticipated to focus on concepts for both lunar and future Mars missions. NASA intends to issue a directed-topic call for research into an integrated surface power infrastructure (or power grid), which is evolvable from early lunar missions to more capable sustained missions. This call will seek advantageous power infrastructure approaches and/or individual system concepts to generate, store, condition, transmit, and distribute power between lunar surface elements. This call excludes proposals seeking to address the Fission Surface Power System Announcement for Partnership Proposal (https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/e33becf3872a473dbeea39d446baf397/view). The call may include all technology solutions including alternate fission, solar hybrid, or other power grid approaches and evolution strategies. Concurrently, NASA also intends to issue a directed-topic call for Mars Crew Transportation seeking concept development, trade studies, and identification of risk reduction activities for integrated human exploration architecture focus areas including in-space transportation, Mars surface access, and Mars ascent options for crew and cargo. This Appendix B solicitation is planned for release January 30, 2026, and will be open to U.S. institutions (companies, universities, nonprofit organizations) only. NASA civil servants, Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) employees, national laboratories, and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) shall not propose as a Prime Contractor on any effort associated with this announcement but may participate as a team member. Any award would follow BAA procedures outlined in FAR 35.102 (previously FAR 35.016). Offerors are encouraged to monitor the NextSTEP-3 website and sam.gov for announcement of new calls and areas of interest. Any award would be subject to successful negotiation and availability of funds. NASA reserves the right to select for award one, all, some, or none of the proposals in response to this solicitation. The detailed call requirements and additional information on the selection process will be contained in the Appendix B solicitation. NASA plans to host an Appendix B Industry Day to provide potential Offerors with additional context and information. This engagement will be held virtually on Thursday, January 22, 2026, beginning at 1400 hours Eastern Time. Information for the MATOC strategy, as well as the first two directed-topic calls, will be discussed as part of the Industry Day. Organizations are identified by unique CAGE codes. Interested parties must register for this event in advance by sending the following details to HQ-NEXTSTEP3APPB@mail.nasa.gov: Two points of contact by name and role in the organization Corporate email addresses where NASA can send the meeting invitation and link Send details for two back-up personnel including their email address and role in the organization All virtual attendee registrations must be received no later than 1700 hours Eastern Time on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Subsequent industry forums may be scheduled in conjunction with future study calls. All email subject lines should contain the Notice ID and Company Name.

UPDATE: August 7, 2026 NASA is actively working to finalize and publish responses to all questions and comments submitted under the Appendix B solicitation and Direct-Topic Call 1. Due to the significant level of industry engagement, and to better support offerors, NASA will release these responses in batches as they are completed. The first batch of responses is now available in the Attachments section. Additionally, NASA is extending the white paper submission deadline from August 17, 2026, to August 24, 2026, to allow offerors sufficient time to incorporate the released responses into their submissions. UPDATE: July 16, 2026 The final solicitation for Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships-3 (NextSTEP-3), Appendix B, Moon to Mars Architectural Studies, issued under solicitation number 80MSFC26R0003, has been reissued as Appendix B: Moon Base Demonstrations and supersedes previous solicitation instructions. In December 2025, a national space policy was signed into place that emphasized America's leadership in space, including returning to the Moon, building a permanent base, investing in new technologies, and advancing lunar and orbital economies for future scientific missions. NASA’s Moon Base, located in the lunar South Pole region, will serve as the premier proving ground for deep space exploration, empowering scientific discovery and the development of advanced space technologies. Based on the preceding, Appendix B will now focus on phased implementation of Moon Base. NASA seeks to bridge the gap between technology development and mission operations, targeting concepts at technology readiness level (TRL) 6 and beyond. Industry partners play a critical role in addressing architectural gaps and risk reduction buy-down that create the knowledge foundation NASA needs to make informed programmatic decisions and strengthen its ability to achieve strategic exploration goals efficiently and effectively. To that end, NASA's Human Spaceflight Mission Directorate (HSMD) is actively embracing innovative ideas from industry partners through this Appendix B: Moon Base Demonstrations under the NextSTEP-3 Omnibus Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) that calls for industry-led demonstrations and special topic activities. This BAA uses a dual-path call structure: Directed-Topic Calls and Open-Topic Calls. NASA will periodically release specific Directed-Topic Calls to guide industry partners and promote focused innovation in support of Moon Base objectives. These Directed-Topic Calls are designed to address evolving mission needs and encourage proposals that advance technologies and capabilities critical to lunar exploration. NASA intends to also have Open-Topic Calls available at a later date to allow industry to propose concepts within the topics outlined above that are not part of any prior Directed-Topic Calls included within this announcement. Open opportunities are meant to capture innovative solutions from the broader industrial base and may result in a contract to any qualified organization. Open-Topic submissions with identical concepts as Directed-Topic Calls will not be evaluated. This announcement will follow a 2-step process for proposal submissions. Step-1 of the process is the submission of a White Paper. In Step-2 of the process, only invited proposers will be requested to submit a full project proposal. NASA intends to award Firm-Fixed Price contracts with performance-based milestone payments. All awards will be subject to the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the NASA FAR Supplement (NFS). All questions regarding this solicitation should be submitted in writing, electronically to Brad Vest, Contracting Officer, at Bradley.D.Vest@nasa.gov no later than 5:00 p.m., Central Time (CT), July 30, 2026. Offerors are encouraged to submit questions as soon as possible for consideration. The Offeror shall courtesy copy (cc) hq-nextstep3appb@mail.nasa.gov on this communication. ________________________________________________________________________ The final solicitation for Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships-3 (NextSTEP-3), Appendix B, Moon to Mars Architectural Studies, issued under solicitation number 80MSFC26R0003, is on hold until further notice. Offerors are responsible for monitoring this website for the reissuance of the solicitation and any subsequent amendments, if applicable.