SAM #c776cb855f5b4e8db923aecf80779810

NASA Sole Source R&D for 5G and Wi-Fi 6 Lunar Communications System to MODULATE SPACE CORPORATION

This opportunity is a NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) sole source procurement for research and development of a 5G and Wi-Fi 6 integrated communications system for lunar surface applications. - Agency: NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) - Intended Vendor: MODULATE SPACE CORPORATION (formerly Nokia Bell Labs’ Space Communication Solutions) - Scope: Research and development of a minimum viable 5G New Radio (5G-NR) User Equipment (UE) and 5G Network-In-a-Box (NIB) with integrated Wi-Fi 6 - Includes hardware prototypes (NIBs, UEs, antennas) and software for 5G SideLink Mode 1 and Wi-Fi 6 mesh networking - System to support lunar surface demonstration, with connectivity over 1-12 km ranges - Technology readiness advancement from TRL 3 to 6/7 for Artemis and Moon Base missions - Deliverables: - 2x 5G NIB prototype units (with DPU and 2x4 MIMO RU, band N78) - 2x wideband antennas for NIB (supporting 5G N41/N78 and Wi-Fi 6) - 3x 5G NR UE prototype units (with Wi-Fi 6) - Wideband omni-directional antennas for UE and NIB - Services: - System design, integration, software development, terrestrial and lunar demonstrations, reliability testing, and reporting - Period of Performance: - CLIN 0001: ~17 months from award - CLIN 0002: Up to 23 months from start, including lunar demonstration - Justification: Only one responsible source (MODULATE SPACE CORPORATION) can meet requirements (FAR 6.103-1) - Commercial Opportunity: Interested parties may submit qualifications to compete, but MODULATE SPACE CORPORATION is the intended awardee - No specific part numbers provided; focus is on R&D and prototype demonstration

Description

NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) has a requirement to develop a minimum viable solution of a 5G New Radio (5G-NR) User Equipment (UE) and 5G Network-In-a-Box (NIB). The solution must be developed with integrated Wi-Fi 6 and the key features needed to successfully demonstrate the network solution on the lunar surface and accelerate the technology readiness level (TRL) in anticipation of operational readiness for subsequent lunar missions. See Attachment A – Statement of Work for the details.  

NASA GRC intends to issue a sole source contract to acquire Research and Development from MODULATE SPACE CORPORATION (also known as Modul8, formerly Nokia Bell Labs’ Space Communication Solutions) under the authority of FAR 6.103-1, Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. 

The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial product or commercial service using FAR Part 12. 

Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort electronically via email to Ian Park at ian.park@nasa.gov not later than 4:00PM EDT on Friday, July 17th, 2026. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct this acquisition on a competitive basis. A decision by the Government not to compete this acquisition on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. 

NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at: https://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/regs/Procurement-Ombuds-Comp-Advocate-Listing.pdf 

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