Azimuth Parabolic Flights Draft PWS.docx

Performance Work Statement (PWS) United States Space Force – Delta 13, Detachment 1

1. Project title Operations support for the United States Space Force (USSF) Delta 13 Detachment 1’s Azimuth Program.

2. Introduction This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for contractor support of the Azimuth program, a critical initiative dedicated to developing the next generation of United States Space Force (USSF) Guardians. In alignment with the Space Training and Readiness Command's mission, this program will provide future Guardians with the foundational knowledge, hands-on experience, and mission-focused training essential for success in the evolving space domain.

3. Mission In response to the establishment of the United States Space Force (USSF) in 2019, Delta 13, Detachment 1 at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) was tasked with developing a joint summer program to inspire and educate future Guardians. This program, known as Azimuth, provides a unique opportunity for cadets and midshipmen from across the USSF, Air Force ROTC, US Military Academy (USMA), and US Naval Academy (USNA) to gain hands-on experience and knowledge within the space domain.

The Azimuth program represents a vital investment in developing the next generation of space professionals and ensuring the USSF maintains its competitive edge in the space domain.

4. Scope The objective of the Azimuth program is to obtain non-personal services to provide parabolic flights to future Guardians from the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), United States Military Academy (USMA), United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), and the United States Naval Academy (USNA) to simulate Lunar, Martian, and Zero gravity for limited periods of time. Azimuth contractors shall provide flight services including, but not limited to: aircraft; aircraft systems support; pilots; aircraft maintenance; support equipment; program, quality, and contract management to meet Performance Work Statement (PWS) requirements.

5. Performance Objectives The Contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, materials, supervision, and other items and services necessary to successfully plan, coordinate, execute, and document a specified number of parabolic flights in support of the Azimuth program.

5.1 Flight Requirements:

· Flight Profile: Each flight shall consist of fifteen (15) parabolas, including a mix of Martian, Lunar, and Zero-gravity profiles, to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of varying gravitational environments.

· Student Capacity: Each flight shall accommodate approximately twenty-five (25) students.

· Flight Duration: The total duration of each flight shall be approximately four (4) hours. This includes time for:

· Safe transit to and from the designated operating area.

· Execution of all fifteen (15) parabolas, ensuring sufficient time between each maneuver for aircraft and passenger reset.

· Any necessary pre-flight and post-flight activities.

· Safety Standards: All flight operations shall adhere to the highest industry safety standards and comply with all applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and guidelines.

5.2 Contractor-Provided Items and Services:

The Contractor shall provide the following for each scheduled flight:

· Flight Suits: Provide each participating student with a properly fitted flight suit.

· Flight Completion Pins: Provide each participating student with a commemorative flight completion pin.

· Professional Photography and Videography:

· Provide at least one (1) dedicated professional photographer to capture high-quality images and video footage throughout the flight experience.

· Provide all students with access to edited photos and videos documenting their flight.

· Qualified Flight Crew and Support Staff: Provide all necessary flight crew members (pilots, flight attendants, etc.) and support staff to ensure safe and efficient flight operations. All personnel shall possess the required certifications, experience, and clearances.

5.3 Flight Scheduling and Coordination:

· Coordination: The Contractor shall coordinate all flight scheduling activities with the Government, ensuring alignment with the Azimuth program schedule and any applicable USAFA requirements.

· Lead Time: The Contractor shall provide the Government with a minimum of [Specify the required lead time for scheduling flights, considering factors like aircraft availability, crew scheduling, and safety preparations] notice prior to the desired flight date.

5.4 Operating Periods and Quantities:

The performance period is a base of one year and 4 one-year options, with 12 flights per performance period. The Government reserves the right to adjust the flight quantities within each option period based on funding availability and program needs.

6. Place and periods of performance All work shall be performed at the Colorado Springs Airport (COS), the closest airport to the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA). The Government will arrange and provide transportation for students to and from the airport.

7. Non-Disclosure Agreements The Contractor shall ensure that all employees and subcontractors engaged in performance of this contract are bound by appropriate non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to protect the proprietary information of all parties involved, including the Government and any third-party entities, as required. These NDAs shall comply with all applicable federal laws and regulations regarding the protection of sensitive and confidential information.

8. Government Furnished Property (GFP) No Government-Furnished Property (GFP) shall be provided under this contract. The Contractor shall be fully responsible for furnishing all personnel, equipment, materials, and resources necessary to perform the required services.

9. Inspection and acceptance criteria The Government shall inspect the services provided under this contract to ensure compliance with all performance requirements and specifications outlined in this Performance Work Statement (PWS). Inspection activities may include, but are not limited to:

· Pre-Flight Inspections: Verification of aircraft readiness, safety procedures, and contractor personnel qualifications.

· In-Flight Observation: Monitoring of flight operations, parabolic maneuvers, and adherence to safety protocols.

· Post-Flight Debriefings: Assessment of flight execution, data collection, and overall mission success.

· Review of Deliverables: Examination of provided materials, such as flight data, photographs, videos, and reports, to ensure accuracy and completeness.

The Government shall provide timely notification to the Contractor of any deficiencies or non-conformance identified during inspection. The Contractor shall promptly address and correct any deficiencies to the Government's satisfaction.