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

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Glenn Research Center has issued a Draft Request for Proposals (DRFP) for the Space Power and Reactor Capabilities (SPARC) program. The draft seeks industry input on a future Multiple‑Award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (MAIDIQ) contract that will cover design, development, analysis, fabrication, assembly, verification, validation, testing, certification, delivery, and sustainment of space nuclear systems and related hardware/software. The intent is to establish a pool of qualified contractors who can compete for future task orders, including a Lunar Reactor Flight System. Comments on requirements, schedule, CLIN structure, incentives, and subcontractor definitions are requested by September 25 2026. An Industry Day is scheduled for September 14 2026. The final RFP is expected around November 15 2026, with proposals due ~30 days later and award anticipated April 15 2026. The ordering period runs April 15 2027 through December 31 2031. • Scope: full life‑cycle of space nuclear power systems (design to sustainment). • Contract type: MAIDIQ with multiple firm‑fixed‑price task orders. • Estimated ordering period: ~4 years (Apr 2027‑Dec 2031). • Key dates: Industry Day Sept 14 2026, comments due Sept 25 2026, final RFP Nov 15 2026, proposal due ≈ Dec 15 2026, award Apr 15 2026. • NAICS: 541715 – R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. • Target contractors: firms with capabilities in nuclear engineering, space systems, high‑energy physics, and related manufacturing. • No price ceiling disclosed; contract likely multi‑hundred‑million‑dollar program.