In a recent announcement, the Space Systems Command (SSC) reported that it has issued a second round of draft Requests for Proposals (RFPs) as part of the National Security Space Launch Phase 3. The latest drafts incorporate responses from the industry to the initial RFPs and reveal an updated dual-lane acquisition method. The SSC hopes to gather further industry feedback before releasing the final RFPs later in the year.
The initial draft RFPs, released on February 16, 2023, attracted interest from more than 20 companies during an Industry Day held the same month. Over 1,900 comments were submitted to the SSC. In response to this input, a third provider will now be added to the Lane 2 construct, marking a key modification since the initial RFPs.
According to Frank Calvelli, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration, the decision is designed to keep the U.S. ahead of its adversaries by bolstering the resilience of space architecture. Calvelli emphasizes this as a cornerstone of the NSSL Phase 3 acquisition strategy.
In explaining the dual-lane approach, Col. Douglas Pentecost, Deputy Program Executive Officer, Assured Access to Space, stated that the strategy to use commercially available launch systems attracted interest from a wide variety of providers. This includes those that are newly entering the market and those expanding their launch capability to meet NSSL requirements.
This approach is also designed to bolster space accessibility, secure launch capacity, maintain supply chain stability, and promote affordability for high-priority National Security Space missions. The SSC is also striving to ensure that the U.S. government has three launch providers capable of fulfilling all NSSL requirements by the conclusion of Phase 3.
The initiative is divided into two "lanes." Lane 1 offers a multiple Firm Fixed Price Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract that is open to all qualified bidders. The contract spans five years, from FY25 to FY29, and is tailored to cater to more risk-tolerant space vehicles launching to commercially addressable orbits.
For Lane 2, the government plans to select three awardees. The awardees will receive competitively awarded FFP Indefinite Delivery Requirements contracts. These contracts will be given to the providers deemed to offer the best value and who meet all NSSL orbits and unique mission capabilities. The contracts will also have a five-year ordering period from FY25 to FY29.
Col. Chad Melone, Chief Launch Procurement and Integration Division, explains that while Lane 1 allows launch providers to support a subset of NSSL requirements and ensures resilience through the diversity of launch providers, Lane 2 ensures that the government has three providers capable of fulfilling all NSSL requirements by the end of Phase 3.
The final RFPs are expected to be released in the fourth quarter of FY23, with the award for the Lane 1 base IDIQ planned for the third quarter of FY24, and the Lane 2 IDR contracts targeted for the fourth quarter of FY24.
The Space Systems Command, part of the U.S. Space Force, is tasked with acquiring and providing resilient war-fighting capabilities to safeguard the nation's strategic advantage in space. The SSC manages a $15 billion space acquisition budget for the Department of Defense and collaborates with joint forces, industry, government agencies, and academic and allied organizations to speed up innovation and stay ahead of emerging threats.
