NASA Smd Lunar and Planetary Institute Operations RFI

Number: NNH22ZDA010L

Release Date: April 8, 2022

Response Date: June 1, 2022

This email announces the release of a Request for Information (RFI) via NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) that seeks information that may influence the formulation of a solicitation(s) to continue activities operated via a Lunar and Planetary Institute. Over 50 years ago, the National Academy of Sciences recommended the creation of an independent-of-NASA Lunar Science Institute that was renamed the Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) in 1978. LPI is not a NASA facility, and it does not share a fiscal identity with NASA nor is it a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC).

Currently, NASA funds an LPI to be located close to NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC) and to enable the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) at NASA Headquarters to further NASA’s Planetary Science Goals. The purpose of this RFI is to identify entities that have an interest in submitting a credible proposal(s) to carry out the activities-of-interest-to-NASA that are listed in Section 4 of the RFI entitled “Interest in Competing for Operation of the Lunar and Planetary Institute” available at short URL https://go.nasa.gov/RFI22LP.

Responses may be submitted by individual institutions or by consortia of institutions.  Submissions to the RFI by consortia do not require any agreements in place between institutions. All responses to this RFI must be submitted in an electronic format only via NSPIRES. Please email questions and comments concerning this RFI to the email address listed below with the subject line: “NASA LPI RFI Question/Clarification” no later than May 4, 2022, 11:59 pm Eastern time.

Depending on the nature of the question(s), NASA may respond on an individual basis by email or may post questions and answers (Q&A) on the RFI’s NSPIRES landing page. Posted Q&As are intended to address inquiries of broader interest and general clarification and will be edited to preserve the anonymity of persons and institutions who submit questions. The following email address is not to be used for RFI response submissions; any RFI submissions made via email will not be considered.

As part of its market research, NASA may conduct one-on-one meetings with respondents. These meetings will allow for exchange of information and will provide an opportunity for respondents to provide feedback on NASA’s preliminary requirements and acquisition approach(s). Once any subsequent solicitation(s) is released, no further conversations will take place until that solicitation is completed. It is emphasized that the RFI is NOT a Request for Proposal, nor is it an Invitation for Bid. The RFI seeks information for planning purposes only. NASA does not intend to award a contract or assistance, i.e., grant or cooperative agreement, funding at this time. As stipulated in FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not considered offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract.

Email Point of Contact: Stephen Rinehart:  Stephen.A.Rinehart@nasa.gov

Note: Please visit NSPIRES and review the RFI’s full text before emailing.