NASA Awards $76M Data Engineering Contract

Development Seed to provide research and development services to the agency's Office of Data Science and Informatics.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 7:08am

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A bold, abstract painting featuring sweeping geometric shapes, concentric circles, and precise spirals in earthy tones, conceptually representing the complex data systems and informatics that support NASA's scientific research.NASA's investment in advanced data science and informatics capabilities will help power the agency's future scientific discoveries and space exploration endeavors.Huntsville Today

NASA has selected Development Seed, a Washington-based company, to provide research and development services to the Office of Data Science and Informatics (ODSI) at the agency's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The performance-based, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract has a maximum potential value of $76 million and will run for up to five years.

Why it matters

This contract award highlights NASA's ongoing commitment to advancing its data science and informatics capabilities to support the agency's mission. By partnering with a specialized firm like Development Seed, NASA can leverage cutting-edge expertise in areas like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data management to enhance its scientific research and space exploration efforts.

The details

Under the contract, Development Seed will provide a range of services to ODSI, including system architecture expertise, operations and maintenance of ODSI-developed tools and platforms, and approaches to data curation, management, and stewardship. The company will also contribute subject matter expertise in informatics, data science, and information management, as well as develop and deploy AI and machine learning solutions to advance NASA's science data systems.

  • The contract will begin with a phase-in period starting on May 15, 2026.
  • The base ordering period is two years, with three one-year options to extend services through June 2031.

The players

Development Seed

A Washington-based company that will provide research and development services to NASA's Office of Data Science and Informatics.

NASA

The United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration, which has awarded the $76 million contract to Development Seed.

Office of Data Science and Informatics (ODSI)

The NASA organization at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, that will receive the research and development services from Development Seed.

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The takeaway

This contract award demonstrates NASA's ongoing efforts to strengthen its data science and informatics capabilities, which are crucial for supporting the agency's ambitious scientific research and space exploration initiatives in the years ahead.