- Type
- Request for Information
- Dates
- Close
- Aug 10, 2026
- Release
- May 18, 2026
- PSPRFI25 NOIs Due
- Aug 10, 2026
- Title
- Request for Information (RFI): Private Sector Partnerships in Astrobiology, Planetary Protection, and Space Biology
- Number
- NNH26ZDA010L
- Nois Due
- Aug 10, 2026
- Pdf Text
- 1
Request for Information (RFI): Private Sector Activities in Astrobiology, Planetary
Protection, and Space Biology
Number: NNH26ZDA010L
Release Date: May 18, 2026
Response Date: August 10, 2026
Short URL: https://go.nasa.gov/PSPRFI
THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. NO PROPOSALS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED
IN RESPONSE TO THIS NOTICE.
This Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Request for Information (RFI) does not constitute a
commitment, implied or otherwise, that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA) will take action in this matter.
Only United States entities, e.g., U.S. industry, universities, non-profit organizations, and other
U.S. Federal, state, local, tribal government agencies, may respond to this RFI. While responses
from NASA Center and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory are not prohibited, their responding to this
RFI is unnecessary. NASA components are in regular contact with SMD at Headquarters and
should communicate via normal communication channels.
Interested parties may contribute to multiple RFI responses. A respondent may submit more than
one response to this RFI.
Purpose:
Astrobiological studies are crucial for ensuring safe exploration, understanding life’s adaptability
beyond Earth, and developing technologies for human and robotic missions that are capable of
advancing our understanding of life, while protecting potential biological cross-contamination
between planets. This RFI aims to identify potential collaborators who have an interest in
working with NASA to accelerate progress in answering the question – Are we alone?
Background:
NASA Science exploration missions have expanded knowledge about the potential habitability
of other bodies in our solar system and exoplanets, and research on Earth continues to improve
understanding of the limits of life as we know it. NASA-sponsored astrobiology research focuses
on questions such as: How does life begin and evolve? and Does life exist elsewhere in the
Universe? Learn more at: https://science.nasa.gov/astrobiology/
Planetary protection safeguards both Earth and other celestial bodies from biological
contamination, ensuring the integrity of life-detection missions and compliance with
international standards. Learn more at: https://sma.nasa.gov/sma-disciplines/planetary-protection
Space biology research investigates how living systems respond to space environments,
informing life-support systems, crew health, and biotechnological innovations for long-duration
missions. Learn more at: https://science.nasa.gov/biological-physical/
2
NASA has a long history of supporting astrobiology research through collaborations with
universities, research institutions, and industry. The National Academies of Sciences,
Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) recommended in An Astrobiology Strategy for the Search
for Life in the Universe that “NASA should actively seek new mechanisms to reduce the barriers
to collaboration with private and philanthropic entities, and with international space agencies to
achieve its objective of searching for life in the universe.” Expanding partnerships with the
private sector will enhance capabilities for future missions, technology development, and data
analysis. Such collaborations with private partners can be pursued when there is overlap in
NASA and the potential partner’s goals.
Areas of Interest:
NASA seeks expressions of interest in potential partnership opportunities, such as Space Act
Agreements, in one or more of the following areas:
• Technology Development: Instruments, sensors, and platforms for detecting
biosignatures, including technosignatures, on planetary bodies within the Solar System
and elsewhere in the Galaxy.
• Data Analytics & AI: Advanced computational tools for understanding prebiotic
chemistry, modeling habitability, and searching for biosignatures and analyzing mission
data.
• Life Detection & Sample Analysis: Innovative approaches for in-situ and returned sample
analysis.
• Applied Astrobiology: Applications in biotechnology, resource utilization, and life-
support systems relevant to space exploration.
• Planetary Protection: Technologies and protocols for containment and minimizing
transport of microbial species, contamination control, limits of life, limits of detection
and design of experiments to avoid false positive and false negative detection,
biostatistical modeling and biosecurity in spacecraft and sample handling.
• Space Biology: Studies on microbial, plant, and human adaptation to microgravity and
radiation; development of bioregenerative life-support systems; and biomanufacturing in
space.
• Other: Any area that is relevant to NASA’s mission in astrobiology, applied astrobiology,
planetary protection, and space biology.
Response Guidelines:
It is emphasized that this RFI is NOT a Request for Proposal, nor is it an Invitation for Bid. This
RFI is being used to obtain information for planning purposes only. Responses to this RFI are not
considered offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding implementation
arrangement. The Government will not pay for the information submitted in response to this RFI.
NASA does not intend to award a contract, Space Act Agreement (SAA), or any other legal
implementing instrument in response to submissions received from this RFI at this time. The
information provided is entirely voluntary and will not affect the ability to propose on future
opportunities.
This RFI is subject to review or cancellation at any time and is not to be construed as a
commitment by the Government to enter into an implementation arrangement. However, NASA
3
may proceed to have further discussions with individual respondents about a future partnership
opportunity.
No solicitation exists; therefore, please do not request a copy of a solicitation. If a solicitation is
released in the future, it will be synopsized on the Government Point of Entry website SAM.gov.
It is the responsibility of interested parties to monitor these sites regularly for the release of any
solicitation or synopsis.
Respondents may not submit confidential information, controlled unclassified information
(CUI), proprietary information, or export-controlled information, including International Traffic
in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) restricted
information, in response to this RFI. No Personally Identifiable Information (PII) should be
submitted in response to this RFI. Respondents are solely responsible for all expenses associated
with responding to this Request for Information for Private Sector Activities in Astrobiology,
Planetary Protection, and Space Biology. NASA intends to consider all data received to inform
the Science Mission Directorate’s future planning.
