SAM #NASA-USSA-RFI

NASA RFI for United States Space Academy (USSA) Location and Operating Solutions

NASA has released a Request for Information (RFI) to gather input from States about establishing the United States Space Academy (USSA), a new civilian Federal academic institution. - NASA is seeking State-sponsored responses, coordinated by a designated State Selecting Official. - The RFI requests information on: - Potential permanent campus locations for the USSA - Interim instructional solutions before the campus is built - Estimated costs for construction and operation - Opportunities for partnerships with state, local, and non-Federal entities - No specific products, services, or vendors are requested at this stage. - The information collected will inform NASA's recommendation to a Commission for selecting the Academy's location. - A formal solicitation for proposals may be issued in the future.

Key Details: - No OEMs, products, or service providers are named. - This is a planning and assessment RFI, not a procurement for goods or services. - States must submit one official response, coordinated by their State Selecting Official. - No contract value or period of performance is specified.

Description

On Aug. 28, 2026, President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order (E.O.) 14423, Establishing the United States Space Academy. 

To answer that call, the United States Space Academy (USSA) is envisioned as a NASA-led, civilian Federal academic institution that combines rigorous technical education with disciplined leadership development, civic responsibility, and a lasting commitment to public service. The Academy will prepare future scientists, engineers, astronauts, pilots, operators, entrepreneurs, civil servants, warfighters, and other leaders to advance American interests across the aerospace sector.

 Through this Request for Information (RFI), NASA invites each State to submit one official State-sponsored response prepared by a “Responding Entity” and coordinated and formally endorsed by a State Selecting Official. The Governor must designate both the Responding Entity and the State Selecting Official in writing. The response should provide information to support NASA’s assessment of potential locations and operating solutions for the United States Space Academy (USSA). That assessment will inform NASA’s recommendation to the Commission.

NASA’s objectives for this announcement are to:

Identify potential locations for the permanent establishment of the USSA campus, including a groundbreaking no later than 2027. Identify interim solutions that may allow the USSA to begin instruction in 2028 and facilitate a smooth transition to a permanent campus by 2031. Explore the estimated costs of establishing the USSA and potential state, local, and other non-Federal partnerships that could support its establishment.

Information obtained through this RFI will be used by NASA and the Commission to develop the recommended process for selecting the Academy’s permanent physical location, which will be reported to the President for decision. A separate announcement for formal proposals may be issued at a later date. 

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