NASA Launches Third Phase of Crowdsourcing Innovation Contracts

NASA has announced the latest iteration of its crowdsourcing initiative, awarding 25 new contracts under the NASA Open Innovation Services 3 (NOIS3) program. Managed by the Johnson Space Center in Houston, the NOIS3 contract aims to enhance the agency’s capabilities by enlisting the public’s help in solving complex space exploration challenges through a variety of open innovation methodologies.

The NOIS3 contract, operated by NASA’s Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation (CoECI), will leverage a range of tools, including public prize competitions, freelance tasking, and technology searches. The initiative is designed to inject new technologies and unique perspectives into NASA’s efforts, helping the agency maintain its leadership in space innovation. Valued at $475 million over a 10-year period, the contract includes a guaranteed minimum of $500 per award and provides a base period running from June 5, 2025, to May 31, 2027. Two additional options could extend the effort through 2035.

The awardees for the NOIS3 contract include a diverse range of organizations from across the United States and internationally. Among the selected companies are Blue Clarity of Vienna, Virginia; Design Interactive Inc. of Orlando, Florida; and Tongal Inc. of Los Angeles. International participants include Challenge Works based in London and Freelancer International from Sydney, Australia, reflecting the program’s global reach.

NASA’s CoECI will oversee the implementation of the NOIS3 contract by providing full support in defining challenges, evaluating solutions, and facilitating rapid experimentation. The center’s open innovation approach allows not only NASA but also other government agencies to tap into public creativity to address pressing scientific and technical problems.

Through this third iteration of the NOIS contract, NASA reinforces its commitment to harnessing collective intelligence and external expertise. By expanding access to new ideas and approaches, the agency aims to drive innovation forward, ensuring the continued success of its missions in an increasingly complex space environment.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from a NASA Headquarters press release.

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