Space Power and Reactor Capabilities (SPARC) - Draft Request for Proposals (DRFP)

NASA is issuing a Multiple‑Award Indefinite‑Delivery/Indefinite‑Quantity (MAIDIQ) contract under the SPARC program to develop, test, and sustain space‑nuclear power systems, beginning with a Phase 1 Awardable Sample Task Order (ASTO) for the Lunar Reactor‑1 (LR‑1). The effort will cover system‑level design, fabrication of a non‑nuclear Engineering Test Unit, extensive testing (thermal‑vacuum, radiation, safety), and delivery of detailed technical data, safety and mission‑assurance plans, and software. The contract will be firm‑fixed‑price with performance‑based incentives and will support multiple future task orders beyond the initial ASTO. • Scope includes nuclear reactor design, Brayton‑cycle power conversion, thermal‑management, radiation shielding, and related IT/cybersecurity compliance. • Required deliverables: project‑management plans, integrated master schedule, detailed requirements, test plans/reports, safety analyses (FMEA, PHA), software and data rights documentation, and a government‑property management plan. • Contractor must meet NASA’s stringent security, export‑control, and nuclear‑hazard indemnity requirements, and be capable of handling a $350 million contract ceiling with an 18‑month LR‑1 Phase 1 task order (April 2027 – Oct 2028).