NASA has reissued NextSTEP-3 Appendix B as Moon Base Demonstrations, focusing on phased implementation of a lunar South Pole Moon Base and bridging technology development to mission operations at TRL 6 and above. The effort uses a dual-path call structure of Directed-Topic Calls and later Open-Topic Calls for industry-led demonstrations and special topic activities. The current directed call seeks design and development of new Surface Mating Systems (SMS) concepts, culminating in a ground demonstration by September 30, 2027. Proposals follow a two-step process: an initial white paper, then a full project proposal only for invited offerors, with NASA intending to award Firm-Fixed-Price contracts using performance-based milestone payments. Questions must be submitted in writing to the contracting officer and copied to the NASA NextSTEP-3 Appendix B mailbox.

NASA’s NextSTEP-3 Appendix B: Moon Base Demonstrations seeks industry-led demonstrations and special-topic activities to support phased implementation of a Moon Base, targeting TRL 6+ concepts that bridge technology development and mission operations. The current Directed Call #2, Surface Mating Systems, aims to design and develop new SMS concepts culminating in a ground demonstration by September 30, 2027. NASA’s Moon Base is located in the lunar South Pole region. The effort uses a two-step process—white paper first, then full proposals only by invitation—and NASA intends to award Firm-Fixed-Price contracts with performance-based milestone payments under FAR/NFS. Broader Open-Topic Calls are also planned later to capture additional industry concepts not covered by prior Directed-Topic Calls.

NASA has reissued NextSTEP-3 Appendix B to focus on Moon Base Demonstrations, targeting technologies at TRL 6 and beyond. The work supports a permanent Moon Base at the lunar South Pole region. The solicitation uses a dual-path structure with Directed-Topic and Open-Topic Calls, and a two-step process requiring white papers first, then full proposals for invited offerors. Awards will be Firm-Fixed Price contracts with performance-based milestone payments. Open-topic submissions duplicating directed-topic concepts will not be evaluated.

NASA has reissued NextSTEP-3 Appendix B as "Moon Base Demonstrations," focusing on phased implementation of a Moon Base at the lunar South Pole region. The effort targets concepts at technology readiness level 6 and beyond, seeking industry-led demonstrations to bridge technology development and mission operations. It uses a dual-path structure with Directed-Topic Calls and future Open-Topic Calls, and a two-step proposal process requiring white papers followed by full proposals for invited offerors. Awards will be Firm-Fixed Price contracts with performance-based milestone payments. Open-Topic Calls will be released at a later date.

NASA is seeking industry partners for the NextSTEP-3 Appendix B: Moon Base Demonstrations, focusing on phased implementation of a permanent lunar base at the Moon’s South Pole. The program targets concepts at Technology Readiness Level 6 and above to bridge technology development and mission operations. It uses a dual-path structure with Directed-Topic Calls and future Open-Topic Calls, following a two-step proposal process (White Paper then full proposal). Awards will be Firm-Fixed Price contracts with performance-based milestone payments. No specific budget amounts or performance location beyond the lunar South Pole are mentioned.

This is a draft solicitation for NASA's NextSTEP-3 Appendix B, seeking industry partners for recurring Moon to Mars architectural studies. The final solicitation is anticipated for release on or about January 30, 2026. It will establish a Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC) for directed-topic calls and also include open-topic opportunities for standalone contracts. The first directed-topic calls are anticipated to focus on integrated lunar surface power infrastructure and Mars crew transportation concepts. The solicitation is open to U.S. institutions only, excluding NASA civil servants and certain federally funded centers from acting as prime contractors.