NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) has issued a sources sought notice to industry as it explores options for a new UAS detection and analysis services contract aimed at protecting launch operations, personnel and critical infrastructure.
According to the notice, NASA is seeking information from potential vendors capable of providing continuous drone detection, tracking and threat analysis services across KSC’s more than 144,000 acres of restricted airspace. Performance under the anticipated contract is expected to begin no earlier than April 1, 2026, and would involve access to classified information up to the ‘Secret’ level.
KSC officials said the data generated by the system would be used to support rapid decision-making to safeguard NASA personnel, the public, launch vehicles, flight hardware and other high-value assets. All uncrewed aircraft flights over KSC property and the adjacent Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge are prohibited without authorization, increasing the importance of reliable detection and analysis capabilities.
The draft requirements call for a system capable of detecting and identifying unknown drones at ranges of at least 40 nautical miles, with a stated objective of extending coverage to 100 nautical miles. The system must provide real-time alerts, threat tracking, and operator identification data, and operate continuously, 24 hours a day. NASA also specified that the solution must be interoperable with counter-UAS systems and procedures used by the FBI, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force.
Under the current concept, the architecture would include multiple primary and secondary sensors deployed at separate locations across the space center, along with independent data paths and a user-accessible, map-based dashboard for situational awareness. Contractors would also be required to provide rapid on-site support to ensure uninterrupted system availability.
NASA emphasized that the notice is intended for market research and planning purposes and does not constitute a formal solicitation. The agency is encouraging responses from a broad range of vendors, including small businesses and Historically Black Colleges and Universities or Minority Serving Institutions, and may consider set-asides depending on industry feedback.
Interested firms must submit capability statements by February 9, 2026. NASA plans to hold one-on-one industry engagement sessions in early March to further assess available technologies and inform its acquisition strategy.
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Post Image Credit: Kennedy Space Center
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