Spaceflight Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) RFI

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is seeking information from qualified vendors regarding their capability to contribute to the advancement and development of spacecraft and payload/instrument guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) architectures, designs, algorithms, simulations, flight software implementations, performance validation, and on-orbit commissioning and operations in support of the Control Analysis domain.

The Guidance and Control Section is an integral part of the design and operation of some of the world’s most advanced spacecraft, aircraft, and robotic systems used for planetary and deep space exploration. The section is responsible for systems engineering, design and analysis, hardware development and procurement, testing, and operational support across G&C disciplines for planetary, lunar, deep-space, Earth orbiting, and astrophysics missions. The section also leads cutting edge research in autonomous guidance, navigation, and control systems, including precision and safe landing, space rendezvous, proximity operations and docking, precision pointing, controlled optics, vision based terrain-relative navigation, planetary aerial vehicles, formation flying, and other mission enabling technologies.

This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to procure any services. Neither JPL nor the U.S. Government will be responsible for any costs incurred by you in furnishing any information.  Responses received will be carefully reviewed by JPL and may be considered as part of a future solicitation. Prospective subcontractors are advised that any information provided shall be deemed to be furnished with unlimited rights to JPL, with JPL assuming no liability for the disclosure, use, or reproduction of such data.

This RFI is to also gather information of potential qualified sources and to obtain your business size relative to the following NAICS code: 541715 – Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) with a size standard of 1,000 Employees. Responses to this RFI may be used by JPL to make appropriate decisions regarding a Small Business Set-Aside procurement.

All responses shall be submitted by 3:00 PM Pacific Time on June 5, 2026, electronically to the undersigned.

Below are some critical dates as it pertains to this Request for Information (RFI):

• Written RFI Questions are due by May 27, 2026, via submission to the undersigned by email. No written questions will be accepted after May 27, 2026.
• JPL will respond to written questions by June 3, 2026.
• As stated above, all responses shall be submitted by 3:00 PM Pacific Time on June 5, 2026.

Information about JPL can be found at: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/who-we-are/.                                                                                                                                         

Thank you,

Raymond Dilanchyan

JPL Subcontracts Manager

(818) 354-0291

Raymond.Dilanchyan@jpl.nasa.gov