Attachment 1_ASTROS II Industry Day Briefing_20260723.pdf

Aerospace System’s Technical Research and Operation Services

(ASTROS) II

Distribution A: Approved for Public Release; Distribution is Unlimited. PA#

AFRL-2026-3286 1

Government POCs For ASTROS II Contracting

• Contracting Officer: Mathew Pierson (mathew.pierson@us.af.mil)

• Contract Specialist(s): Lauren Petrey (lauren.petrey@us.af.mil), Valerie Malcom

(valerie.malcom.1@us.af.mil), & Cinthia Arias (cinthia.arias@us.af.mil)

2d Lt Kristy Jaralba Program Manager

2d Lt Cris Estacio Alternate COR

Cori Wells Contracting Officer’s

Representative (COR)

Technical Representatives

AFRL-2026-3286 2

Industry Day Objectives

AFRL-2026-3286 3

Provide opportunity for early industry/US contractor involvement

Familiarize industry with AFRL Rocket Lab unique facilities

• Remote location

• AFRL Research & Development (RDT&E) mission

• Tasks and Duties as on-site management team

Present proposed program, acquisition strategy, goals, and schedule

Hear feedback on Draft Documents

• All questions must be received no later than (NLT) 30 Jul 2026

• Answers will be provided within one (1) week after questions are due (06 Aug 2026) to SAM.gov

• Direct feedback to the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialists with email titled as “Response to

ASTROS II RFI – Insert Company Name”

AFRL Rocket Site Overview

AFRL-2026-3286 4

Col Katrina Schweiker, Commander, AFRL Det 7 AFRL Det 7/CC

AFRL Rocket Lab

AFRL-2026-3286 5

• AFRL Rocket Lab at Edwards AFB is a DoW and Industry leader in cutting-edge rocket propulsion R&D, while boldly addressing our nation’s requirements and future needs in Air and Space − RDT&E workforce is comprised of traditional Air Force and Space Force personnel − National leader in propulsion – working closely with all of DoW, NASA, and

Industry to enable transition, driven by Capability-focused R&D & Public Private Partnerships (PPPs)

• On-site collaborations are turning AFRL Rocket Lab into a technology hub for space launch, satellite propulsion, and propellant development

− Amazing growth potential in Space realized! Need a reliable, flexible partner

• Strong recruitment and retention focus with emphasis on systems engineering and technical excellence

• Join the Family – looking for site leadership and close collaboration

The roots of every current and future ICBM propulsion system trace back to the AFRL Rocket Lab Atlas Thor Titan Minuteman II & III MX / Peacekeeper Small ICBM

Minuteman Edwards Silos

1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s

Atlas missile captive tests

Apollo F-1 rocket engine qualification tests

R&D of liquid, solid, and electric rocket propulsion

Tethered ICBM flight tests (“Rocket on a Rope”) Full Flight System

RDT&E

The home of RDT&E for launchers, missiles, and spacecraft since 1952

AFRL-2026-3286 6

DoW’s Largest Site for Rocket & Space Propulsion RDT&E

AFRL-2026-3286 7

Single location with full spectrum RDT&E support for near, mid, and long-term needs for commercial and national security.

Robust RDT&E portfolio, including 50+ Public Private Partnerships (PPP), capitalizing on existing 65 sq mi, greater than $10B investment in infrastructure

DoW’s Largest Site for Rocket & Space Propulsion RDT&E

AFRL-2026-3286 8

Facilities:

19 High Thrust Test Stands for Liquid Rocket

Engines 13 High Thrust Test Stands for Solid Rocket Motors Simulated Altitude and Deep Space Facilities Chemical & Propellant Laboratories Munitions Handling and Storage Fabrication & Weld Shops

Areas of Expertise:

Space Access hardware and CONOPS In-Space Propulsion Solid Rocket Motors, strategic and tactical Missile Design and Integration Propellants and Energetics Modeling and Simulation of Propulsion Combustion and High Temperature

Materials All supporting testing and analysis

Edwards Air Force Base

The AFRL Rocket Lab is a host tenant of Edwards AFB – close collaborations but separate, secure site with services provided by base and mostly special test facilities managed by this contract.

Over 500 total skilled researchers, test operators, administrators, and others focused on propulsion technologies for Rocket, Missile, and Space applications

AFRL-2026-3286 9

Sample Test Areas

AFRL-2026-3286 10

AFRL Test Stand 1-42 Area 1-42 is comprised of five test pads, a control blockhouse, a steam generation plant, a 1.4M gallon cooling water tower, a shop area and office trailers. The area has the capacity to store and transfer liquids and gases used in rocket motor research.

