Request for Information (RFI): Private Sector Partnerships in Astrobiology, Planetary Protection, and Space Biology

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Science Mission Directorate issued this Request for Information (RFI), identified as solicitation number NNH26ZDA010L, to explore potential private sector partnerships in the fields of astrobiology, planetary protection, and space biology. Recognizing a long history of collaboration with universities and industry, NASA seeks to expand these partnerships to enhance capabilities for future missions, technology development, and data analysis. Respondents are invited to share partnership ideas across several areas, including technology development, data analytics and AI, life detection and sample analysis, applied astrobiology, and communications and engagement.

This special notice is classified under PSC AR12 for SPACE R&D SERVICES; SPACE FLIGHT, RESEARCH AND SUPPORTING ACTIVITIES; APPLIED RESEARCH, and there is no set-aside (NONE; NONE) assigned to this requirement. While the place of performance is listed as Washington, DC, the agency is utilizing the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) for the distribution of the full RFI text and submission details. Two attachments were provided at the time of publication, consisting of the full RFI text and a summary document.

The response deadline for this RFI is August 11, 2026. Interested parties may provide input on any relevant area of astrobiology or space biology that could benefit from private sector involvement. Rebecca McCauley Rench serves as the point of contact for this notice. This inquiry does not constitute a formal commitment by NASA to act on the provided information or initiate a future procurement.