NASA seeks industry input for ELVIS 4 launch support recompete
The agency is gathering feedback for a new engineering and technical support contract to maintain critical liftoff operations across three U.S. sites.
NASA has initiated the planning phase for a new engineering and technical support services contract focused on launch services and liftoff sites. The agency issued a sources sought notice to gather industry feedback as it prepares the recompete for the Evolving Launch Vehicle Integrated Support (ELVIS) program.
The upcoming contract, designated as ELVIS 4, will succeed the current ELVIS 3 iteration. According to NASA, the new contract is intended to begin no earlier than October 2026. The agency is currently evaluating the competition type and exploring potential small business set-asides to shape the procurement process. Primary performance locations for the contract include the Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, and Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
Program Background
The ELVIS program serves as a cornerstone of NASA's launch services infrastructure, providing the essential engineering and technical expertise required to manage the complexities of rocket launches. By integrating support across multiple sites, the program ensures that liftoff operations maintain high standards of safety, reliability, and operational efficiency. The current ELVIS 3 contract is held by A.I. Solutions Inc., which provides the technical framework necessary to support the agency's diverse fleet of launch vehicles.
Industry Implications
This recompete represents a substantial procurement opportunity for aerospace and IT firms specializing in mission-critical support. NASA's explicit outreach to small businesses, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and minority-serving institutions indicates a strategic push for a more diversified contractor base. This suggests that the next iteration of launch support may feature a shifted contract structure or more aggressive subcontracting goals to increase inclusivity within the aerospace supply chain.
Next Steps
Industry participants are encouraged to respond to the sources sought notice to influence the final requirements of the ELVIS 4 solicitation. While the general scope of work is established, the specific contractual vehicle and the extent of small business participation remain undecided. Stakeholders will be watching for the formal Request for Proposals (RFP) as NASA moves toward the October 2026 start date.