AFRL Test Area 1-32 Test Area 1-32 consist of four main test pads for solid rocket motors along with support facilities and explosive storage bunkers.

AFRL Test Area 1-125 Test Area 1-125 consist of three large rocket stands and necessary support structures and equipment.

AFRL Test Stand 1-14 Research rocket firing encompass both storable and cryogenic systems, ranging from ground level to simulated altitudes of 120,000 feet and includes supporting research facilities.

AFRL Test Stand 1-56 Located in Area 1-56 are two rocket test positions with thrust capability of up to 10,000,000 lbf, two shop buildings, and a control center with offices.

AFRL Test Area 1-120 Area 1-120 consist of three liquid rocket stands, with five firing positions, a control center and various support facilities.

AFRL Rocket Lab Structure

AFRL/RJ

Space Warfare Directorate

Dr. Andrew Williams Director

Air Force Research Laboratory

Brig Gen Douglas P. Wickert Commander

Rocket and Space Propulsion Division

AFRL/RJP

Dr. Javier Urzay Division Chief

Site Support Division

AFRL/SSR

Jeff Buetemeister Acting Division Chief

Det 7 Safety Det 7/SE

Commander Support Staff

Det 7/CSS

Detachment 7 AFRL Rocket Site (RLS)

Col Katrina Schweiker Space Warfare Military Deputy

Site Support Test Division

AFRL/SST

Lt Col Michael Rosenof Division Chief & Materiel

Leader

AFTC/PZR

Rocket Propulsion Support

Division

Alessandra Barzaghi-Martin Division Chief

AFTC Edwards AFB

AFRL-2026-3286 11

AFRL-2026-3286 12

AFRL Contract Overview

AFRL-2026-3286 13

Contract Overview

AFRL-2026-3286 14

Contract Name: Aerospace System’s Technical Research and Operation Services (ASTROS) II

Purpose: Provide the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) with the capability to conduct, sustain, and advance aerospace propulsion research, development, test, and operations.

Deliver comprehensive technical, engineering, and operational support services that enable AFRL to execute its aerospace propulsion mission effectively.

Maintain and enhance AFRL’s unique Rocket Lab facilities, infrastructure, and test capabilities.

Support AFRL in achieving safe, reliable, and efficient propulsion research and test operations.

Major Roles and Responsibilities: Test Operators, Test Stand Maintainers, Equipment

Maintainers, Operations Administrators, Configuration Managers, Operations Controllers, Calibration Monitors, Safety & Compliance Specialists, Facility Custodians, Logistics & Supply Coordinators, Data & Instrumentation Technicians, Cryogenic & Propellant Handlers, Test Procedure Developers, and Emergency Response Support.

AFRL Rocket Lab

AFRL-2026-3286 15

The AFRL Rocket Lab conducts diverse build up and testing operations across multiple rocket engines and motor types. The ASTROS II contract provides embedded technical and operational support across nearly every phase of these missions, ensuring safe, efficient, and sustained propulsion research and testing.

Under ASTROS II, the contractor will facilitate and manage multiple support-type programs and projects critical to Rocket Lab operations, including:

Hazardous Response Recovery Team (HRRT) – Staffing and supporting on-site emergency response and recovery operations.

Site Operations Control Center (SOCC) – Providing personnel and maintenance to sustain daily operational control and coordination.

Periodic Maintenance Inspection (PMI) and Test Measurement Diagnostic Equipment (TMDE) Calibration Programs – Managing, staffing, and executing scheduled inspections and calibration of test measurement and diagnostic equipment.

On-Site Management Team

AFTC/PZR

Contracting Officer

AFRL/DET7/SST

Program Manager

ASTROS

Program Manager

ASTROS

Program Office

ASTROS

Work Plan Manager

ASTROS

Work Plan Manager

ASTROS

Work Plan Manager

ASTROS

Work Plan Manager

The ASTROS II contract will be required to have an on-site management team to help ensure the day to day operations run smoothly.

AFRL/DET7/SST

Contracting Officer

Representative Onsite HR Support

Security Representative As neededSafety

Representative

AFRL-2026-3286 16

Contractor Responsibilities The following values represent the standards and expectations we intend to see fully implemented throughout this contract.

Distribution A: Approved for Public Release; Distribution is Unlimited. PA#

AFRL-2026-3286 17

Funding & Work Plan Management Planning

The contractor shall maintain operational continuity during Continuing Resolution (CR) periods and lean fiscal years by executing proactive financial planning and resource management strategies.

