KSC GibbsCAM Software Licenses
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION.NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION.NASA SHARED SERVICES CENTER · Response deadline: Fri, 06 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
NASA's Shared Services Center is soliciting GibbsCAM software licenses for Kennedy Space Center (KSC). GibbsCAM is a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) solution used to program CNC machine tools—translating CAD models into machine-readable instructions for machining parts. This type of procurement typically involves perpetual or term-based software licenses, plus potentially maintenance and support services, enabling NASA's manufacturing and fabrication teams to produce precision components for spacecraft, ground support equipment, and related aerospace hardware. Small businesses in software licensing or IT services with manufacturing-sector experience may find this opportunity relevant. For specific license quantities, bundle terms, or whether training or implementation support is included, see the solicitation.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | NASA Shared Services Center / NASA |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | 80NSSC26948351Q |
| NAICS | 513210 |
| Set-aside | Small Business Set Aside - Total |
| Response deadline | November 6, 2026 at 3:00 PM CT |
| Place of performance | Not specified in metadata; see the solicitation |
NAICS 513210 corresponds to "Software Publishers"—establishments primarily engaged in computer software publishing or publishing and reproduction. This classification covers licensing reproduction and distribution rights, even when the originating developer is elsewhere.
Who can bid
This opportunity is reserved for total small business set-aside, meaning only registered small businesses under NAICS 513210's size standard may submit offers. Your business must:
- Have active SAM.gov registration with small business status and NAICS 513210 selected
- Maintain size conformity with SBA thresholds for software publishers (receipts-based; current standard requires verification in SAM or SBA's Size Standards Tool)
- Ideally possess GibbsCAM-specific knowledge or established relationships with the publisher (CNC Software / SandboxAQ Manufacturing) for license fulfillment
- Demonstrate capacity for government-appropriate licensing structures (enterprise, named-user, or concurrent models) and federal-compliant invoicing
Past performance supplying CAM software to federal agencies, aerospace manufacturers, or NASA entities strengthens competitiveness. If you lack direct GibbsCAM experience but hold partnerships with authorized distributors, document this arrangement clearly.
How to put together a competitive bid
Licensing structure clarity: Define whether you're offering perpetual licenses with annual maintenance, term/subscription licenses, or a hybrid. Government buyers value predictable total ownership costs—break out first-year and out-year expenses explicitly if multi-year options exist.
Pricing strategy: Software licenses typically allow reseller margins, but federal solicitations emphasize best value. Research GSA Schedule pricing or historical NASA buys for comparable GibbsCAM configurations if publicly available. Seek any disclosed government estimate in the full solicitation; note it's prohibited to share if you've seen it improperly.
Technical compliance: Address version requirements, seat counts, module specifications (milling, turning, multi-task machining, etc.), and operating system compatibility. If the solicitation references specific KSC CNC equipment or post-processor needs, confirm your licenses include relevant post libraries.
Delivery and activation: Propose clear timelines for license key delivery, installation support windows, and helpdesk availability. NASA missions operate on fixed schedules; responsiveness matters.
Past performance documentation: Include contracts for CAM software licensing, especially with NASA, DOD, or aerospace primes. Quantify outcomes: users supported, downtime reduced, or cost avoidance achieved.
Set-aside advantage: As a small business, emphasize agility and dedicated customer attention against larger competitors—without disparaging them explicitly.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation immediately at SAM.gov using solicitation number 80NSSC26948351Q—the deadline is November 6, 2026, 3:00 PM Central Time, just four days from posting.
Verify your SAM registration is active, includes NAICS 513210, and reflects correct small business status; expired or incomplete registrations disqualify offers.
Contact the contracting officer promptly with clarifying questions, noting minimal time remains for responses.
Confirm place of performance and any electronic deliverables (virtual license delivery vs. on-site support) in the full solicitation to shape your proposal and pricing.
Submit ahead of the deadline—federal systems experience heavy traffic near close times, and late submissions are non-negotiable.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →