Using its Enhanced Use Lease Authority, NASA announces its plans to enter into a long term lease to construct and operate a minimum of 1,930 housing units in Silicon Valley. The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), working in partnership with NASA, will issue a fall 2017 request for proposals on the agency’s behalf to solicit interest from the housing development community.
 
The government is seeking a qualified lessee to construct and operate housing on approximately 45-acres of federal property located at Moffett Field, California. This is the site of NASA’s Ames Research Center, the NASA Research Park, Moffett Federal Airfield, several other government organizations, and tenant commercial and academic entities.
 
The primary objective of this opportunity is to build new housing at the NASA federal property in Silicon Valley, a concept explored in the center’s development plan. By partnering with the private sector, NASA will promote the provision of housing units, including a minimum of 10 percent of affordable units, and ancillary services, consisting of approximately 100,000 sq. ft. of retail space. The selected lessee will be asked to provide a conceptual development plan that will provide for the actual number of housing units.
 
“Housing in Silicon Valley is in high demand, and there’s a significant need for our employees and our community to have more options,” said Ames Center Director Eugene Tu. “Plus, this housing will mitigate some of the increasing traffic and air emissions in the region.”
 
The housing being built is for rental only. First preference will be given to individuals who work or go to school within Ames-owned property, such as Ames civil service and contractor employees, partners and students, as well as the local public.
 
“GSA is collaborating with NASA in this creative effort to encourage local housing,” said Dan Brown, acting Regional Administrator for GSA’s Pacific Rim Region. “We’re seeking to achieve a successful outcome similar to the long term lease of Hangar One and Moffett Field, through an open, public competition.”
 
The intent is for NASA to enter into exclusive negotiations with a preferred lessee selected through the request-for-proposals process. The lease will be consistent with Ames’ current planning documents and in alignment with NASA’s existing authorities.
 
For a copy of the notice of intent, visit:
 
https://go.usa.gov/xRsjZ
 
For information about federal business opportunities through the GSA, visit:
 
https://www.fbo.gov/
 
For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:
 
http://www.nasa.gov