Ensure Funding Stability

The contractor shall track Work Plan (WP) expenditures, forecast funding requirements, and adjust execution schedules to prevent premature depletion of funds.

Monitor and Forecast Work Plan Funds

The contractor shall initiate funding requests and money movements early to avoid operational risk and maintain mission readiness.

Coordinate Early Funding Actions

The contractor shall use projected fund run-out dates to optimize workload pacing and sustain capability across fiscal constraints.

Balance Resource Allocation

Property & Contract Management

AFRL-2026-3286 18

The contractor shall maintain accurate CAP/GFP records and start inventory early to ensure smooth turnover.

Property Accountability During Turnover

The contractor shall develop tight schedules, coordinate stakeholders, and begin transition planning early to avoid service gaps.

Contract Recompete Preparation

The contractor shall estimate Davis-Bacon labor costs separately to prevent shortfalls.

Labor Cost Planning -Davis-Bacon impacts often underestimated.

The contractor shall provide burdened cost estimates that include Award Fee, overhead, G&A, fringe, and handling fees to avoid funding gaps.

Project Cost Estimation

Cost Planning & Execution

Performance & Acquisition Preparation

AFRL-2026-3286 19

The contractor shall provide timely, actionable surveillance and reporting to maintain accountability and performance standards.

Contractor Efficiency

The contractor shall participate in tailored, just-in-time training and sustain a recurring team rhythm through regular meetings and action tracking.

Acquisition Team Support

Contract Overview

AFRL-2026-3286 20

Mr. Mathew Pierson, Contracting Officer (CO)

AFTC/PZRA

Estimated Milestones

AFRL-2026-3286 21

01 May 2026RFI Series 1 and 2 Posting

23 Jul 2026RFI Series 3 - Industry Day

15 Dec 2026RFP Release

15 Feb 2027Proposals Due

01 Apr 2027Contract Award

01 Jun 2027Transition Period

01 Sept 2027Begin Performance

Current Contract Information

AFRL-2026-3286 22

Aerospace System’s Technical Research and Operation Services (ASTROS)

• Contract Number: FA9300-16-C-0001

• Contract Type: Cost Plus Award Fee

• Awarded: 30 June 2016

(Sep 17 – Aug 20) - $39.9M CeilingBase: 3 yearsPeriod Of Performance (PoP):

(Sep 20 – Aug 23) - $75.6M CeilingOption I: 3 Years (Sep 23 – Aug 27) - $153.3M CeilingOption II: 4 Years

• Total Value: $280M

Contract Information and Type

AFRL-2026-3286 23

• Non-Commercial R&D Services

• Period of Performance: 4-year base plus 2 three-year options

• Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Transition/Phase-In

- Costs can be reasonably estimated for contractor to develop and implement a transition plan within the allotted time

- Transition/Phase-In plan part of proposal

• Full Performance – CPFF/CPIF/CPAF (Hybrid TBD)

• Travel/Materials/ODC CLIN – Cost Reimbursable – No Fee

Contract Information and Type Continued

AFRL-2026-3286 24

• PSC: AC35 – National Defense R&D Services, Defense-Related Activities, R&D Facilities & Major Equipment

• NAICS: 541330 (Exception 1) Engineering Services (SBA Size Standard = $47M)

• Small Business Set-Aside: TBD

Notional CLIN Structure

AFRL-2026-3286 25

X001 – R&D Facility Operations & Maintenance (CPFF)

X002 – Complex R&D Test Support (CPAF)

X003 – Test Stand Build-up & Modification (CPIF)

X004 – ODC Materials & Travel (CR)

X005 – Contractor Acquired Property (CAP)

X006 – Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) (Not Separately Priced)

0007 – Phase In Period (only on base year) (FFP)

Anticipated CDRLs

AFRL-2026-3286 26

Additional Information – (1 of 2)

AFRL-2026-3286 27

Contract will have a DD254 Base Support will be at the same level as the AFRL Rocket Lab receives:

• Automated Data Processing Equipment

• Emergency Medical Services

• Newcomers Orientation Training

• Ground Maintenance

• Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI): Postal/Installation Distribution (no on-site post office)

• Telephone Service

• Copier Usage

• Utilities

• Security Police and Fire Prevention

• Refuse Collection

• Custodial Services

• Insect and Rodent Control Pest Control Services

Additional Information – (2 of 2) Government Furnished Property (GFP) is anticipated and an official list will be included with the

RFP

Distribution A: Approved for Public Release; Distribution is Unlimited. PA#

AFRL-2026-3286 28

GFP could include:

• Equipment

• Tools

Hours of operation 0700-1630 PST M-F

Compressed Work Schedule

Vehicles –

• No personal vehicles in test areas

• No government vehicles provided

• NO ON-SITE FUEL available for company leased vehicles

1st Possible Evaluation Approach & Methodology (RFO 15.2)

AFRL-2026-3286 29

BLUF: The ASTROS II requirement may be competed as a negotiated procurement utilizing formal Source Selection procedures in accordance with FAR Part 15.2 and the DoD Source Selection Procedures.

Evaluation (RFO 15.2)

• Formal Evaluation Process: Proposals evaluated strictly against Section M evaluation factors using standardized Adjectival Ratings.

• Best Value Tradeoff: The Source Selection Authority (SSA) would make an integrated assessment to determine which proposal offers the greatest overall benefit.

Best Value Determination

• Award made to the responsible offeror representing the best value.

• Factor 1 (Mission Capability) is most important.

• Factor 2 (Past Performance) and Factor 3 (Cost/Price) are approximately equal, and individually of lesser importance than Factor 1.

• All non-price factors combined are significantly more important than cost/price.

Areas of Evaluation Mission Capability (Factor 1) (NOTE: Evaluates the technical and management approach to satisfying the PWS) Evaluated using DoD Adjectival & Technical Risk Ratings

• Subfactor 1: Technical Scenarios

• Subfactor 2: Program Management

• Subfactor 3: Subcontract Management

• Subfactor 4: Personnel Recruitment and Retention Plan

Relevant Past Performance (Factor 2) Evaluated for Recency, Relevance, and Quality resulting in a Performance Confidence Assessment.

Cost/Price (Factor 3)

• Price Analysis: To ensure a fair and reasonable Total Evaluated Price.

• Cost Realism: To determine the Most Probable Cost (MPC) on Cost-Reimbursement elements.

2nd Possible Evaluation Approach & Methodology (RFO 16.5)

AFRL-2026-3286 30

BLUF: The ASTROS II requirement may be competed as a Task Order under the GSA OASIS+ Multiple Award Contract (MAC) using the Fair Opportunity procedures of RFO

16.505. FAR Part 15 procedures do not apply, and any terminology resembling FAR Part 15 language is incidental and does not imply the use of FAR Part 15 procedures.

Streamlined Evaluation (RFO 16.505)

• Formal, rigid source selection procedures of RFO 15.2 are NOT required and would NOT be utilized.

• The Government intends to conduct a streamlined, comparative evaluation (Offeror A vs. Offeror B) to determine the best overall value.

• Formal adjectival ratings (e.g., Outstanding, Good) and rigid mathematical trade-off formulas will not be employed.

Best Value Determination

• Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose proposal is determined to provide the best overall value to the Government.

• Mission Capability is most important. Past Performance and Cost/Price are equal in importance and of lesser importance than Mission Capability.

Areas of Evaluation Mission Capability (Factor 1) (NOTE: Evaluates the technical and management approach to satisfying the PWS) Focus will be squarely on the offeror’s proposed methodology to execute the specific requirements of the ASTROS II Task Order PWS (e.g., test stand operations, ad-hoc test support, and minor modifications).

• Subfactor 1: Technical Scenarios

• Subfactor 2: Program Management

• Subfactor 3: Subcontract Management

• Subfactor 4: Personnel Recruitment and Retention Plan

Relevant Past Performance (Factor 2) Assessment of performance on recent efforts of similar size, scope, and complexity to the ASTROS II mission.

Cost/Price (Factor 3) Price Analysis will be performed with adequate price competition and Cost Realism analysis will be conducted on the Cost-Reimbursement (CPFF/CPIF/CPAF) elements to ensure proposed costs are realistic for the technical approach, reflect a clear understanding of the requirements, and are consistent with the technical proposal.

RFO 15.2 Contract Vehicle Information & Publicizing The government anticipates that this may be a small business set-aside. However, pending market research, we reserve the right to change this position at any time prior to the release of a Request for Proposal (RFP).

RFP/Solicitation Information:

• Posted to SAM.gov via Procurement Integrity Enterprise Environment (PIEE)

Solicitation Module

• Instructions for registering is included in link below https://pieetraining.eb.mil/wbt/xhtml/wbt/portal/overview/vendorRegister.xhtml

AFRL-2026-3286 31

RFO 16.5 Contract Vehicle Information (1 of 2) The government anticipates that this may be a small business set-aside. However, pending market research, we reserve the right to change this position at any time prior to the release of a Fair Opportunity Proposal

Request (FOPR).

Distribution A: Approved for Public Release; Distribution is Unlimited. PA#

AFRL-2026-3286 32

FOPR/Solicitation Information:

Released via GSA e-Buy / OASIS+ Portal The FOPR will be issued directly to qualified prime contractors within the appropriate GSA OASIS+ Domain.

Access Requirements:

Only pre-vetted GSA OASIS+ contract holders in the designated domain will have access to the solicitation and be authorized to submit proposals.

GSA e-Buy Training and Registration Link: https://www.ebuy.gsa.gov/ebuy/

RFO 16.5 Contract Vehicle Information (2 of 2)

AFRL-2026-3286 33

The "OASIS+" Specifics "Keep Your Portals Updated": Please ensure your profiles are active and correctly registered in GSA e-Buy under the specific OASIS+ Domain and Pool that may be selected for ASTROS II (likely the Technical & Engineering or Research & Development domain). If portal profile are not updated, our FOPR will not be visible to you when it is released.

No SAM.gov/PIEE Postings: If this will be a FAR 16.5 Fair Opportunity competition under an active MAC, there will be no public posting on SAM.gov, and proposals will not be submitted via the PIEE Solicitation Module. Everything will flow through GSA e-Buy.

Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Rollout

AFRL-2026-3286 34

BLUF: Compliance with CMMC requirements is an active, legally binding contractual mandate for DoD acquisitions. The program is executing a strict, four-phase transition that began in late 2025.

Contractual Rollout Schedule

• Phase 1 (Nov 10, 2025 – Nov 9, 2026): CURRENT PHASE. Requires Level 1 or Level 2 Self-Assessments as a condition of contract award for applicable solicitations.

• Phase 2 (Nov 10, 2026 – Nov 9, 2027): Introduces mandatory Third-Party (C3PAO) Level 2 Certification requirements in designated solicitations.

• Phase 3 (Nov 10, 2027 – Nov 9, 2028): Extends C3PAO Level 2 Certification requirements to all applicable awards, and begins rolling out Level 3 (Government-Led) Certifications.

• Phase 4 (Nov 10, 2028 – Onward): Full Implementation. CMMC requirements will be mandatory across all applicable DoD contracts and option periods.

Mission Impact & Contractor Actions

• ASTROS II Outlook: Contractors should expect a CMMC Level 2 (C3PAO) Certification requirement if ASTROS II's RFP falls into Phase 2 or Phase 3 execution windows.

• Affirmation Mandate: Under Phase 1, contractors must submit annual security affirmations directly into the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) alongside self-assessment scores.

• Critical Contractor Actions:

• Do not wait for Phase 2. The backlog for C3PAO assessments is expected to grow. Start scheduling third-party audits now.

• Verify your System Security Plans (SSPs) and Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms) are up to date.

The Official DoD CMMC Program Portal: https://dodcio.defense.gov/CMMC The Official NIST SP 800-171 Standard Page: https://csrc.nist.gov/pubs/sp/800/171/r2/upd1/final

Responses, Questions, and Feedback

Responses, questions, and feedback to the RFI, draft documents, and/or Industry Day are due to the Contracting Team POCs no later

30 Jul 2026than , 4:00 PM PST.

Distribution A: Approved for Public Release; Distribution is Unlimited. PA#

AFRL-2026-3286 35

Send to the Contracting Team POCs with email titled as “Response to ASTROS II RFI – Insert Company Name.”

Answers will be provided on SAM.gov via a consolidated Questions and Answers document, one (1) week after questions are due (06 Aug 2026).

Government POCs For ASTROS II Contracting

• Contracting Officer: Mathew Pierson (mathew.pierson@us.af.mil)

• Contract Specialist(s): Lauren Petrey (lauren.petrey@us.af.mil), Valerie Malcom

(valerie.malcom.1@us.af.mil), & Cinthia Arias (cinthia.arias@us.af.mil)

2d Lt Kristy Jaralba Program Manager

2d Lt Cris Estacio Alternate COR

Cori Wells Contracting Officer’s

Representative (COR)

Technical Representatives

AFRL-2026-3286 36

Questions?

AFRL-2026-3286 37

BREAK

Will continue with Window Tour after break

AFRL-2026-3286 38