Please note that NASA employees and other government agencies, as well as support
contractors’ employees and/or their subcontractors working on behalf of NASA, may review
respondent’s submissions. NASA contractors and subcontractors are governed by non-disclosure
provisions in their applicable contracts and subcontracts, which protects the confidentiality of all
information reviewed. Responses to this RFI will not be returned, and respondents will not be
notified of the results of the review.
This RFI is for US domestic entities. Interest from international government agencies or other
international entities will be addressed in direct conversations with NASA Headquarters.
Submission Package
Interested organizations should provide the following information as a PDF file no more than 3
pages long:
• A brief description of capabilities and relevant experience.
• Potential collaborations that are consistent with NASA’s astrobiology, space biology,
and/or planetary protection objectives and would be of mutual benefit to both NASA and
the respondent.
• Contact information for follow-up discussions.
Response Submission:
Submissions must be provided electronically as unlocked PDF format via the NASA Solicitation
and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System
(NSPIRES)https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/.
You must be registered with NSPIRES to submit an RFI response. See registration instructions at
http://nspires.nasaprs.com/ (select “Create an Account” at the top right of the landing page).
Institution registration is not required to respond to this RFI, but you will need to specify an
institution/organization.
4
NASA also requests and collects a limited set of demographic data from all registered NSPIRES
users for the purpose of future analysis of the demographic differences associated with NASA’s
award and review processes. Demographic items requested include sex, race, ethnicity, and
disability status. Submission of these demographic data are voluntary, confidential, and not a
precondition for using NSPIRES or submitting a response to this RFI. If you do not wish to
provide demographic responses, choose the buttons labeled “I Prefer Not to Answer”.
Submission Guidance and Known Issues:
1. There is no limit on the number of responses from an individual or organization.
2. Individuals without institutional affiliation may list “Self.”
3. You may replace an uploaded document before the deadline; however, once submitted,
proposals cannot be deleted. If submitting a corrected version, include “CORRECTED”
in the title.
4. Important: Some users have experienced issues with NSPIRES submissions. To avoid
problems:
5. Confirm your file meets NSPIRES PDF guidelines (NSPIRES Help).
6. Ensure your proposal includes your name, institution (or self if no affiliation), and email
address in the document itself.
7. After uploading, verify that your document appears in the attachments section before
clicking “Submit.”
8. If you encounter technical issues, contact NSPIRES Help Desk immediately.
When you have an NSPIRES account, go the Request for Information (RFI): Private Sector
Activities in Astrobiology, Planetary Protection, and Space Biology, Number: NNH26ZDA010L
page at: https://go.nasa.gov/PSPRFI
1. Click “Create”
2. Log in when requested
3. Enter the Request for Information: Response title NOTE: NSPIRES will show this as
“NOI title”
4. Select "do not link at this time" for submitting organization page.
5. Click "Save" on next page.
6. It is not necessary to complete any of the "NOI Details"; all requested information should
be included in the attached PDF document. Information which is entered into “NOI
Details” but not included in the attached PDF document will not be considered
7. Prepare your RFI response offline and save as a PDF document (NSPIRES instructions
on PDF formats are described in the NSPIRES PDF Guidelines available at
https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/externalhelp/public/index.htm#t=NSPIRES_Docume
nts_main.htm). The response document must include the respondent’s Name, institution,
and e-mail address so the file is self-contained.
8. To attach (upload) your response:
a.) Click "add" under NOI attachments section;
b.) Select "Proposal Document" from the drop-down list;
c.) Browse to attach your PDF or Word file;
d.) Select "Upload";
5
e.) Click "OK";
f.) Your response document has been uploaded to NSPIRES.
9. Click Submit NOI button. NOTE: Clicking “Submit NOI” does not complete the
submission process.
10. Ignore any warnings about incomplete NOI elements.
11. Click "Submit". This will take you to the NOI submission confirmation page, which
provides you with the NOI/RFI number for your records.
If you need assistance with NSPIRES, please contact NSPIRES support via phone (202) 479-
9376, Monday - Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM EST/EDT (except for Federal Holidays) or via email:
nspires-help@nasaprs.com.
Responses should be submitted no later than August 10, 2026.
References:
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2019. An Astrobiology Strategy for
the Search for Life in the Universe. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
https://doi.org/10.17226/25252.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2023. Origins, Worlds, and Life:
Planetary Science and Astrobiology in the Next Decade. Washington, DC: The National
Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/27209
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2023. Pathways to Discovery in
Astronomy and Astrophysics for the 2020s. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
https://doi.org/10.17226/26141
Points of Contact
Dr. Rebecca McCauley Rench, Lead Scientist for Astrobiology
rebecca.l.mccauleyrench@nasa.gov
- Documents
- Title
- Request for Information (RFI): Private Sector Activities in Astrobiology, Planetary Protection, and Space Biology (.pdf)
- Directorate
- Science Mission Directorate
- File Excerpt
- 1 Request for Information (RFI): Private Sector Activities in Astrobiology, Planetary Protection, and Space Biology Number: NNH26ZDA010L Release Date: May 18, 2026 Response Date: August 10, 2026 Short URL: https://go.nasa.gov/PSPRFI THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. NO PROPOSALS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO THIS NOTICE. This Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Request for Information (RFI) does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will take action in this matter. Only United States entities, e.g., U.S. industry, universities, non-profit organizations, and other U.S. Federal, state, local, tribal government agencies, may respond to this RFI.
- Release Date
- May 18, 2026
- Contact Email
- nspires-help@nasaprs.com
