NextSTEP-3 Appendix B: Moon Base Demonstrations

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is seeking proposals for the Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships-3 (NextSTEP-3), Appendix B: Moon Base Demonstrations. The goal of this solicitation is to bridge the gap between technology development and mission operations, targeting concepts at technology readiness level (TRL) 6 and beyond. NASA is looking for industry partners to propose system-level integration and lunar demonstrations, with a focus on demonstrating integrated capabilities in relevant ground-based analogs and culminating in flight or lunar surface demonstrations. The solicitation will follow a 2-step process, with the first step being the submission of a White Paper, and the second step being the submission of a full project proposal for invited proposers. • The solicitation is focused on phased implementation of Moon Base, with a goal of creating a permanent base on the lunar South Pole region. • The solicitation is open to industry partners, with a goal of addressing architectural gaps and risk reduction buy-down. • The solicitation will use a dual-path call structure, with Directed-Topic Calls and Open-Topic Calls. • The solicitation will result in the award of Firm-Fixed Price contracts with performance-based milestone payments.