Solicitation Number: 80GRC026R0008
May 19, 2026 – Synopsis issued
June 29, 2026 – Draft BAA and Appendix A Issued | Web Article
NASA issued a draft Broad Agency Announcement under NextSTEP‑3, Appendix A, on June 29, 2026, to advance concepts that accelerate the technological readiness of critical systems for lunar surface and cislunar architecture.
This solicitation seeks to close key technology gaps and mature capabilities in vertical solar arrays, ISRU oxygen production systems, Stirling radioisotope generators, in‑space manufacturing, and advanced nanomaterials production.
It focuses on identifying technology areas that require further risk reduction and ground‑based testing to mature competing solutions to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5–6. Funded efforts will advance the technology objectives of NASA’s Moon Base by demonstrating critical systems and accelerating the development of transformative capabilities needed for near‑term mission success.
For more information, read the Lunar Enabling Infrastructure Accelerator (LEIA) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) NextSTEP-3 Appendix A – Draft Solicitation on SAM.gov.
Relationship to Other Solicitations
Offerors should carefully note the distinction between the recently released NextSTEP Appendix A (Lunar Enabling Infrastructure Accelerator [LEIA]) and NextSTEP Appendix B (Moon Base Demonstrations).
- Appendix A (Technology Development) focuses on early research and component-to-system-level development (typically achieving up to TRL 5 or 6). It is intended for technologies that still require fundamental engineering maturation in laboratory or controlled analog environments.
- Appendix B (Concept Demonstrations) is reserved for system-level integration and lunar demonstrations (TRL 6 and beyond). Technologies proposed under Appendix B must have already completed fundamental proof-of-concept and component development. Proposals here must focus on demonstrating integrated capabilities in relevant ground-based analogs and culminating in flight or lunar surface demonstrations.
