# NASA Recompetes Pasadena JPL Contract

NASA is recompeting the contract to manage and operate the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), ending Caltech’s sole-source arrangement dating to 1958. The contract is valued at **more than $2 billion annually** and covers laboratory management and operations. Proposals are scheduled for Q3 2027, award for Q1 2028, and performance to begin October 1, 2028. Caltech is expected to compete, the Texas A&M University System intends to bid, and USC is considering a bid.

- The competition creates a significant opportunity for institutions and their teams with the capability to operate a federally funded research and development center while maintaining mission continuity, performance, and cost control.
- Prospective bidders can use the lead time before Q3 2027 proposals to develop and substantiate their institutional operating approach and ability to support JPL’s mission portfolio.
- Incumbent Caltech will face prospective competition from university systems, making the transition plan and evidence of operational capability central considerations for bidders and NASA.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Published:** November 01, 2026

### Government Entities
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

### Vendors
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech) (Incumbent JPL manager; expected bidder)
- Texas A&M University System (Prospective bidder)
- University of Southern California (USC) (Potential bidder)

### Sources
- [For the first time in nearly 70 years, NASA is competing the contract to run JPL. What universities do for the space program reveals why the choice is consequential. https://t.co/MKb9lnm9zN](https://x.com/arnaudmercier/status/2116924857065562406) - twitter-agency