Audio Distribution System for Human Space Flight

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) /Johnson Space Center (JSC) is hereby soliciting information from potential sources for State-of-the-art Audio Distribution Systems with potential to ruggedize for use in Human Spaceflight spacecraft and induced environments.

NASA/JSC is seeking capability statements from all interested parties, including all socioeconomic categories of Small Businesses and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)/Minority Institutions (MI) for the purposes of determining the appropriate level of competition and/or small business subcontracting goals for Audio Distribution System for Human Spaceflight. The Government reserves the right to consider a Small, 8(a), Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Smal Business (SD-VOSB), Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) or Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) business set-aside based on responses received.

Respondents are requested to provide informed input on realistic and appropriate SB subcontracting and/or participation goals for the specific requirement. This type of feedback supports NASA’s market research and helps ensure the acquisition strategy is aligned with actual industry capability. Industry feedback is requested for:

1. SB Subcontracting goals;

2 Barriers that may limit SB participation, such as certifications, unique technical requirements, security needs, specialized tools, or high-risk performance areas and/or

3. Strategies to increase SB participation, including:

• Breaking requirements into smaller components
• Identifying areas appropriate for subcontracting
• Considering teaming or mentor protégé approaches

Currently, phase one seeks to identify a commercial audio distribution system that may be ruggedized to operate reliably in human spaceflight environments. Manufacturers of commercial, automotive, aerospace, and military audio communication systems are invited to respond to this request for information on recommended audio systems, subsystems, and software to be considered. Information to be provided includes general functionality, size, weight, power, interfaces, processor platform, reliability features, and other relevant design elements.

In phase two, NASA will assess the information received in phase one against spacecraft functional and environmental requirements, as well as the feasibility of any necessary design modifications. Modifications are expected to be necessary to improve reliability and may include electronic circuit re-design, substitution of electronic components with radiation tolerant devices, or enhancements to software development and hardware manufacturing processes to comply with applicable standards.  

For reference, Appendix A (Attachment I) provides a high-level summary of requirements for a spacecraft audio system.

Interested providers may opt to respond to this sources sought with recommendations to deliver full spacecraft audio system hardware and software, an audio subsystem that provides partial functionality, or a software and/or IP core solution to be deployed on other spacecraft avionics hardware.

No solicitation exists; therefore, do not request a copy of the solicitation. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on SAM.gov. Interested firms are responsible for monitoring this website for the release of any presolicitation or solicitation notice.            

Vendors having the capabilities necessary to meet or exceed the stated requirements are invited to submit appropriate documentation, literature, brochures, and references.

All responses must be submitted electronically via email to Contracting Officer, Carlos Roman, Carlos.Roman@nasa.gov and Contract Specialist, Alex Olley, Alex.T.Olley@nasa.gov, no later than September 14, 2026, 4:00 p.m. CDT. Please reference in your communication Titled: Source Sought- 80JSC026ADSHSF - Audio Distribution System for Human Space Flight in any response. 

This sources sought notice is for information and planning purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government nor will the Government pay for information solicited. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the evaluation. Respondents deemed fully qualified will be considered in any resultant solicitation for the requirement.  

NASA intends to publicize a listing of respondents to facilitate teaming arrangements. Should your firm desire not to be included in this listing, clearly indicate this desire in your response.